Think outside the box: Condo amenities for every personality
By Jen Taylor on Aug 18, 2015
Amenities used to be an afterthought, but in Toronto’s competitive condo market they’re quickly becoming an important way for developers to stand out from the crowd and facilitate a sense of community. Homebuyers have come to expect fitness centres, parking, storage space, and games rooms as part of the total package, and developers have to work harder and get creative to stand out amongst the growing competition.
Developers are starting to think outside the box and cater to specific demographics who might not have considered a condo in the past. Collecting like-minded individuals through amenities is also a great way to facilitate a sense of community within large high-rise condominium developments.
As a result of the GTA’s competitive condo scene, some pretty unique amenities have been designed that will suit every personality. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites below!
5959 Yonge Street Condos - Multi-Use Court Preview from 5959Condos on Vimeo.
The Star Athlete - 5959 Yonge Street Condos
5959 Yonge Street Condos by Ghods Builders has four floors worth of amenities for residents to enjoy. With so much space for extra perks, this condominium has gone beyond the typical fitness centre. The condo’s first floor will feature a multi-purpose LED court that produces lines and boundaries for your favourite sports with just the push of a button. The clear floor is equipped with technology that allows you to change the LED surface to suit whatever game you’d like to play. The court is capable of creating lines and boundaries for basketball, volleyball, squash, badminton, and soccer so sports nuts will love it! The condo also includes a two-lane ten-pin bowling alley and a grocery store that offers virtual shopping so residents won’t even have to leave their apartment to grocery shop.
The Green Thumb - The Bartholomew
The Daniels Corporation has put an emphasis on urban agricultural opportunities, incorporating container balcony gardening, community garden plots, greenhouses, food box pickup programs, edible landscaping, and farmer’s markets into their communities and developments when possible. The Bartholomew is no exception - this condominium includes community gardening plots in the central courtyard. This garden not only gives residents a place to grow vegetables, but also facilitates a sense of community, which can often be lost in large condominium developments. The Bartholomew will also establish a gardening committee to mentor residents and ensure that the garden thrives and grows.
The Karaoke Enthusiast - Unionville Gardens
Wyview Group’s Unionville Gardens in Markham is keeping things interesting in their master-planned community with the inclusion of a karaoke lounge. Work on your best Michael Jackson impersonation or host a karaoke party with your friends. Unionville Gardens will also include excellent recreational activities including a ping pong room for competitive groups and a mahjong room for quieter evenings with friends.
The Lord of Luxury - YC Condos
Canderel’s YC Condos will be home to the Aqua66 Infinity Pool, the “highest infinity pool in the western hemisphere.” This 60 foot “architectural marvel” is inspired by luxury pools found at the Ritz Carlton in Shanghai Pudong, the W Hotel in Guangzhou, and the Marina Bay in Singapore (which charges a $100.00 fee to enter). This luxury infinity pool is located on the 66th floor and looks south onto Toronto’s impressive city skyline, making it a perfect spot for a late night swim.
The Student Paradise - Grid Condos
CentreCourt Developments’ Grid Condos is a high-rise condo located in the ‘Learning District,’ next to Ryerson University’s urban campus and George Brown College. The building is looking to cater to the large student demographic and make up for the lack of on-campus housing at Ryerson University. The student-friendly condo will feature study spaces, a 24-hour concierge to suit all schedules, and a 3,000 square foot gym. The condo’s most unique amenity is the The Grid Learning Centre - a 6,000 square foot study space located on the building’s second floor. The Centre will offer high-speed internet, photocopying facilities, and off-campus study space so students won’t have to search endlessly for a space in the overcrowded library or hold down a spot in a local coffee shop to find a quiet place to write an essay or cram before an exam.
The Fitness Freak - Aura Condos
Canderel Residential is catering to the fitness crowd with Aura Condos at College Park. The condominium is home to Hard Candy Fitness, a 42,000 square foot fitness centre designed in partnership with Madonna. Last February, Madonna stopped by to celebrate the opening of the gym and led her signature ‘Addicted to Sweat Cardio Class.’ Hard Candy not only includes top-of-the-line machines and equipment but also exercise programming and classes based on Madonna’s rigorous preparation for her live stage performances and tours.
The Night Owl - 150 Redpath
Capital Developments and Freed Developments are joining forces to bring homebuyers 150 Redpath, a condo that understands the “always on” lifestyle of many young professionals. All amenities at 150 Redpath are available 24/7 so residents can use the gym, order a burger from the Redpath Diner, or enjoy a swim in the Infinity pool at all hours of the night. “People are busy and active and we’re paying attention to that,” Peter Freed, president of Freed Development told the National Post. “No matter what time of day or night, there will be something for you to do. We want this to be a 360 approach to living.”
The Rock Star - East United Condos
Andiel Homes, SigNature Communities, and Berkshire Axis are teaming up to build East United Condos, a development with amenities that caters to the creatives. At ground level, the condo features a Workshop where residents can “paint, create, tune, fix, and assemble.” This garage space is perfect for messy projects that won’t fit in the condo space. The condo will also feature a private Jam Room (top image) where musicians can practice their skills and jam with friends. The Jam Room can also be opened up to the Party Room so residents can host intimate shows right on-site. This arts-based development is perfect for those looking to keep their creative side alive.
