Proximity to campus influences project design
U will consist of two modern glass towers and grade-level townhouses, and will have a European-style piazza as a focal point.
Townhouses at base of modern glass towers will have stone similar to U of T buildings
Sep 18, 2008 04:30 AM The Star
DIANE TIERNEY SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Pemberton Group’s U Condominiums, named for their proximity to the St. Michael’s College campus of the University of Toronto, are expected to be architectural landmarks. The two glass towers will soar above a base of stone townhouses.
The towers will be 45- and 55-storeys high, on Bay St. south of Bloor St. Designed by Peter Clewes of architects Alliance, the buildings will also have a landscaped European-style piazza as a focal point.
“One of the main attractions is that we have devoted 30 per cent of the land for a public park, which was not a requirement. The public park and open space are about an acre (.4 hectare),” says Patrick Berne, Pemberton’s general manager.
The surrounding townhouses offer three levels of luxury.
“They are done in stone that is similar to the university buildings, so they give some texture at grade level. But the towers are very contemporary being glass and much different than what’s on Bay St. now. They will look much lighter than what’s already there,” Berne says.
Andrea Kantelberg of Kantelberg Design is responsible for U’s interior appeal. The modern glass lobby will be three storeys high and feature 24-hour concierge service.
Residents will enjoy the 5,800-square-foot amenities area at the top of each tower. The wraparound balcony will offer excellent views. Entertaining will be both elegant and practical in the well-equipped party room. For indulging in a good book, the library has comfortable seating, dark wood flooring, an architectural feature wall and a wide selection of books and publications. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the bright, spacious exercise room and yoga studio.
The suites will feature smooth nine-foot ceilings and engineered five-inch-wide wood flooring in the principal rooms. Gourmet kitchens have custom-designed Corian countertops and backsplash; built-in appliances including a Miele refrigerator/freezer, Fulgor cooktop and convection oven; Blomberg dishwasher, range hood and microwave.
The west tower suites are one- and two-bedroom plans, with and without dens. Suites range in size from 542 to 1,477 square feet with 11 different floor plans available. Prices begin from the mid-$300,000s and exceed $1 million. Maintenance fees are estimated at 45 cents per square foot.
Cafés, gourmet restaurants and the shops of Yorkville are all nearby. Residents who work in the financial district can walk or take the TTC. The Gardiner Expressway or Don Valley Parkway are just minutes by car.
Local attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, Gardiner Museum, and Queen’s Park at the top of University Avenue. The Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, the Eaton Centre and CN Tower are to the south.
For information about U Condominiums contact:
Yossi Kaplan, MBA
Specializing in Condos, Lofts, Investments and New Developments
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
tel 1.416.441.2888 x 678
fax 1.866.598.6001
urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com
www.urbanrealty.ca