The Opal at Emerald City 2 Could Be Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Unlike the infamous Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz, ELAD CANADA’s Emerald City development in North York truly embodies Dorothy’s proclamation that “there's no place like home.” Emerald City 2, the second tower in the master-plan, is within walking distance of amenities, equipped with a state-of-the-art gym, furnished with entertainment and leisure spaces, and surrounded by public art. These features and amenities work together to create the conditions for a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle. Joan Stirling of Stirling Home Studio, has furnished and staged The Opal, a 901 square foot two-bedroom model, in order to showcase the functionality and personalized potential of the Emerald City 2.

The Opal’s open-concept design and two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area and foyer allow natural light to stream into the space. Natural light helps increase our productivity and comfort, and also keeps us healthy and mentally alert by regulating our natural circadian rhythms. Stirling emphasizes this through her design; “the pale grey and white colour palette accentuates the developer’s light-filled design and helps keep the look airy.”

Opal model bedroom - via ELAD

Stirling keeps this colour palette consistent throughout the suite, creating a “visual thread” to accentuate the spaciousness of the thoughtfully designed floorplan. “It’s amazing how much space there is in this model’s 901 square feet,” remarks Stirling, who was able to comfortably fit a 92” wooden table in the dining area. Stirling also placed a light gray couch in the living room to create contrast with the suite’s darker kitchen cabinets and wooden flooring. The kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances and a large island, creating a space for guests and family to gather.

The Opal is also organized for optimum privacy. The master bedroom and bathroom sit at one end of the suite where Stirling has incorporated a circular pattern through the linens and the shower curtain. On the opposite side of the suite stands the second bedroom, which is decorated in a beige, gray, and stripe motif. This floorplan is designed for growing families looking for more space, or single professionals and empty-nesters who would like to create a sense of privacy while hosting guests. Though the model was originally envisioned to be ideal for couples in their mid-thirties, the suite’s floorplan and the building’s amenities appeal to a range of buyers including single professionals, first-time buyers, and downsizing couples.

Opal model kitchen - via ELAD

The details are the final touches that really pull the suite together. The suite is furnished with wood floors (except in the baths and bedrooms) which are easy to care for and cut down on cleaning time. The bathrooms feature clean lines, a timeless design that makes decorating easy. Buyers will also appreciate the balcony where they can entertain in the summer or relax and enjoy the views with a good book or a glass of wine after work. Finally, Stirling has also decorated the space in a mid-century modern style - with a twist - creating a “cool and comfy” space where light, space, and design converge to ensure spaces are comfortable and allow you to operate efficiently.

Emerald City 2 is a 29-storey tower composed of prestigious and luxurious suites, offering sweeping and uninterrupted views of North York. The Spa, indoor swimming pool, and whirlpool give residents a space to relax and keep fit year-round, while the state-of-the-art-gym is furnished with the latest equipment to help keep busy residents in top shape. The tower also has a Yoga Studio where residents can focus and find a peaceful escape from life’s quick pace. The beautifully landscaped and lush terrace, which borders the amenities, also functions as a space for residents to unwind.

The tower is furnished with great spaces for entertaining family and friends. The party room and dining room are equipped with a hosting kitchen so residents can effortlessly put together both intimate and large-scale events. The private theatre, billiards room, and card table also create intimate spaces for entertaining guests. A hotel-style furnished guest suite is available for those parties that last a little longer than expected.

Opal model bedroom - via ELAD

The master-planned community is also ideally located at Sheppard Avenue and Don Mills Road next to Fairview Mall and the Sheppard Subway. Residents can walk to amenities, restaurants, and transportation options. Home to 175 stores and always updating, residents can shop at J.Crew, Apple, or Zara, and stop for a bite to eat at Moxie’s, Spring Rolls, or St. Louis Bar & Grill before heading to a movie at Silvercity.

The 50,000 square-foot Parkway Forest Community Centre is also scheduled to open next year. The community centre will offer a gymnasium with a running track, weight room, dance studios, and outdoor pool. The centre will feature a YMCA-run daycare, as well as a teaching kitchen, and rooftop garden, creating opportunities for residents to take classes or get involved in the community. The centre will be on the grounds of the Emerald City development, which features colourful public art installations by Canadian novelist and visual artist Douglas Coupland. The Toronto Arts Council recently released a study that stated “71% of Torontonians feel that the arts improve the quality of life of individuals.” It also states that the eight major indicators of health and well-being (such as physical health, mental health, stress, and satisfaction with life) are strongly connected to the arts. The Four Seasons installation is composed of a series of cones and cylinders which are “meant to convey both optimism and a sense of joy in being outside in the physical Canadian world,” explains Coupland.

To become part of this dynamic master-planned community, or to view The Opal model visit the Emerald City Presentation Centre at 62 Parkway Forest Drive, located inside the Dream Tower lounge. Plan your visit any time Monday to Thursday 11 am to 6 pm, as well as on weekends from 12 pm to 5 pm.