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Home of the Week, 500 Wellington St. W., Toronto

500 WELLINGTON ST. W., SUITE 401, TORONTO

ASKING PRICE: $2.824-million

TAXES: NA

MAINTENANCE FEES: $1,926.99 a month

AGENT: Arif Manji, Private Service Realty Ltd.

The building:

Peter Freed of Freed Developments has been a driving force behind the transformation of the King West area into a residential neighbourhood loaded with affluent condo-dwellers. The Thompson Residences, Seventy5 Portland and Fashion House are all projects of his near King and Bathurst.

At 500 Wellington, Mr. Freed cleared out a hodgepodge of low-rise buildings and replaced them with this 10-storey stack of new condo suites designed by Core Architects.

According to Arif Manji, sales manager for Freed Developments, this address emphasizes large suites in a very private building.

The original plan was to build 17 units but two owners purchased entire floors and so the final tally came in at 15.

The units are spacious, with 10-foot ceilings and open living areas made for accommodating guests.

The building is low-profile and offers no amenities, which is the way the occupants like it, says Mr. Manji. Guests arrive to a virtual concierge in an austere marble foyer designed by the firm Burdifilek. An elevator delivers residents straight to their suites.

This low-key philosophy sets the project apart from other luxury developments such as the Trump International Hotel and Tower and Living Shangri-La, he adds.

Doctors, entrepreneurs, young couples, empty nesters and Bay Street mavens have all taken up residence since the suites were finished about a year ago, says Mr. Manji.

"And the finance guys – they entertain," says Mr. Manji of the types of potential buyers who have been drawn to the building.

The parking for residents is on level one. Guests can park around the corner at nearby Seventy5 Portland, then use the underground tunnel that connects to 500 Wellington. Mr. Manji says it has been Mr. Freed's modus operandi to buy parcels of land close together, then find inventive ways to link them up.

"It's kind of Peter completing his plan," he says.

Suite 401

The suite has approximately 3,500 square feet of living space for those who like to spread out.

Two terraces add about 550 square feet of outdoor space.

The unit, still owned by Freed Developments, takes up half a floor and provides a south-facing view from floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The main room, 125 by 53 feet, combines the kitchen, living room and dining area. There's a gas fireplace and wide-plank floors.

"People walk around, talk about the place," says Mr. Manji of the open plan and dramatic ceiling heights that allow for large pieces of art work.

Doors open from the main living area to a large south-facing terrace.

"This is probably where I'd have dinner with friends," says Mr. Manji. "Wellington is such a private, quiet street."

One portion of the living area has been separated and set up as home gym.

"The view is unobstructed for life to the park," says Mr. Manji of the vista facing southwest.

The master suite offers a large bedroom and a dressing room with a built-in wall safe.

The ensuite bathroom has a standalone tub, separate shower, water closet and a vanity with two sinks. Doors open to a terrace with services for gas and water.

"An outdoor terrace is hard to find downtown," says Mr. Manji.

The second bedroom, which also has an ensuite bathroom, stands on the far side of the suite.

People who are moving from a large house in a neighbourhood such as Forest Hill are drawn to the downtown restaurants and galleries but they don't want to give away all of their furniture and art.

"They still want space," says Mr. Manji. "Space is the hardest thing to find in condos."

The best feature

The kitchen is a highlight," says Mr. Manji of the Italian design.

The Scavolini kitchen is sleek and high-gloss white, with a hidden side-by-side refrigerator, built-in wall oven, gas cooktop, under-the-counter wine fridge and a large island with Caesarstone top.

"Caesarstone is the most durable material to put in a home – if you cook," says Mr. Manji.

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