Joy condos, Scarborough
BUILDER/DEVELOPER Gemterra Developments Corp.
SIZE 606 to 844 square feet
PRICE Low $200,000s to under $400,000
SALES CENTRE 3573 Sheppard Ave E., at Birchmount Road. Open Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 p.m.; weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.
CONTACT Phone 416-491-5683 or visit joycondos.com
Gemterra Developments Corp. is hoping to convince buyers to trade cramped quarters and downtown congestion for spacious suites and a community-oriented setting in Scarborough at the second phase of their Joy condo project.
"Downtown has too much traffic and too many buildings, so people want to get out of downtown, but like to live in a condo that looks like it's downtown," says Yan Wang, vice-president of the family-owned company established in 2010 after a decade of developing in China.
"I wanted to make a larger space with a nice design that looks like a downtown building and has the same conveniences of downtown."
For instance, phase two, dubbed Joy, will offer about 20 three-storey townhouses and 262 suites in a contemporary 21-storey tower on Bonis Avenue, near Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue.
"We're very close to Agincourt Mall," says Mr. Wang, who notes it's just a five-minute walk to its florist, fruit market and fashion outlets.
"Also, there are a lot of banks, consultants and doctors – everything is there – so it's a very good location for people to live here."
Like locals – who occupy a mix of older homes and postwar bungalows – Joy residents will be a short walk from a library, Tam O'Shanter Golf Course and sports fields and trails at Ron Watson Park.
Also nearby are restaurants and retailers at Pacific Mall, Dynasty Centre, Scarborough Town Centre and Kennedy Commons, plus several transportation modes, from TTC bus routes, Agincourt GO station and the proposed Sheppard Avenue East LRT/subway to major highways, including the 401.
"We're close, but not that close," Mr. Wang emphasizes.
Private attractions will entail a glass-enclosed centre with a fitness facilities, pool, hot tub, lounge and billiards room, in addition to a green rooftop terrace with a walking track.
"We've already built this amazing amenity where there is a big, professional gym," Mr. Wang says.
Construction began last month. Buyers can still chose from one-and two-bedroom-plus-den units designed by Turner Fleischer Architects Inc.
"Compared [with] downtown, our [units] are larger and cheaper," Mr. Wang says. "Our architect is amazing, they created a two bedroom with two bathrooms in 680 square feet. It's just the right size … and it's very functional."
Finishes will be of a higher calibre than its sister tower, with plank laminate floors, designer cabinetry, stone counters, soaker tubs and Energy Star appliances.
"There are a lot of upgrades," Mr. Wang says. "The kitchen has a different style, and most Asian [buyers] need highly powerful appliances, like a range hood. And also, we created an optional island."
Also included will be parking and monthly fees of roughly 52 cents per square foot.