A Look Back: What Was Hot in 2012?
Despite what the media might have you believe, 2012 was an incredible year for condominiums in Toronto. The year saw what will likely by the 3rd best year for sales ever, some very exciting condominium launches and a couple of marquee moments that we feel will be remembered for years to come – the topping off of the incomparable Absolute Towers in Mississauga and the announcement that Mirvish + Gehry will be teaming up to build three mega towers in King West to transform the neighbourhood and had the real estate community buzzing for weeks.
Absolute Towers in Mississauga were finally topped off in 2012 and were honored by the the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat as the “Best Tall Buildings in the Americas”
Mirvish + Gehry had the entire Toronto Real Estate Community buzzing for weeks as they unveiled their incredible plan to change the face of Toronto
2012 was also one of the best years for new condominium launches. We had everything from the mega tall (E Condos, Eau Du Soleil, Ten York) to the continued revitalization of Regent Park (One Park Place) and the introduction of what we believe will be a major new neighbourhood in Toronto on the East Side: Canary District.
Below is a quick rundown of some of the highlights of 2012 in Toronto (in no particular order). If you were lucky enough to purchase at one of these incredible buildings, Congratulations!
1. INDX Condominiums
INDX Stands Proud with the rest of the iconic Financial District Towers. Image as it would be from Nathan Phillips Square
Once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase in a residential condominium building located IN the Financial District. The lure of rolling out of bed into your Bay Street Suit and hop, skipping and jumping to work was too good to resist. The condominium project is now 100% sold out – a huge congratulations to CentreCourt and Lifetime Developments!
2. Ten York Condomniums
Despite the media telling us that our market was in a slump, Ten York went against the odds and sold over 500 suites in less than 2 weeks. Ten York is located in Toronto’s growing South Financial Core, located nearby popular condominiums such as ICE and Maple Leaf Square. The building will stand an incredible 70 storeys and offer some of the best views the city has to offer.
Ten York was a sell out success in the fall of 2012
3. One Park Place
Regent Park is one of the biggest success stories of the Toronto Condo Market. The neighbourhood was often known as THE low income neighbourhood in Toronto before Daniels partnered with Toronto Community Housing to completely revitalize Regent Park to a budding new community. In 2012, Daniels completed Paintbox (an enormous sales success in 2011) and also enjoyed a near sell out at One Park Place.
In addition, Daniels announced a brand new partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to fund brand new athletic grounds which will become the centerpiece of phase 3 of the redevelopment. Not bad!
4. E Condominiums
When Bazis International released the rendering of the 30th floor “efinity pool” we immediately had to share it with everyone we knew – after we saw it we dubbed E Condominiums the “coolest building ever”. The 60+ storey condominium, located at the corner of Yonge & Eglinton with direct subway access will be one of the most instantly recognizable buildings that Toronto will have on offer.
The “efinity” pool at E Condominiums is one of the coolest amenities we ever seen. Shame we have to wait until 2017 to actually see it in person!
5. Canary District
Canary District will be developed as part of the 2015 Pan Am Games expansion and will actually house the athletes for the duration of the Games. One of the most exciting aspects of the development is the involvement of Dundee Realty and the team that is responsible for the Distillery District that we all know and love will be behind the master plan of the $1 billion Canary District Neighbourhood.
6. Eau Du Soleil
Canada’s Largest Waterfront Condominium. Eau Du Soleil is an enormous project by Empire and will feature two towers standing 62 and 40 storeys respectively. It goes without saying, but Eau Du Soleil will have some of the best views on the planet. Below is an actual view from Eau Du Soleil.
7. Massey Tower Condos
Massey Tower was a beautiful marriage of old and new. The existing heritage building of Massey Tower, a gorgeous restoration of the Canadian Bank of Commerce will anchor an incredible modern 60 storey tower. The project, located at Yonge & Queen was massive success and this is one we cannot wait to see grow.
Massey Tower is a beautiful marriage of Old & New. The heritage building will anchor an incredible and modern 60 Storey Tower
8. CASA 2
CASA 2 finally launched in 2012 and was sold out before you could say “Cresford Developments”. The 60 storey tower was a follow up to “CASA”, one of the most sought after condominiums on the resale market.
So there you have it! 2012 was an incredible year in the Toronto Condominium Market – keep an eye out for our “what’s going to be hot in 2013” post!
