No wonder Toronto’s feverish condo construction is at its most intense on the borders of Lake Ontario: the waterfront boasts calming lake views, proximity to the downtown core and the Island airport, and the promise of several government-initiated beautification projects. However, a brand new tower with flashy finishes isn’t the sole option for the would-be waterfront dweller. Older buildings along the stretch may need overhauling, but they tend to offer more square footage for your money. Here, five properties currently on the market, from a loft in the Tip Top building to an Oakville suite with a slew of amenities.
The classic harbourfront unit
Address: 77 Harbour Square, Unit 3404
List price: $379,000
Building fees and amenities: $524.66. Concierge; guest suites; fitness centre; swimming pool; restaurant; lounge; cleaning staff; shuttle bus service to downtown
The take: Hotel-like amenities and views of the lake have attracted business types to this building at the foot of York Street since it went up in 1991. This spacious one-bedroom has had several updates over the past two decades, including granite countertops, new appliances and a renovated bathroom. The low price also leaves room for further upgrades (the kitchen could use a refresh).
Agent: Carl Langschmidt, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage
The heritage loft
Address: 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 126
List price: $498,000
Building fees and amenities: $506.64. Concierge; outdoor patio; fitness centre; hot tub; sauna; yoga studio
The take: The Tip Top Lofts is one of the oldest and best-known properties on the waterfront, popular with young professionals who appreciate its Art Deco vibe. This one-bedroom-plus-den has an open layout with factory-style windows and a spectacular balcony. The den (currently used as a second bedroom) is a decent size, though it lacks privacy.
Agent: Terry Szwec, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage
The new loft
Address: 90 Stadium Road, Unit 720
List price: $489,000
Sold for: $484,500 after 9 days on the market
Building fees and amenities: $477. Concierge; fitness centre; billiards room; theatre; party rooms; car wash
The take: The Tip Top Lofts’ younger, shinier sister building is less expensive than the original. This two-bedroom unit also a better view of the lake and updated finishes. There are no heritage features, but the layout is spacious and the good-sized second bedroom has a closet and balcony access.
Agent: Elizabeth Goulart, Sutton Group Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage
The condo just out of town
Address: 2111 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Unit 719
List price: $415,000
Building fees and amenities: $754.83. Concierge; party room; media room; library and games room; fitness centre with sauna and change rooms; bicycle storage; guest suites
The take: Move further west and you get a lot more condo for your money. This two-bedroom unit in Mimico (a neighbourhood that made our Where to Buy Now list last year) comes in at 1,075 square feet and recently underwent a $35,000 renovation. It also has direct access to several waterfront walking and bike trails.
Agent: Anissa Wong, Re/Max Realtron Realty Inc., Brokerage
The Oakville equivalent
Address: 11 Bronte Road, Unit 404
List price: $479,900
Building fees and amenities: $544.18. Concierge; library lounge; guest suite; party room; fitness and yoga centre; media centre; theatre; rooftop pool with patio, change rooms, sauna and outdoor kitchen
The take: Move even further out of town and things start to get expensive again. This 838-square-foot one-bedroom in Oakville’s swanky Bronte Village has a two-sided fireplace, a balcony that spans the width of the unit and access to the building’s stunning rooftop pool. The bedroom, however, has no windows.
Agent: Rina Di Risio, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage
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