Experience Urban Hip Firsthand at The Mercer  Image

Experience Urban Hip Firsthand at The Mercer

By on Mar 01, 2011

Cool condominium living has burst onto the scene at John and Mercer Streets in Toronto, where Graywood Developments Ltd. and Beaverhall Homes now offer The Mercer.


Mercer Toronto Graywood Developments Beaverhall Homes


Discover the epitome of urban hip at this new residence situated steps from the Entertainment District. The fresh and vibrant vibe this condominium gives off is attracting the “now” crowd, including everyone from first-time buyers on up. For a firsthand look at what life will be like in The Mercer, visit the Presentation Centre, where a model vignette showcases the quality and uniqueness of the designs.

Appointed by Allen Chan of The Design Agency, this stylish vignette speaks to a trendy and sophisticated clientele who are looking for something out of the ordinary in the downtown core. “The Mercer is so close to the theatre district that we wanted to bring some of the energy and vibrant activity of the John Street cultural corridor into the design,” Chan says. “To infuse the area’s identity into the model vignettes, we played with an eclectic design. We kept the feeling spacious by using a light colour for the flooring, and we added accessories such as the floor lamp on a tripod to introduce a studio look into the living room.”

This room is open to the kitchen, where a generous island creates a cohesive bridge. “The island serves as a dining table and storage unit complete with shelving for the living space,” Chan points out. “In the kitchen, we also went modern eclectic, with lower cabinets in a darker colour than the uppers. The backsplash is made from horizontal glass mosaics, providing the effect of extra depth and texture to the design. People who purchase here are looking for something unique and unconventional so we wanted to provide them with these higher end options. The sense is that you’re in heart of Toronto and yet in another realm.”

The neutral palette with punches of colour is carried over into the bedroom vignette, where the lines are simple and uncluttered. “A lot of buyers today are put off by over-complicated spaces,” Chan explains. “The more minimalist approach emphasizes the quality of the space rather than the “stuff” on the walls.” The bathroom follows suit with understated colours, black-and-white framed photos and pops of colour. “The vignettes have both masculine and feminine elements that appeal to both men and women,” Chan says. 

Among the luxurious suite appointments are 9- and 10-foor ceiling heights; Italian-inspired kitchens with wood veneer panels on the appliances; extra-height uppers; valance lighting; granite or engineered quartz countertops; backsplashes of glass tile, ceramic subway tile or marble mosaic; the choice of engineered hardwood or porcelain tile flooring; and a balcony or terrace for most. 

The Design Agency also appointed the luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities at The Mercer. Nearly half of the outdoor amenity space on the 6th floor roof of the podium will be covered by green areas, and will include a tranquil water feature. The lobby will feature a living wall, which helps to filter contaminants from the air. Elsewhere in the building, residents will have the exclusive use of large and small media rooms, a kitchen/dining space, a fitness centre with a spa area, lounge and change/shower rooms, and a spectacular party/event room. There will also be retail space on the ground floor.

Transforming its urban environment, The Mercer’s 33-storey contemporary exterior by BBB Architects features expanses of glass with layered brick and stone detailing, capturing the glamour and elegance of 1930’s mid-town Manhattan. Within a few blocks lie some of Toronto’s hottest restaurants, evening spots and shops, the newly opened TIFF Bell Lightbox, major theatres, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre and the waterfront. Many residents will be able to walk to work in the Financial District, the University of Toronto, world-famous hospitals and other medical buildings along University Avenue. Public transit is steps away, and there is an entrance to the PATH System across the street.

The studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom + den, two-bedroom and three-bedroom designs range in size from 363 to 1,133  sq. ft.  Prices begin from the $280,000s.  

The Mercer Presentation Centre is located at 8 Mercer Street. Hours are Monday to Thursday from 12 to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.; Friday closed. For more information, call 416-597-6940 or visit www.themercer.ca.

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