First Rendering of University Suites in Kingston
By Lucas on Sep 19, 2014
In August, PRK Developments started collecting registrations for Kingston’s first modern-contemporary condo, University Suites. At the time, we didn’t know much about the design of the building, but PRK Developments has released a new rendering!
Designed by Teeple Architects, a Toronto-based firm formed in 1989 and has since won six Governor General Awards (Canada’s highest honour in architectural design), University Suites will rise approximately 10 storeys, boasting a solid concrete exterior with dark masonry that will surely complement the existing heritage buildings of downtown Kingston.
“The inspiration of our designs tends to be fairly specific,” says Stephen Teeple, principal of Teeple Architects, in a recent news release. “We custom design to the site and the marketplace and in this instance, with University Avenue ending at our site, there is a sculptural and rotational geometry that is set up in the centre of the building. We also wanted it to fit seamlessly into its surroundings, therefore a mid-rise building with step-backs to blend the massing and responds nicely to the street.”
While the design of University Suites will definitely accentuate the historical streetscape, the floor-to-ceiling windows and sharp angles will make it stand out as a landmark residence for the city. The ground floor will feature retail space to accommodate the residents and students of Queen’s University, and will surely spice up campus life. Another great feature of the building design is that Teeple reduced car parking in order to make more room for bicycle parking, promoting an environmentally friendly alternative mode of transportation.
University Suites offers the condo lifestyle in Kingston
“We needed to include a full suite of amenities that create a social bond,” says Teeple. “Fitness facilities, study spaces on the ground floor and the roof, indoor and outdoor amenity spaces on the roof with views of the lake, these all become extensions of the residents’ personal spaces. We designed all of these with a certain vibe in mind as well, it had to look a little cool given who will live there.”
Who will live there? Given the condo’s location at Princess Street an University Avenue, PRK is probably anticipating many investors who will plan on renting to Queen’s students. Many parents of students attending Queen’s may recognize this as a great investment opportunity, as well.
Known for its prestigious Engineering programs, many of Canada’s brightest and most motivated students attend Queen’s with hopes of graduating to pursue careers in highly technical fields relating to computational science, sustainable energy systems, clinical biomedical sciences, and much more.
With a Walk Score of 93, it’s no wonder the architect cut back on the amount of car parking in the new condo. Princess Street is downtown Kingston’s main strip, so residents will have access to some amazing restaurants, including Darbar Exotic Indian Cuisine Restaurant and Izumo Sushi. If you head further east across Princess, there are a number of quaint clothing shops, cafes, and even more fine dining establishments.
Learn more about University Suites
This incredible investment opportunity is one you do not want to miss. University Suites will feature just 195 units with prices starting at $188,900. If you have a child currently attending or planning to attend Queen’s, this may be your chance to invest in some real estate, knowing that you have a reliable, trustworthy tenant to occupy the space.
For other condo options in Toronto, click here!
To be updated about University Suites, register here or call 1-888-872-9868.
