LOVE
LOCATION: Scarborough, Ont.
BUILDER/DEVELOPER Gemterra Development Corp.
SIZE Suites 487 to 860 square feet; towns 1,374 to 1,729-square feet
PRICE Suites $226,000 to $377,000; towns $485,900 to $599,900
SALES CENTRE 3573 Sheppard Ave., west of Birchmount Avenue. Open Monday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.; weekends and holidays from noon to 5 p.m.
CONTACT Phone 416-491-LOVE (5683) or visit lovecondominiums.com
After more than 30 years of experience constructing mid- and high-rise developments in China, a family-run company's first Canadian endeavour will cater to the unique needs of multigenerational families in Toronto.
Within the two-tower condominium near Tam O'Shanter Golf Course, first-time buyers will discover one-bedroom suites just an elevator ride way from stylish party and billiards rooms and not much farther from popular independent restaurants and shopping centres, such as Agincourt Mall and Pacific Mall.
Meanwhile, couples caring for children and elderly parents may gravitate toward three-storey townhouses with easy access to private landscaped areas to walk or practise tai chi, as well as activities hosted at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto and Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care.
"The developer is from mainland China, so they understand the importance of the family unit and staying together. He wanted to buy in a location that was close to all the amenities that catered to and had a comfort level for new immigrants coming over," says Linda Mitchell Young, vice-president of sales and marketing at Baker Real Estate, which is handling project sales for Gemterra Development Corp.
"They've also immigrated here and want to share the opportunity to share a home like they have."
The wide range of suite options will not only allow family members to live in the same complex – located at 185 Bonis Ave., north of Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue – but also make it financially feasible.
"Most of the suites range from $250,000 to $370,000, so there's a lot more you can get for your money in Scarborough than you can in other places," Ms. Mitchell Young says.
"It's almost a forgotten area that's always been there with all the infrastructure, amenities, great schools, churches, seniors' homes, hospitals and everything for every walk of life."
The GO Train station and highways 401 and 404 nearby can quickly transport residents to more attractions throughout the GTA, though on-site facilities will also tempt homeowners to stay in. The first phase will have large indoor and outdoor entertaining areas and access to an amenity centre with a pool, hot tub, gym and yoga studio, as well as a rooftop garden for big groups to dine, barbecue or exercise.
"[The developer] always had families in mind while we were designing the building," Ms. Mitchell Young adds.
Occupancy will begin in late 2014 with construction under way on phase one, which will entail 14 three-bedroom townhouses with dens or family rooms, patios, upper terraces, street-level entrances and direct access to an underground garage.
In the 20-storey, glass and metal-clad tower, there will be one- to two-bedroom plus den plans with open principal rooms and private balconies.
Standard appointments will include laminate floors, granite counters and ceramic backsplashes, as well as energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
Units will come with parking and monthly fees of 51 cents a square foot, plus individually metered hydro.