Toronto’s West Queen West #2 in Cool, says Vogue
By Penny on Sep 11, 2014
Worldwide authority on all matters relating to fashion and ‘cool-ness’, Vogue has named West Queen West (WQW) the second coolest neighbourhood in the world!
That’s right, Vogue. In an online publication, the prominent fashion icon called Toronto’s best kept secret (WQW) the “verifiable artery of indie patisseries, homegrown labels, and hidden-from-view galleries-- hallmarks of hipness, if ever they existed.” Ahead of world renowned neighbourhoods in Paris, New York, Milan and Miami, Vogue lists the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, The Drake and Gladstone hotels as landmark hotspots that ooze cool.
That’s not all though! With a 24/7 streetcar available as well as access to Bathurst and Spadina streetcars and the University subway line, getting around to other places in the city is no problem-- though, why would you ever want to leave? With an amazing Walk Score of 97, residents enjoy the best in dining, shopping and nightlife with a unique (and sometimes eccentric) place that’ll suit just about anyone.
Transforming from the imaginative foodie central by day into the ‘it’ scene for drinks and live music at night, our recommendation is: 1 Love Kitchen for dinner, Dlish for cupcakes, and if you can appreciate the artistic endeavour of pairing your cocktails and food, finish off the evening in exquisite taste and style at Barchef. Referencing Toronto famous shops like 69 Vintage, Anne Hung and Bicyclette, Vogue also makes mention of all the trendy clothing boutiques and lifestyle brand shops, “whose owners love ‘glitter, DIY projects, treasure hunts and details.”
Always with a keen eye for detail, Vogue even acknowledged Graffiti Alley, “a block where street art is both 100% legal and lauded.” A source of pride which is still in its beginning phases, StART is the municipal program that mobilized such a revolutionary movement that aims to fight illegal graffiti by commissioning professional street artists. The project works towards embellishing the streets of the city with beautiful murals and pieces that reflect the community’s culture, while deterring illegal graffiti by removing the negative stigma that is often associated with it.
This declaration by Vogue just might send homebuyers in the WQW direction. If you’re looking for the perfect home, we can think of a few upcoming developments you absolutely must check out!
Ten93 Queen West by Pemberton Group
TEN93 Queen West by Pemberton
Just off of Queen and Dovercourt, this artsy building radiates WQW style in a refined eclectic taste with “a bold statement in brick and glass.” Since Pemberton is the developer, you can expect state-of-the-art features and finishes throughout, starting with the beautiful lobby adorned with organic earthy tones and imaginative light fixtures. Available in one-bedroom, two-bedroom and two-bedroom+loft floorplans that range from 460 square feet to 1,065 square feet, these units are completely customizable, from the kitchen cabinetry to the floors!
West Queen West by Urbancorp
West Queen West Condos by Urbancorp
This Urbancorp development is currently in the preconstruction phase, expecting to break ground any time now. With units starting as low as $299,990, it’s definitely worth checking out, based on the area alone!
109OZ by Reserve Properties
109OZ by Reserve Properties
Embodying the lifestyle in WQW, 109OZ is the ideal place to ease into the community with the utmost comfort. Reserve Properties took on award-winning landscape architect Scott Torrance in a project that allows residents to choose between a garden balcony or a cottage-country terrace. Ranging from 65 to 350 square feet, these balconies promote gardening and reintegration with the great outdoors.
Whether it’s all the newsworthy events that have occurred over the past few years or just the fact that it’s finally our time to shine, Vogue says that “Toronto is currently enjoying newfound prominence-- and desirability-- amongst globe trotting tastemakers.” Perhaps it’s time to stop making beard jokes and hop aboard, because it looks like Toronto is finally garnering the international attention it deserves!
