Baker Realty recently tweeted about the soon to be released “City Suites” at One Bloor!  From what we’ve been able to gather, it looks like the floorplans will be available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 bed to 2 bed plus dens with prices starting in the $500,ooo’s.  Along with the new layouts, we’ll also get to see the new sales centre!

We helped several clients get in early during the initial brokers launch and would be more than happy to do the same for those looking to buy the soon to be release “City Suites”!  If you’d like to be notified on the launch, contact the BloorCondos Team!

Residents of the soon to be completed Crystal Blu are one step closer to owning their piece of Yorkville.  Last week one of our clients informed us that letters were sent out to purchasers letting them know that building has now registered with the City.  This means that final closing will be taking place in the coming weeks!

Currently five units are for sale on the MLS from the developer including two of the penthouses! The price per square foot ranges from approximately $760/sf to $800/sf and between $1180 – $1218 for the penthouse suites.

Later in the week we’ll have exclusive pics from on of the newly completed condos!  If you’d like to know how much your unit is worth, contact the BloorCondos team for an evaluation!

Most of the posts on BloorCondos comes from the perspective of a Realtor…for this one we get to hear from an actual (non real estate selling) resident on her experience of how the “Greener Bloor” has changed her perspective on the area!

Enjoy, and don’t forget to check out the photos of Bloor streets new look!  Story and photos by Marisa Falconi!

Living at Yonge and Bloor for 2 years has allowed me to become pretty familiar with the area. Up to date, I have lived all over the downtown core for 7 years, and although I moved away from Yonge and Bloor 2 years ago, I’ve watched it evolve throughout the construction and chaos into its current state. My main question, and a thought I’m sure is on many Torontonians minds: “Was it all worth it?”

In 2006, I had just purchased my first condo at Signatures on Bloor and I couldn’t be more excited about living in one of the hottest spots in the city. A year later, however, I was miserable. Concrete walls blocked my view at all angles and the second I stepped out my front lobby, hoards of people rushed by in a constant, pushy stream. The construction didn’t help ether. I knew the city was attempting to create a greener Bloor, but no amount of “greenifying” was going to justify the jack hammer awakenings every day at 4 am, not to mention what seemed like an endless traffic jam right outside my front door. I knew moving to Yonge and Bloor meant living in the jam-packed fast lane, but I had no idea it meant giving up my peace, tranquility and ability to turn left.

It took me quite a while to admit that living at such a renowned corner might not be as cool and exciting as I had once preached it to be. I realized that Yonge and Bloor is the place to shop, eat, show off, and work… but for me, it definitely was not the place to live. Eventually I gave up trying to get around this obvious fact and moved deeper south into the city, never looking back. That is, until today…

After perusing the wallet table at Holt Renfrew on Bloor (where’d that Marc Jacobs coin-purse I saw yesterday go?!), I took the underground walkway over to The Bay, and accidentally stepped out the wrong exit, landing me smack in front of my old condo. On the rare occasion that I find myself in this area, I duck and cover. A feeling of frustration and anxiety usually washes over me as I remember how annoying it can be to maneuver around honking cars and crazy cyclists. But today, something’s different. The feeling never comes. As I step further from the doorway and take in the view, I feel oddly calm. Actually I feel happy. The sidewalks, made massive by that 4 am construction I spoke about earlier, are magnificent. And get this: People are actually walking at a normal pace! Those who are in a rush are far enough away from the rest of us that their swinging briefcases and splashing coffee cups affect no one. And what is that greenery?!!!

Only two years ago I was mocking the city’s attempt to “greenify” Bloor (No joke – I wrote a 20 page essaycritiquing the hypocrisy of the entire revitalization project, and received an A+ to boot!) But today, I’m humbled to say that it is absolutely stunning. I never would have thought that a simple array of manicured granite boxes could turn out to be so effective. Boasting swirls of green, splashes of red and the subtlest hints of purple, and lined up in paralleled simplicity, these granite planters hyphenate Bloor Street from Church to Yonge creating a whimsical Eden. I just wanted to crawl in one of them and breathe for a while!

I continue walking east, (not in the opposite direction this time), across Bloor toward Church, and I take in the beauty of my once drab neighbourhood. Being a day of overcast, everything here would have been a nasty, grey blur just a few months prior. Today, however, the rain is only emphasizing the colours of the flora, making the giant potted structures look as if they are literally glowing with life. It is absolutely beautiful.

As I near The Marriot at Park Rd. and Bloor, it becomes apparent that something is different: Beddington’s is gone,and in its place is a Longos. Finally there’s a decent grocery store around here! I like Longos Markets because they have everything from the freshest fruits and vegetables (I’m a vegetarian, and although I prefer getting my food from Kensington Market, when I lived at Y&B it wasn’t practical for me to commute that far, so this produce section is a dream for those like me in the area) to the most delicious fresh baked pastries. Sure, their prices tend to be on the higher side (a downfall of big chain stores), but their products are always of the best quality, and I like that they carry “ethnic” and “exotic” items aswell. And since I happened to be craving a chocolate Camino bar, I decided to walk right in. That’s when I saw theStarbucks. All this right across the street from my old home!

Well, I have to admit it. They really came a long way with this area. It used to boast a reputation of being one of the hottest spots in the city to live, and until recently, although it talked the talk, walking the walk wasn’t so hot here. It was grey, drab and boring until you hit either Yorkville or The Village. Now, however, it provides a fantastic segue between bothareas.

Three years ago I would never have imagined reading a book (or sipping a Starbucks!), along Bloor betweenYonge and Church. And although it’s still a busy route for pedestrians going to and fro, that granite walk way is the perfectarea to take in the view, people watch, and just be.

I’m seriously considering moving back here.

Bravo Toronto!

Marisa F.

Earlier in the week, the BloorCondos team got a sneak peek at the penthouse views of Crystal Blu!  Residents of the 35 storey luxury building have already started to move into suites.  There are still a lot of loose ends to tie up at Blu but as of writing this post, the lobby very quickly coming together.  Mailboxes were installed earlier in the week, the fireplace has been delivered and the security desk is now complete!

Residents have to moved into to the 28th floor (roughly) and plans are to have final closing by end of 2010 or early 2011! A few units (less than 5) are still available, contact BloorCondos if you’re interested at living at Crystal Blu!

Rising 65 storeys above Yonge and Bloor will soon be the new Number One Bloor! Great Gulf Homes held an information session for a select group to unveil plans of their newest project. BloorCondos was there to learn more about the Hariri Pontarini designed building.

Interior units will be designed by the world renown and Toronto based interior design firm; Cecconi Simone. The tower will be divided into 3 categories, offering different suite features at varying price points. Units will approximately 9″ high in height and offer pre-engineered flooring throughout. (More on that in future posts)

Residents will also have access to an impressive amenity space spread over two floors! Some of the features include an indoor/outdoor pool, beautiful landscaped outdoor terraces with fireplaces, and a sculptured garden to name a few.

In the coming weeks will be sharing more details on Number One Bloor. To learn more, check back often, or send us an email!