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)

Leave it up to the good folks at ART Condos to come up with this smart purchasing incentive!  Not only is parking available for every suite purchaser…it’s also available with a SMART Car!  As mentioned in their latest blog post:

“Any purchaser who buys a unit at ART has the option of buying a car parking space for a fee of $3o,000. We are giving another option however. Instead of purchasing a space for $30,000, you can pay the same amount to get HALF a space, and a brand spanking new Smart Car.”

I like this idea for a few reasons…For starters, if you’re currently paying lease payments on your car, chances are you’ll qualify for less when applying for a mortgage.  Under this incentive, you can get rid of the clunker, qualify for more condo AND get a new car out of it!  Toronto isn’t getting any smaller so as traffic becomes even more busy, you can zoom around in this compact car while reducing you carbon footprint (compared to bigger cars). Most first time purchasers often debate between buying a new car or putting the amount towards the down payment of a place… with ART Condos latest incentive, you can do both!

ART Condos will be an excellent addition to the West Queen West area, and if you’d like to be apart of it send me an email or give me a call…I’d love to help!

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!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Have you ever wanted to hang something on the wall…only to realize there is no stud behind it to support it??  Well worry no more!  In the above video I tested out the “Monkey Hook” on my office wall.  After  some minor set backs I was able to get my photo up.  No tools, no screws, Sucessssss!

River City has recently released its newest selection of units…The Penthouse Collection! The units come in a variety of sizes, views and options. For some layouts purchasers can completely customize their space!

The collection is organized into 3 categories: Penthouse level/16th floor of King St. Building, Terrace level/9th floor of King St. Building and Penthouse level/6th floor of River St. Building. The terrace units are quite impressive with massive outdoor spaces perfect for those who enjoy outdoor entertaining. The River St. building also has a variety of options including a few 2 story units with 400+ square foot terraces!

The other addition to the River City project is the completion of the Saucier + Perrotte designed model Kitchen and Bathroom in their sales centre! The Saucier + Perrotte team are the winners of 5 Govener General Medals in Architecture and were awarded “Best Firm In Canada” by the Royal Architerctural Institute of Canada in 2009! Plans in the kitchen are calling for an open concept style with stone countertops and brand-name Energy Star stainless-steel appliances to name a few. Pictures say more than words so see for yourself (below) how the model kitchen will look!

For those looking for a bit more colour in their kitchens…not to worry.  They have an interesting selection of colours and finishes for purchasers to choose from!

For the bathrooms at River City, expect Saucier + Perrotte designed vanities with vessel sinks and stone countertops. If you’re thinking of calling River City home, give me a call as I have floorplans and more on the new Penthouse Collection as well as other layouts for the project…i’d love to help!

For the past 2 months, I along with 32 other Toronto Business Volunteers have been working to donate a part of our earnings to the people of Haiti.  The plan was to form a group of Toronto small business owners who would donate their time and profits to raise funds for the country after its earthquake.  My commitment was to donate $1 for every $1000 I sell in Real Estate to one of the four charities we’re supporting.  

In true Toronto style, we’ll be putting together a cool event that I encourage everyone to come out for.  It’ll be held at a funky cafe in Queen West called Quaff (668 Queen Street West) on March 12th from 5-9.  We’ll have 30 artworks on display from local Toronto talent as well as 20 local businesses auctioning off their services with proceeds going towards the Haitian rebuilding effort.  I’ve seen the line-up of work available…and believe me when I say there’s something in it for everyone! 

There will be: an AutoShare Family Membership + $100 in driving – $350 value, a $600 Web design (1 website) + social media marketing consulting (3 hours), a Style Consultation service and even an In-home pole dance party package to name a few.  Check out the full list of “business packages” on the Toronto Works For Haiti Blog!!    

For a preview of the night’s artwork, check out it’s Flickr Slideshow… Please invite your family, friends, and your neighbours. We hope to see you there, It’s going to be a great night of arts and entertainment!! 

Special thanks to AGO, Autoshare, DeSerres, GPHT, Quaff Cafe, Rightsleeve.com

After last year’s setbacks, Cresford is back on the Merton and Yonge block and pushing full steam ahead to launch their 25 story glass tower in midtown Toronto! Designed by Peter Clews (think Radio City, Mozo, and 18 Yorkville to name a few) the tower will be a welcoming addition to the Davisville area!

MYC will feature units ranging in size from one bedrooms (519 sqf) to 2 bedroom + den (1094 sqf). At the base of the building will be a 5 story podium with slightly larger units, one bedrooms from 592 sqf to 2 bedroom + den at 1256 sqf. MYC will also have a selection of 2 story town homes with 2 bedrooms at minimum that range in size from 930 sqf – 1462 sqf.

With condo’s I’m always asked “which units will offer the best views?” For the downtown projects it’s most often the south for its lake views! Unfortunately there isn’t much lake in midtown Toronto BUT there still is a big advantage to living in a South facing unit at MYC!

Units with South exposures will overlook the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The cemetery dates back from 1876 and was designed as an arboretum (tree museum in simple terms) for the public to enjoy. The changing of the leaves from season to season not only provides a breathtaking act of nature but also a quite oasis in the heart of Toronto!

My company’s reputation with the builder has resulted in exclusive access to a variety of south facing units that’ll only be available to our Brokerage! There are 4 different plans to choose from, ranging from 1+ den to 2 bedrooms with wrap around balconies.

As with all preconstruction deals…time is of the essence! There are only 28 of these south facing units and they’ll only be held until Thursday March 4th! They’ll be accepting offers on a first come first serve basis, so if you’d like to meet up to discuss details give me a call or send me an email to set up an appointment…I’d love to help!