On the top floor at 560 Front St. W. in Toronto, Penthouse 29 offers views to the south and south-east. It has 1,105 square feet of living space which the current owner has configured as two bedrooms and an office.
560 FRONT ST. W., PENTHOUSE 29, TORONTO
ASKING PRICE: $799,000
MAINTENANCE FEES: $615 a month
TAXES: NA
AGENT: Roman Havlin (Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.)
Interior design: Rachel Craggy, cmstaging.com
THE BUILDING
Many people don't yet know Rêve, the recently-completed condominium building near Front and Bathurst streets, says real estate agent Roman Havlin of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.
But Mr. Havlin need only tell them "it's the red and black building" and they know precisely which tower he means.
"It's quite the unique building," says Mr. Havlin. "It really stands out" – whether city dwellers are whizzing by on the Gardiner Expressway or looking towards it from the city.
The striking appearance of the 13-storey building comes from the dark glass and red architectural accents. At night, dramatic illumination makes the building more eye-catching.
Originally the project was slated to be a hotel. Construction was already under way when that plan fell through. The developer, Tridel Group of Companies, took over and rejigged some of the restaurant and public spaces into party and meeting rooms for the condo dwellers.
Revellers can play billiards, congregate in the lounges, watch a film with friends or hold a dinner party with hired catering staff. There's also a yoga room and fitness centre.
"If you happen to be working out at 11, it's practically your own," says Mr. Havlin.
Residents will find the lobby tucked into the centre of the development, away from the passing traffic of Front Street. A virtual concierge greets visitors via two-way communications over a large screen in the lobby.
For outdoor living, a roof terrace provides space for residents to sunbathe or use the two Weber barbeques.
"You can see the city but you're not in it," says Mr. Havlin of the view from the rooftop towards the financial district's skyscrapers.
The building also has lots of eco-friendly features such as computer-controlled lighting and heating, says Mr. Havlin.
Last fall, the first occupants began moving into the building, which has about 300 units and stretches from Front to Niagara Street.
THE SUITE
On the building's top floor, Penthouse 29 offers views to the south and southeast. It has 1105 square feet and the current owner has two bedrooms and an office but Mr. Havlin notes the office could become a third bedroom.
The open living room, dining room and kitchen face the south and east with doors leading to a balcony.
"The space is really well-used," says Mr. Havlin.
Most of the finishes are white and floors are pale wood. The kitchen has high-gloss white cabinets and an island with a seating area and quartz countertop.
The windows, with low-emission film to keep the heat out in summer, also subdue any noise from the street.
"It's very, very quiet," says Mr. Havlin.
THE BEST FEATURE
In Mr. Havlin's opinion, the views facing the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario are very appealing. Across the road, construction continues on the Library District Condominiums but most of the view will be preserved, he adds.
"It's so much fun to watch," says Mr. Havlin of the vista along Front Street, past the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre.
Carolyn Ireland