HOMES&CONDOS T O D AY ’ S
NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SERVING TORONTO & YORK REGION JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 12
DISTRIBUTION: 337,500
NEW RELEASE
GRAND Cornell Brownstones IN MARKHAM
Lindvest Previews Beautiful Modern Townhomes! SEE PAGE 4
Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • 2
LIVE AT YONGE AND RICHMOND.
CITY, TOWER AND LOMBARD SUITES AVAILABLE.. Sales Centre 26 Lombard St. 416.499.8883 yongeandrich.com
Suites from
$280,990
ACROSS FROM SHERWAY GARDENS.
MOVE IN TODAY WITH UP TO $20,000 CASH BACK.
Suites from
$225,990
Sales Centre 225 Sherway Gardens Rd. 416.695.3535 onesherway.com
LIVE ON TORONTO’S NEW BLUE EDGE,
THE CITY’S NEXT GREAT WATERFRONT COMMUNITY. Sales Centre 291 Lakeshore Blvd E 416.466.8885 mondecondominiums.com
Suites from
$316,000
A NEW LANDMARK IS UNDER CONTRUCTION. CANADA’S MOST CONNECTED CORNER.
Suites from
$549,990
Sales Centre 33 Bloor St. E 416.922.0081 onebloor.com
Disclaimer: Exclusive listing, Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Brokerage. Brokers protected. All illustrations are artists’ concept. Prices, sizes and specifications subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
3 • Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Location is everything.
Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • 4
COVER STORY
Register Now for Grand Cornell Brownstones in Markham
D
uring the past few years, Grand Cornell has grown as one of Markham’s most coveted master-planned communities. Soon, Lindvest will introduce a new residential opportunity in this established neighbourhood for those seeking the convenience of a condominium without living in a high-rise. Grand Cornell Brownstones in Markham will offer a unique collection of attractive two- and three-bedroom condominium townhomes on the southeast corner of 9th Line and Highway 7. Prices will begin from just the mid-$300s, which is phenomenal for this vibrant location. Registrations are pouring in from the spectrum of new home buyers: firsttime purchasers, growing families and empty-nesters. What they all have in common is an appreciation for what Grand Cornell Brownstones in Markham has to offer, beginning with proximity to an enviable roster of amenities. Just blocks away, the new Cornell Community Centre & Library at Bur Oak Avenue and Church Street measures in at a massive 129,000 square feet. In addition to a library, this comprehensive facility has a multi-level equipped health and fitness centre, indoor playground, three pool areas (one a therapy pool), water slide, splash pad, youth centre, triple gym and 200-seat performance hall, among many other highlights. On any given day, the Centre is the scene of bustling excitement, as local residents of all ages make use of its many elements. The Community Centre is adjacent to the renowned Markham Stouffville Hospital, which has undergone a massive renovation/expansion. This progressive hospital offers leading diagnostic services and clinical programs, and is the centre for community care for residents of the City of Markham, the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville and the Township of Uxbridge. Shopping will be a breeze for owners at Grand Cornell Brownstones, with plans for major commercial development farther east, Main Street Markham’s quaint commercial district and the fabulous Markville Mall only minutes away. For commuters, Highway 407 access is also close by, and it’s a quick trip to Highway 404. There are numerous schools and parks in the vicinity. In other words, those who purchase at Grand Cornell Brownstones buy into a high quality of life. Thisideallocationnearamenities is only part of the reason for the already overwhelming response to Grand Cornell Brownstones. Purchasers will also appreciate being part of the greater Cornell neighbourhood, which is based on the family- and pedestrianfriendly principles of New Urbanism. There is a true sense of belonging that permeates the area, where plenty of existing rear-lane parking keeps streetscapes quiet and attractive. Inthisvibrantsetting,thestacked Grand Cornell Brownstones will be arranged in intimate clusters
in 11 buildings. Think high-rise condominium flipped on its side to provide street-level access. For many new home buyers, this is an excellent alternative to living in a vertical high-rise and having to share elevators and hallways, and also to the detached homes, semis and townhomes that already make up Cornell. Each brownstone comes with one underground parking spot, and of the 250 residences available, 107 will feature a glorious rooftop terrace. Buyers can choose from both single-level and two-storey residences. As the shared community components include the basics such as landscaping, waste and snow removal, etc., the maintenance fees will be minimal. Architecturally, Lindvest’s new choices are inspired by New York’s iconic brownstones, with contemporary details and stone accents combining with brick to creating stunning exteriors. Sleek, modern interiors offer contemporary layouts with open-concept designs and high-quality features and finishes. Among these are smooth ceilings, ceramic tile and laminate floors throughout, and five appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer). Many designs include a patio or balcony. The two-bedroom Grand Cornell Brownstones will range in size from approximately 850 to over 1,100 square feet; three-bedroom designs from 1,300 to over 1,600 square feet. With prices beginning from the mid-$300s, young first-time buyers can afford to enter the homeownership market. In addition, with single-level residences available, which are essentially bungalow suites, empty-nesters are attracted to this inviting collection. And of course, the three-bedroom Brownstones are perfect for families with children. All of this comes to you from one of Ontario’s finest builder/developers. Toronto-based Lindvest is part of the well-respected award-winning H&R family of companies, which has been building with excellence for more than 60
years. Lindvest was founded in 1998, and since that time has built successful communities across the Greater Toronto Area, all designed with beauty and function in mind. Over the years, Lindvest has been recognized for excellence in planning, progressive urban design and superb construction standards. Attentive customer service is a cornerstone of the company’s corporate philosophy, which embodies approachability, honesty and integrity. The firm is known for selecting established, up-and-coming locations that appreciate in value over time, and Grand Cornell certainly bears out that commitment. Lindvest, which also develops commercial venues, won a 2010 Markham Community Design Award for its work on the huge park and clock tower at the eastern end of Grand Cornell, just north of the 407. In it for the long run, Lindvest’s future plans include a commercial development and live/ work opportunities to the east of the community. When the Grand Cornell Brownstones Presentation Centre opens, it will include a vignette to offer visitors an idea of the finishes that will grace these outstanding residences. To fully appreciate Lindvest’s gift for space maximization, thoughtful designs and top quality construction, anyone interested can tour the spectacular model suite at the company’s highly successful Brownstones at Westown community, at 2277 Sheppard Avenue West. In the meantime, register NOW to get in on the ground floor of Lindvest’s hottest new community, Grand Cornell Brownstones in Markham, at www.lindvest.com.
“Prices beginning from the mid-$300s”
5 • Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • 6
CONDO LIVING
Condo Sales still dominate GTA
T
he 2013 numbers are in, and once again, new highrise condominium sales outperformed new lowrise in the Greater Toronto Area. What a change since I started writing for the industry 21 years ago. Just what makes condos such a popular choice with every segment of the buying public? In this issue, The Condo Pro Barbara Lawlor examines one reason, architecture. Certainly in both Toronto and the GTA, there is a style out there to satisfy every artistic sensibility. Developers are thinking outside the condo box and coming up with striking exteriors that make a statement, complement their surroundings and appeal to an increasingly diverse target market. Architecture is only one of the many reasons why we have seen such a swing in housing preference to the condominium. Let’s talk price. The scarcity of land for low-rise development has driven up the cost of homes and townhomes. For many first-time buyers, high-rise condos offer attainable financial entry into homeownership. Once they become owners, they can build equity toward moving up in the future. And how about empty-nesters, the traditional market for condos – people looking for carefree living minus the lawn-mowing and snow-shoveling that go along with lowrise ownership. Even those who love their low-rise homes may find that their housing needs change with their life
circumstances. In addition to wanting all the perks in a condo, such as concierge service and fantastic amenities, empty-nesters also find prices attractive. After all, freeing up time for leisure activities is even more fun when you can afford to travel, ski, fish or whatever fuels your passion! Families are opting for condominiums, too, for the tremendous convenience they offer. It’s a real luxury to have exercise, party and games rooms right in the building. Most condos are located near public transportation hubs, which is quite a help when children become teens and want to get around on their own. The concierge adds a level of security called “eyes on the street” that offers residents of all ages peace of mind. It’s comforting to know that someone is at the main entrance to the condominium, noticing the comings and goings on any given day. In essence, a condo is a community where residents get to know each other when they pass in the hallways, ride the elevators, and entertain, relax and exercise in the common areas. Even in the most compact suites, new condominium residences are graced with lovely features and finishes, which provide beauty, comfort and value. In fact, over the past few years, many buyers who purchased from floorplans in the early stages of development have moved into condos that are valued at more than they paid! Great locations, stunning buildings with lush landscaping,
Dorothea Helms Connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca
amazing amenities, fabulous finishes … today’s condominiums are brought to us by some of the finest developers in North America, which also adds value. With the GTA attracting 100,000 new residents each year, condominiums are likely to remain in demand. If you have a condo in mind, shop now rather than later, while mortgage interest rates remain low and builders are competing for your business.
CONDO PRO
Discover Condo Architecure That Speaks To You
Barbara Lawlor President, Baker Real Estate Incorporated
T
his may come as a surprise, but it is believed that at least 25 per cent of condominium purchase decisions are made because of the building’s architecture. That’s how important a condo’s exterior is, which is why builder/developers spend so much time and effort in creating just the right “look” for a building’s target market and surroundings. And oh, what a wonderful job they do! Across the Greater Toronto Area, you will find a wonderful selection of sizes and styles to fit a variety of lifestyles and preferences. When you move into a condo, you want the exterior to say something about your personality, and in my experience, people have an emotional response to how a building looks. Think low-rise; someone who thrives on modern minimalism is unlikely to buy a Victorian-style home with intricate gingerbread trim. Location and price may top the must-have lists for most people, but architecture is right up there in the top few criteria for their ultimate purchase decision. In addition to wanting to like the building, buyers want an exterior that will enhance the value of their suites. Regardless of style, they look for timeless architecture that is going to appeal to the next buyers in the future. And talk about choice! Our talented developers and designers offer everything from boutique to mid-rise and high-rise buildings that add exciting components to our streetscapes. The variety is exciting, with everything from point towers in
intense urban areas to clusters of lower buildings centred on courtyards, and even condominiums that have townhomes nestled at the base. To ease the eye from street level to the upper floors, many architects include step-backs that keep the podium floors more intimate.
Everyone has a personal idea of what “home” looks like, and in response, developers are creating varied exteriors that combine modern sensibilities with timeless components. These beautiful buildings have a real impact on their residents, their surroundings and the GTA’s extraordinary skyline.
Whatever speaks to you architecturally, you will most likely find a condominium that echoes your artistic sensibilities. Many people feel at home with the sleek, clean lines of a modern look; others prefer more European styling with stonework and details such as Juliet balconies. Contemporary, classic, traditional ... the beautiful exteriors available today across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area will make your shopping a glorious experience. While you are looking, remember that today’s condominiums are works of art in more ways than one. The complexity of design, engineering, construction and finishing is enormous. Condo developers have to take into consideration municipal zoning, height restrictions, parking facilities, elevators, lobbies, amenities and so much more. Landscaping has taken on increased importance as well, with so many developers building “up” rather than “out” to accommodate more density according to Ontario’s Places to Grow Act. In an urban setting, residents still want to feel in touch with nature, and trees, shrubs, courtyards, rooftop gardens and the like provide the outdoor living component that enables them to do just that.
Barbara Lawlor is president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated and an in-demand columnist and speaker. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA and overseas. Keep current with The Baker Blog at blog.bakerrealestate.com
7 • Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Today’s Homes Toronto • Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 12, 2014 • 8