Moshe Safdie, the Montreal-trained architect whose first waterfront project, Habitat at Expo 67, made him world-famous is designing a mixed-use complex for a site on Queens Quay, just east of Sherbourne Street.

Safdie’s plan calls for a 36-storey condo tower a top a 10-floor podium, mostly glass, that would face Lake Ontario. The complex will also form the eastern edge of Sherbourne Park, now under construction.

Because it sits on the north side of Queens Quay, the new development will have no direct water access. But as Safdie notes, above the 10th floor, residents will have views of the lake.

Architecturally, the most striking feature is a series of “terraces” that cascade diagonally down the west and east facades nicknamed “gardens in the sky. These terraces are made of concrete; the recessed parts in between, of glass. Undoubtedly, this will make the building a landmark on the Toronto skyline.

The $200 million building developed by Great Gulf will include condos, offices and retail outlets, as well as a daycare centre. At least 5 per cent of the condos are to be three-bedroom units.

Safdie, who lives in Boston and teaches at Harvard, has worked around the world. His credits include the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Vancouver Library, Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Terminal One at Pearson Airport. This is his first job in downtown Toronto.

The never-bursting bubble might actually never burst.  Don’t wait.  Buy now.  Invest in your future, invest in real estate.

By Ovais Qassim, MBA
Broker of Record
Vice President

Register with Premier Matrix Realty NOW for your chance to buy at the upcoming VIP sales event for River City Condos in Toronto’s brand new West Don Lands neighborhood.

River City is going to be the first phase of new condos sold in the brand new West Don Lands neighbourhood – the location of the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes’ Village. Work will commence in the spring of 2010, with occupancies expected to start in 2012. Prices starting at $179,900.

River City is now accepting registrations for its first phase. You can REGISTER HERE for the upcoming VIP Sales Event!

Developed by Urban Capital and designed by Montreal-based Saucier + Perrotte Architects, one of Canada’s most respected and award-winning architectural firm, River City is coming to the soon to be revitalized Toronto’s ‘West Don Lands’ neighbourhood.

A LEED Gold development, River City will include 850 residential units of condominiums, lofts and townhouses, as well as boutiques, stores and restaurants, surrounded by the seven hectares (17-acres) Don River Park.

The West Don Lands is the currently undeveloped, 80-acre site bounded by Parliament Street (west), King Street (north), Don River (east), and the rail lands (south). Most of the land is owned by the provincial government and this entire area is slated to transformed from basically nothing into a master-planned community featuring nine hectares (23-acres) of parks and public spaces, 6,000 new residential units of which 1,200 will be affordable housing, transit connections within five minutes of each home, and 750,000 square feet of employment, commercial and community space. The revitalization of West Don Lands will proceed over the next 10-12 years in three phases.

REGISTER HERE for the upcoming VIP Sales Event!

The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will make RIVER CITY condominiums (located beside the upcoming 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes’ Village) a great investment opportunity. Prices starting at $179,900. CLICK HERE for VIP registration NOW!

The first phase of River City Condos will be made up of two buildings connected via a three-storey industrial-looking glass bridge. Those suites include 1,000- to 1,600-sq.-ft. town homes, 400- to 900-sq.-ft lofts, and 515- to 1,600-sq.-ft. penthouses, all ranging from $179,900 to $769,900.

This is a phenomenal mixed-use development in downtown Toronto’s located immediately beside the new 18 acre Don River Park as well as the new 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes’ Village. A great investment opportunity and a great place to live. Prices should be in the low $400/sqft range – at that price point Premier Matrix Realty considers River City a very safe investment in your future. Call us or CLICK HERE and we’ll show you what kind of a return you could expect on your investment.

RIVER CITY PROJECT DETAILS

A LEED Gold certified project, River City is developed by Urban Capital and designed by Montreal-based Saucier + Perrotte Architects, one of Canada’s most respected and award-winning architectural firms.

NEIGHBOURHOOD DETAILS

The West Don Lands area is an 80 acre space situated next door to the Distillery District and is relatively close to St. Lawrence and Corktown neighbourhoods. The area is currently under-developed provincial government land.

Urban Capital and Quartz Development have recently been awarded the opportunity to build the first phase of new master planned community starting with the first phase – River City Condos. The complex will include a combination of condos, lofts and townhomes surrounded by exquisite restaurants, cafes and shops.

The entire revitalization project of the West Don Lands community will include:
• 23 acres of parks and public spaces including 18-acre Don River Park
• Public transit within a five-minute walk of all residences
• 5,800 residential units, including 1,200 units of affordable rental housing
• One-million square feet of employment space
• Pedestrian & cycling connections within neighbourhood and to city
• Elementary school
• Recreation centre
• Two childcare centres

RIVER CITY – 5 PHASES

Phase 1 of River City Condos will include a five-storey building that will hold approximately 100 units.
Phase 2 will be a 14-storey building with approximately 230 units and a grocery store on the ground level
Phase 1 will connect to Phase 2 by a three-storey, industrial-looking glass bridge.
Phase 3 of River City Condominiums will consist of four glass mini-towers that combine to make an 11-storey building sharing a courtyard with Phase 1.
Phases 4 of River City will be a 24 storey tower and Phase 5 will be a 10 storey tower with boutiques and restaurants at the ground level.

RIVER CITY PHASE 1 DETAILS

Phase 1 will contain an approximately 15,000 square foot landscaped courtyard with an illuminated outdoor heated pool on a floating deck, along with an outdoor dining area.

Phase 1 will also have a double storey lounge and party room, located in a “lightbox” on the south side of the River Street building towards the Richmond-Adelaide ramps, including a kitchen and bar, lounge seating, wireless high-speed internet access, a billiards table and meda area.

Residents of Phase 1 of River City will also benefit from two fully-equipped exercise rooms including free weights, machines and cardio equipment.

BUILDING FEATURES

• Unique Saucier + Perrotte designed dark panel and transparent glass buildings with sculpted facades and roof-lines.
• Each building will have a S+P designed lobby
• Three storey lobby located in Phase 1 at the corner of River Street and the north “woonerf”, with a signature S+P staircase giving access to both the courtyard and the parking levels
• Phase 2 lobby will have a wrap-around view of Don River Park
• Executive concierge service+ located in each of the lobbies of Phase 2 and Phase 4, and accessible by videophones from the lobbies of Phase 1 and Phase 3

SUITE FEATURES

• High-design single and double storey lofts and penthouses with 9′ ceilings
• Double storey family-friendly “loft-houses”, located in Phase 1 on River Street with mud rooms and direct access to a designated parking space via a second private entrance
• Loft-style designs, with exposed concrete ceilings and columns and signature rolling doors
• Environmentally sustainable engineered hardwood floors, in all living areas and bedrooms
• Oversized windows with a high degree of operability
• Balconies and terraces
• Custom designed suite entry doors with security viewers
• Brushed aluminum contemporary hardware

KITCHEN FEATURES

• Open concept Saucier + Perrotte designed kitchens with “silent-close drawers and stone countertops
• Single or one and a half industrial-style under-mount stainless steel sinks, with single-lever chrome faucets
• Ceramic backsplash
• Five brand-name Energy Star stainless-steel appliances consisting of a frost free refrigerator, self-cleaning stove, 18″ or 24″ dishwasher and over-the-range microwave
• All-in-one condensing washer-dryer

BATHROOM FEATURES
• Saucier + Perrotte design vanities with vessel sinks, stone countertops and contemporary single-lever faucets
• Contemporary bathroom fixtures throughout
• Square designed tubs and/or showers, with full height tile surrounds
• Framed glass shower doors for separate showers
• Ceramic tile flooring
• Temperature controlled valves in all showers

CLICK HERE for more information and early-bird REGISTRATION.

Its your opportunity NOW to get ahead of the queue and preregister with Premier Matrix Realty for Phase-3 of Plazacorp’s King West Condominiums at Liberty Village.

Remember Phase-1 and Phase 2 of King West Condos at Liberty Village was mostly sold off in the first few hours of launch.

This is a super hot downtown Toronto condo location and Plazacorp’s reputation and building standards ensure that their projects are sold off fast.

The Phase-3 of Plazacorp’s King West Condominiums is launching very soon and it will have all the fabulous finishes of phase 1 and phase 2 of the project.  Finishes include granite counter tops with undermounted sinks, stainless steel appliances with “freezer bottom” fridges, full-size front-loading washer/dryer for every unit regardless of size of unit, designer wood-shaker kitchen cabinets, laminate flooring, and they also provide electric fireplaces.

Plazacorps condos have some of the best finishes in the industry for the price-point.

NOW GET READY FOR PHASE 3.

We got great deals for our clients in Phase 1 and Phase 2.

REGISTER HERE and let us get you a great deal in Phase 3.

Buying a condominium as an investment strategy is not as simple as most people are led to believe.  It’s not rocket science either. However, it does require some level of analysis, research and due diligence. We can help you with making the critical ‘go’ or ‘no-go’ investment decision with our special Condo Investment Return on Equity (RoE) Report.

Benefits investing in condominiums as an investment strategy:

1. Condos generally appreciate in value at a rate which is almost consistently higher than the inflation rate.

2. It is relatively easy in many major Canadian cities to find an occupant for a condo apartment primarily due the constant influx of new immigrants and foreign students and low vacancy rates.

3. There is an increasing demand among the populace for the condominium lifestyle and the luxury and convenience that comes with living in a condo complex.

4. Due to the minimal amount of upkeep involved, the economic benefits of owning a condo are more attractive for the first-time investor.

5. There is the available option to the investor to appoint the condominium corporation or a professional management company to take care of management and maintenance issues, thereby eliminating time/resources required for tenant management.

6. Facilities such as tennis courts and swimming pools are maintained by the condominium corporation. This frees the new investor from the responsibilities of upkeep.

7. Taxation benefits – If you invest in a condominium rental property, you can deduct many of your personal expenses from income, in addition to the normal tax deductions such as mortgage, interest, depreciation, and other condo-related expenses. For instance, you would normally be entitled to set up a small office in your current residence for managing your investments, which would include keeping your records. You could deduct a percentage of all your home-related expenses. The normal formula is to take the square footage of the office area that you are using relative to the total square footage in your home. In general terms, 10% to 15% or more is usually deducted for that portion.

8. The owner is protected by the bylaws and the rules and regulations set by provincial condo legislation, by the original project documents, and by the bylaws and rules and regulations. For example, many condominiums do not allow pets in the building because of the potential wear and tear on the apartment. This type of rule protects and benefits the investor.

In addition, you would be entitled to deduct a part of the car-related expenses involved in managing your investment portfolio, whether it is one rental property or more than one. The percentage of all your car-related expenses can vary, obviously depending on the usage of the car relating to your investment.

Investor Tip:
If you are looking for higher appreciation (resale value) for your condo investment, buying the least expensive unit in a luxury condominium/townhouse complex generally offers a more financially attractive return than the purchase of the largest unit in a modestly priced development, assuming the price is the same.

Premier Matrix Realty’s Special Condo Investment Return on Equity (RoE) Report:

Our custom report helps our clients figure out whether their investment will give them the desired return.  Our RoE analysis report is not supposed to help predict your profit on sale because future sale price is an unknown. We are more keen to address – the rent-ability of your condominium investment; and the amount of down payment that will be required to make the investment feasible.

One must remember that, generally speaking, rents have very little variation from one area of Toronto to another. Therefore, it is important to quantify that amount of down payment required in any particular condominium project and the price being paid.

Our analysis report will help you understand whether the condominium you are considering is worth the investment. Simply enter the information required and let us show you whether your condominium is a good investment.

CLICK HERE to respond to our questionnaire.

Important: If you are contemplating investing in condominiums as an investment strategy, it is important to seek competent tax and accounting from a qualified professional, and legal advice from a lawyer specializing in condominium law.

The King West Life Phase-2 condominiums located at 85 East Liberty Street, in the heart of Liberty Village (south of King Street West, between Dufferin Street and Bathurst Street, just north of the CNE Grounds) is a soaring 25 storey condominium project by Plazacorp.

King West Condominiums will include full-sized 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + den, 2 bedroom and 2 bedroom + den suites offering unexpected standard features such as: spectacular corner suites with wrap-around balconies, premium furniture-quality kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite and marble counters, engineered hardwood floors, fireplaces, over sized terraces and/or multiple balconies.

These Toronto condos also feature 24 hour concierge, indoor pool, professionally managed fitness facility, 25th floor Vista Club, and much more.

Plazacorp’s advertising is suggesting that 2 bedroom/2 bath suites will start from $295,000 including a parking spot.

For 20 years, the Plazacorp philosophy of providing a uniformly high level of standard quality in every condominium that Plazacorp builds has made the Plazacorp Urban Residential Communitiers name synonymous with lasting value in design and finish in Toronto.

CLICK HERE to secure special pricing for this condo project.

Located in King West Village (in Toronto’s Entertainment and Fashion Districts, and within minutes of the Financial district), Tridel’s new Rêve condos will be a 14 story condo stretching from 560 Front St to the south and all the way to Niagara St. in the north.

Wallman Architects and Burka Architects Inc. have collaborated on the bold glass and steel exterior. The interior will be designed be award winning designer Alex Chapman. The definitive lines and red cladding help to set this building apart from other buildings in the area.

Club Rêve will feature a large sized party lounge with kitchen and fireplace, a theatre room, a multi media lounge, and a billiard room. The rooftop piazza allows for entertaining on those hot summer nights!

The building will be made up of suites ranging from studios, one bedroom, one bedroom with den, two bedrooms, two bedroom with den, and three bedroom terraced suites. Per square foot, units range from $420 to $500 with prices starting at $199,000. The building will even feature two different 3 bedroom units (PLUS 2 baths) with prices for those starting at $460,000.

Rêve BUILDING AMENITIES:

- Party Lounge
- Meeting Room
- Lounge
- Billiards Room
- Theatre
- Yoga Centre
- Change Rooms
- Sauna Area
- Wellness Centre

Rêve IN-SUITE FEATURES:

The suites of Rêve have been finished with spectacular attention to detail, offering you the most in functionality and fashionability. The extra-tall windows offer stunning views of your surroundings, and are low-E-coated for cozier room temperatures throughout the year.

Premium plank laminate flooring in the kitchen and living areas is complemented by impressive seven-inch baseboards. Cultured marble countertops with integrated basins and five-foot soaker tubs in the bathrooms are the ultimate expressions of luxury, while environmentally friendly innovations such as stacked front-loading dryers and high efficiency ENERGY STAR®washers, high pressure low-flow faucets and shower heads combine modern comfort with future-conscious living.

Rêve KITCHEN FEATURES:

The beautifully appointed kitchens of Rêve make their mark with four stainless-steel appliances, including a range with ceran top. Residents also have the indulgent option of selecting among a range of spectacular quartz and granite countertops, and exquisite ceramic tile backsplashes. Maximizing usable space, extra-tall upper cabinets offer additional storage space, and are available in a magnificent array of colours.And a charming finishing touch is the chrome faucet with pull-out vegetable sprayer. The well designed kitchens of Rêve are culinary masterpieces destined to please even the most discerning of palates.

CLICK HERE to register for grand opening prices.

Parc Lofts at 25 Stafford St. and Stanley Park – developed by Lamb Developments (Brad J. Lamb) is a ten storey work of modern art and architecture, designed by Peter Clews of Architects Alliance, comprises many larger suites than your average downtown condo project. The East elevation of the project faces Stanley Park, while the West elevation faces Stafford St.

Parc literally sits on a city park. Five townhouses can call the expanse of the park as their backyard and all residents can access the park exclusively from the building.

WHERE IS PARC?

The location is fantastic for downtown seekers, just about a block West of Bathurst, it is a short walk to Queen West, downtown, Kensington market, the water at Coronation Park and Fort York. The area is surprisingly quiet with lots of green around.

PARC IS A SMALL INTIMATE STRUCTURE

The total floor area of Parc Lofts is just 81,000 sq.ft., and it houses only 104 modern loft spaces. Suites at Parc range from 500 sq.ft. to 2,300 sq.ft. All units enjoy a hard to find 10’ ceiling and massive floor-to-ceiling glass. Intimate sized buildings are rare and very desirable, they provide residents with a sense of connectivity to the building and its environment. Suites in smaller developments almost always sell at a premium.

WHAT MAKES PARC DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE OTHER BUILDINGS?

Parc has style. Parc has 10’ ceilings and huge balconies (6’-8’ deep). Parc offers 10 townhomes with large patios and 4 Penthouse and Sub-Penthouses with massive terraces facing the park and skyline. Parc offers quality hardwood floors throughout, 4 premium stainless steel appliances along with gas for cooking. Parc offers standard sliding Zen style glass doors to bedrooms, premium wood and high gloss Italian kitchens with double thick stone kitchen counters. Bathrooms are of the same quality of the finest luxury ‘design’ hotels of the world.

PARC IS NOT EXPENSIVE

Prices at Parc start at $209,900 and run to $1.5 million. It costs less to buy at Parc than most of the other new developments on or near King Street West. Not only are the prices unbelievable but the quality of standard finishes are second to none.

CLICK HERE to register for special pricing.

The new Tridel community – REVE Condos is located at 560 Front Street West in King West Village, Toronto.

Tridel (Canada’s largest condo builder), reportedly completely sold out of all 1 and 2 bedroom units over the weekend.

Tridel saw a huge shortage in the Toronto condominium marketplace for units priced under $300,000. They packed the building with small 1 bedrooms and studios and the market responded loud and clear. They launched this project with almost no marketing, using only the momentum of the market, word of mouth, and a simple formula of giving the people what they want.

REVE will be located at 560 Front St West, just west of 550 Front St (a mid-rise condo building), and just east of Front and Bathurst. The building will be made up of suites ranging from studios, one bedroom, one bedroom with den, two bedrooms, two bedroom with den, and three bedroom terraced suites. Per square foot, units range from $420 to $500 with prices starting at $199,000. The building will even feature two different 3 bedroom units (PLUS 2 baths) with prices for those starting at $460,000.

The project is already under construction and is to be completed by next year. The site was originally going to be a hotel, but Tridel bought the site over the summer and will build a condo on the existing floor plate. This may explain why many of the floor plans were quite unusual – the floor plate was never designed to be for condos.

Red metal cladding will be the focal point on both ends of the building. Wallman Architects and Burka Architects Inc. have collaborated on the bold glass and steel exterior. The interior will be designed be award winning designer Alex Chapman. The definitive lines and red cladding help to set this building apart from other buildings in the area.

Club Rêve will feature a large sized party lounge with kitchen and fireplace, a theatre room, a multi media lounge, and a billiard room. The rooftop piazza allows for entertaining on those hot summer nights!

CLICK HERE for registration and grand opening pricing.