Posts Tagged ‘loft’

By the time this post see’s the light of day, I’ll be somewhere in the sky between Toronto and NYC…  I’m heading to the Big Apple for a week of sights, sounds and a little creative inspiration!  Whenever I fly, I like to use the time to catch up on a few books in my never ending “must read List”.  For this trip it’s Russell Simmons latest book entitled - Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All… which leads me to this weeks Must Have Monday item!

Let’s face it, as great as our iPads and Kobo’s are, nothing beats the experience of reading a good ol’fashion paperback book.  The problem with these books is that they take up vital storage space in my 50 foot office! But alas, a solution has been found in the form of an iron pipe and a few well placed welded joints.

The Industrial Pipe Bookshelf (pictured above) can easily add some much needed real estate to your space while adding to the cool factor of your room!  The shelf was designed by Stella Blue on Etsy and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes… they even take custom orders.  This one is priced for $146 and can be shipped to Canada. Use the shelf in a hard or soft loft and marvel at your favourite books on display!

One of the first preconstruction projects I started promoting on SavelBlogs was 2 Gladstone by Streetcar Developments.  Sales started back in October of 2009  and to this day, I’m still getting emails from interested purchasers on it.  It was one of the few projects to launch in 09 and with only 54 units, it didn’t take long for them to sell. Fast forward to 2011 and 2 Gladstone is back on the blog!

In early 2010 they demolished the existing buildings and by early spring the had dug a hole large enough to pour the foundation. From there it’s been nothing but up as they’ve already surpassed ground level and have started on the second floor! Estimated move-in is scheduled for October 2011 and with only 7 more floors to go, they might just build this one on time!

It’s hard to get a good indication on what the first level looks like as most of it is covered up, but once cladding starts I’ll be back to take some more photos… In the mean time, click on the thumbnails below to see the progress thus far.

While out on Queen West I spotted a few other sites “ripe for development” which is great news if you missed your chance to buy at 2 Gladstone. If Queen West is calling you…call me (or send me and email) and I’ll help you call it home!

(try saying that 5 times fast)

Looking for a loft? In a boutique style building? In a transitioning area…I may have just the right thing for you – 707 Lofts by Enrox is looking like the next “soft loft” to launch in Toronto!

The development has been in the works for a few years now, but had yet to finalize due to approvals from the city. Initially the lofts were going to be 8 stories tall. After several meetings with area residents, the project was scaled back to 5.

I was lucky enough get some “insider info” on the areas developments thanks to my grandparents living half a block away. On a recent visit to their house, I discovered that the construction wall has gone up over the existing properties.  Check out the photos below.  Click on the thumbnails for a larger image!

Not much is known above and beyond these pictures.  The developers website is up but doesn’t have any info on finishes or prices.  I do like the initial rendering and how it fits with the area with the red brick and glass.  Units fronting on Dovercourt should get a lot of natural light through the over-sized windows.

The site is located half a block south of Bloor on the West side, next to The Church Lofts.  Send me an email or give me a call if you’d like to be notified when 707 Lofts launch!

Over the weekend I had the chance to check out a cooool loft conversion in the Bloor and Islington area of Etobicoke! Located a few minutes away from the Islington subway station at 2 Fieldway, the newly converted loft was once home to Bell Canada offices. For the past few years, they’ve been working to transform the building into what it is today!

Last week the building finally registered with the City, meaning residents can now sell their units on the open market (ie. MLS). I previewed several units, and EVERY one was totally different. Some had polished concrete floors giving it the industrial look, while others had beautiful thick-plank hardwood floors for a more modern feel! There is roughly 205 units spread out over 12 floors with 10′ ceiling heights for most suites and 15′10″ for the 2 story lofts.

With conversion lofts, residents should often give consideration to noise levels as most of the time builders can only work with what they currently have. At Network Lofts the builders had 10 inch to 18 inch floor slabs for exceptional low noise transition (as per their website). Though I can’t verify the slab sizes myself, I can say that the units were all very quite during our visit! (a big plus)

The lobby was very impressive, with its spacious entrance surrounded by wood paneled walls and big stone accents…pictured below!

We didn’t get to see all of its amenities but original plans called for: His and hers steam rooms in exercise area, guest suite, fully outfitted fitness room with two treadmills, two elliptical exercisers, various free weights and a rooftop terrace for use by all residents for enjoying warm weather and great views that Network Lofts has to offer!

As with most newly completed builds, new listings are coming out daily! If you’re interested in living and being part of the ”network” give me a call or send me an email…I’d love to help!

Sellers, units have appreciated quite a bit since its first launch; contact me if you’d like to know what yours is worth!

The week has just begun, and it’s already looking busier than the line up for beer at a Toronto FC game! I figured, before I get into a week of writing about the glamorous world of real estate, I’d dedicate my Monday post to my beloved Reds! 

The Toronto Football club is about to embark on its 4th year in the MLS (and no not the Multiple Listing Service as some readers may think). TFC has yet to make the playoffs but have definitely scored in getting fans on their side. I dabbled in the cult following but never really became hooked until my first live game…I remember it like it was only a year ago (probably because it was). 

From the Dufferin bus ride down, to the stomping of the ground in the bleachers…it’s an experience every Torontonian must try! I went to several games last year and had the time of my life every time. – Sidenote to any one from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment that may be reading this: They won 5 out of 6 games I attended; I very well may be their lucky charm! I started the season as just another fan wearing whatever red and white I could find in my closet, but I ended the season with a scarf, jersey, t-shirt (both of which I won at that game) and I was even lucky enough to catch the ball! See video below

The team has gone through a lot of changes during the off season, and so has the stadium! We not only have REAL grass to play on, but also additional seats for the North side of the pitch. The Reds start their season Saturday March 27th in Columbus! Check out the full schedule here. 

If you weren’t lucky enough to buy season tickets…you could always buy a liberty village condo as many offer views of the stadium ;) Goooo Reeeeds!

The long awaited launch of River City Condos is finally here. I’ve been following this one closely over the past year…and for good reason!

The River City development won’t be your typical condos…it’ll be a collection of 5 different buildings built with LEED GOLD STANDARDS! (The first in Toronto). In the past, The West Donlands have been an eyesore of industrial buildings and barren land. River City is the first step to revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront and transforming it into a community that will soon be home to over 900 loft style condominiums and family friendly town homes. I’ve been by the River City site several times, and there is nothing but mounds of dirt. That’s what makes this development so special. It’s not just a developer coming in and throwing up a bunch of buildings, instead it’s a planned community in partnership with Waterfront Toronto! The plans call for the introduction of cafes, boutiques and restaurants along tree lined streets creating over one-million square feet of employment space. The buildings themselves will be built with a goal to make it the most environmentally progressive residential development in Toronto today!

Montreal based Saucier + Perrotte Architects will be working with Toronto based ZAS architects to bring a bold new look to the former industrial Brownfield. Add an 18 acre urban oasis park to the mix, and you get all the right ingredients for an attractive investment AND a sustainable neighbourhood to live in. Read the rest of this entry »

On my last 2 Gladstone post, I wrote about the project selling out…and technically they did, but a few units are still available.

With all preconstruction condo deals, buyers are given 10 days to qualify for a mortgage and have their lawyer review the contract. If within that time something arises that hinders them from proceeding, the purchaser can back out and get their deposit back. The one bedroom units are still sold out, but a few two bedrooms are back on the market.

Since opening day last Saturday, prices have gone up by $10,000…BUT being one of the first Realtors to sell their has its privileges. They’re willing to honour opening day prices to my clients.

If you weren’t able to get in last week and are considering a 2 bedroom unit (from $329,000) send me an email…i’d love to help!” I have both price lists, floor plans and deposit structures.

Oh, and I still say congratulations to those who bought in last week…on paper, your unit has appreciated $10,000!