Tag Archives: Amenities
Building family-friendly condos
Creative solutions are urged to make intensification work for families
Excerpt from an article by Theresa Boyle, Real Estate Reporter, Toronto Star
Toronto’s director of urban design wants to see more family-friendly condominiums built in the city.
During the recent municipal election, candidates such as Ward 20 victor Adam Vaughan suggested too many condominiums offer small units targeted at young singles. When couples settle down and start families, they are often forced to move out to the suburbs.
It’s about creating “real communities with the highrise condominium form,” he says.
The convertible suite is one idea that’s gaining in popularity, he notes. This involves building a large three- or four-bedroom unit in a condominium in such a way that it can be divided into two units, each with separate access to the hallway.
Another idea proposed by Vaughan during the election is to “rough in” connecting doorways between small condo units, so a family can purchase two small units and turn it into a single large one.
Glenn Miller, director of education and research with the Canadian Urban Institute, says it’s necessary for condos to accommodate people through the various stages of their lives.
“I don’t think condos are not family friendly. People think you have to have a backyard to raise children. They have to get over that,” she says.
She adds there’s a parkette across the street for the children, and they love to frolic in the condo‘s amenity spaces. As well, the Toronto Reference Library is directly across the road.
A three-bedroom condo is expensive and families feel that, for the same price, they can get a house with a backyard, she says.
Freedman agrees a shift in mindset is necessary when it comes to raising children in condos.
But he says there are some features that make condos more attractive to families, such as having great playgrounds, parks, community centres, libraries and schools in the area.
But he notes developers in other cities are designing condos with those family-oriented facilities included.
“I understand in New York there are lots of condo buildings that have all kinds of amenities for kids, such as after school drop-in and homework rooms, supervised indoor and outdoor play areas, et cetera.”
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Luxury tower caters to the young and hip
The Globe and Mail
Following the sellout success of Daniels’ NY Towers condominium community in Bayview Village, the builders will host a preview sales event for its latest development in the neighbourhood.
Over 6,000 people have registered to attend the launch of the 15-storey building called Arc, which will be situated on the northeast corner of Bayview and Sheppard avenues, adjacent to Bayview Village Shopping Centre and steps to Sheppard subway station.
“Owing to the prominence of that location, it’s not surprising,” vice-president Niall Haggart says. “People love the aspect of living at Bayview, as opposed to Yonge Street, and they want to be located on the subway line.”
Since Arc will also rest on one of the highest vantage points in the area, its curvilinear glass façade will maximize the panoramic vistas in all 447 suites, Mr. Haggart says. “Looking south on Bayview Avenue will be unbelievable,” he says. “Bayview [Village] has all this pristine nature.”
One of the best views offered at Arc will be available to residents in the eighth-floor amenities area, called Club 8. There will be a two-storey multipurpose room with full-height windows and a south-facing terrace, plus a theatre, games rooms and a lounge with wireless Internet access and a coffee bar.
“People looking to buy a condominium are as much looking for a lifestyle,” explains Mr. Haggart of the young, hip crowd the project aims to attract. “These are really great spaces that are used in a variety of different ways. It’s also an opportunity for socialization and to meet other people in the building.”
On the ground floor, there will be a two-storey aquatic centre with a pool, raised whirlpool and co-ed steam room viewed through frosted glass. A high-tech gym will be even feature boxing equipment.
All these interior spaces will have a luxurious and modern feel, courtesy of Mike Niven Interior Design, which many will first experience in the two-storey lobby. It will have a waterfall feature, wood panelling and textured stone and concrete elements contrasted with stainless steel, backlit glass and stone materials.
On site, there will be 24-hour concierge, an ambassador (for personal assistance with groceries, large deliveries and other tasks) and a recreation co-ordinator.
Suite sizes will range from studios to two-bedroom plus den models, in traditional or open concept plans.
Each condo will have nine-foot ceilings, a balcony and interior bedrooms to allow for expansive windows in the principal room, Mr. Haggart says. “So the whole length or width of the unit takes advantage of this wonderful light penetration.”
Decor will be contemporary, from hardwood floors to en suite bathrooms with cultured marble counters and square sinks. Kitchens will have stainless steel Energy Star appliances, granite counters and porcelain tile or mirrored backsplash. In some cases, there will be islands.
Each unit, except studios, will include parking. The monthly maintenance fee, which includes hydro, will be 43 cents a square foot.
As a bonus, purchasers will receive a package with special offers from local retailers. Details will be unveiled at the preview sales event.
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