It wouldn't be fair to lump Markham in with its neighbours as a Johnny-come-lately to high-density development.
The city's planning department has worked hard to establish pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development since the mid-1990s, usually in the face of considerable pressure from low-rise developers.
Its goal at that point was not so much to encourage tower development, but simply to move away from the tract-housing framework that was eating up land throughout York Region, and to bring some commercial and park amenities to the residential landscape.
Today, Markham and neighbouring Richmond Hill have embraced mass transit with the VIVA rapid-transit bus system along Highway 7 and Yonge Street. This has laid the groundwork for a semblance of a mass-transit residential orientation, which is needed to attract condominium development.
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To that end, Markham will be the site of one of the few master-planned condominium communities in the Greater Toronto Area — Markham Centre, north of Highway 407, straddling Warden Road. The plan calls for more than 6,000 residential units (both high-rise suites and townhouses) to be built amid a hive of small retail stores, piazzas, parks, art galleries, hotels, a performing arts centre and two high schools.
The first phase of Markham Centre's condominium component was launched last year as Downtown Markham Rouge Bijou, under the direction of Remington Group. Four condominium towers, in the seven-to-10-storey range, sold out quickly at surprisingly premium prices ranging from $331,000 to $453,000.
A new project, the Verdale, is scheduled to be launched shortly, but its size, design and price range are still under consideration.
Just south of Highway 7 is the four-tower Eko development being built by Liberty Development Corp. The fourth phase, Noa, is a nine-storey, 124-suite project, bringing this community's total to about 1,200 suites.
Units available in Noa range from $197,000 for 602 square feet to $439,000 for 1,340 square feet. The site is located directly behind a proposed commercial strip facing Highway 7, which Markham officials are trying to rebrand as an urban boulevard, and will be adjacent to a courtyard shared by townhouses.
To maintain the human scale of its streetscapes and placate local residents, Markham's planning department has made a determined effort to keep the height of condominium towers to fewer than 10 storeys. One of the taller high-rise projects is Circa, two 16-storey towers to be built by Tridel Corp. and Dorsay Development Corp. The sleek glass facade of the upper floors will contrast with an attractive brownstone-style exterior below.
The first phase is essentially sold out, but approximately 150 suites in the second building are available for between $219,000 for 630 square feet to more than $1.2-million for a spectacular 2,770-square-foot penthouse.
Again, a string of commercial pods will be adjacent to this project, with two streets of carriage houses to be built behind the project. Occupancy for the second phase is scheduled for 2009.
The whole project will share an impressive amenities facility that includes a full fitness centre with sauna and swimming pool, a virtual golf area and a sprawling two-level terrace.
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