The opening of the Concord SkyLounge completes an architectural and engineering feat in Toronto
The Concord SkyBridge links the two Parade towers in the new CityPlace condo neighbourhood that has grown up on former railway lands in downtown Toronto.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
The whole neighbourhood turned out in June of 2012 as the 328-tonne SkyBridge was hoisted from the ground and connected to the Parade towers. It took 14 hours. The structure is about 40 metres long – about the equivalent of a Boeing 737.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
Designed by KPF Architects, New York, the two-storey bridge features an amenity level on its bottom floor. Called the SkyLounge, of course, it opened on Sept. 19.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
The Property Report page was given a sneak peek before the inaugural party. The unique space features pool tables, two bars, sofa seating and a large television.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
But the most compelling feature of the SkyLounge is the view from five glass squares in its floor.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
They give party-goers a view straight down about 30 stories to the pedestrian news below. It's considered more gripping than the view from the CN Tower.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
To combat vertigo, it's fortunate the SkyLounge bar offers refreshing spirits.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
Zak Paget, a corporate consultant at public relations firm FleishmanHillard, points out the other outstanding views of Toronto.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
Looking south, the view toward Lake Ontario from Fort York Boulevard.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
One can even watch Porter airplanes landing at the island airport.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
Looking north, the view toward the city, with GoTrains parked in the foreground.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail
Only residents of the Parade towers have access to the amenity space. But you could purchase your own private party space with unrivalled views over the city. In the next year, Concord Adex will release to the market two exclusive condo units on the SkyBridge’s second level.Galit Rodan/The Globe and Mail