Sugar Wharf is a new community on Toronto’s waterfront that encompasses 11.5 acres and includes condos, offices, restaurants, shops and more.MENKES DEVELOPMENTS
Imagine having a spectacular view of the water as you enjoy your morning coffee, starting the day with a dip in the pool or an early morning workout in the gym, and then later having a relaxing stroll on the boardwalk.
Now imagine that you have all of this at home.
Sugar Wharf Condominiums, a new condo gallery on Toronto’s waterfront, is the brainchild of Menkes Developments Ltd. The luxury residences are part of the new Sugar Wharf community, encompassing 11.5 acres with offices, restaurants and shops, a two-acre park and a proposed new school.
With the water’s edge just steps away, and easy access to all the conveniences and entertainment options the city has to offer, Sugar Wharf offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and the opportunity to experience the excitement and convenience of downtown living.
Sweet escapes
Mimi Ng is senior vice-president of sales and marketing for Menkes Developments. Having been in the business for 60 years and managing its own properties, Menkes has learned a lot about what people are looking for.
“People come home after work and they don’t want to be stressed in their homes. We’ve learned that over time. What we’ve realized is that there’s a need for buildings to have casual and quiet spaces as well. I call them chill-out spaces,” Ng says.
“Our amenities are a variety of spaces for people who need different things at different times. For example, we’re noticing more and more families are buying condominiums so we’ve incorporated spaces for children like an arts and crafts room, music room, virtual reality room and a play lounge.
“It’s really a great atmosphere for kids to socialize and for families to get to know one another.”
Sugar Wharf’s stunning amenities take condominium living to the next level. Gathering spaces include a games lounge, private theatres, party rooms, a bar and lounge area, as well an indoor hammock lounge.
For those who like to stay active, there is a 25,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness centre with basketball court. The outdoor space is equally spectacular with its own reflective pool, barbeque, firepit and adjacent dining area.
“It’s very much like having your own resort,” Ng says.
A true escape from the hustle of the city while being right in the heart of it, the residences offer spectacular amenities, including a relaxing hammock room.MENKES DEVELOPMENTS
Living the dream
While the dream of a two-storey house with a white picket fence is still alive and well, Barbara Lawlor, chief executive officer and president of Baker Real Estate Incorporated, says there’s a new dream unfolding for homebuyers.
“We’re seeing people who are wanting to have everything under one roof. They are looking for location and amenities that offer adventure, luxury and convenience without ever having to leave their homes.”
As the head of sales and marketing for Davpart Inc’s new development at 481 University Ave. in Toronto, Lawlor says she is excited about the idea being able to live your dream in your very own home.
“481 University is a spectacular address. Today, most buildings will feature a pool and a gym for sure but 481 University takes the amenity package to new heights in the city; not just the number of amenities but the type. It’s like having a resort under your own high-rise roof,” she says.
The United Building by Davpart Inc. is North America’s tallest architectural heritage retention development. The 55-storey contemporary tower rises up from the historic Maclean Publishing Company/Maclean-Hunter building and features 735 new residences.
In addition to the typical luxury interior designs, it features a magnificent lobby with 24/7 concierge, a party room with dining facilities, a sports lounge with billiards, a top-of-the-line movie theatre, a golf simulator, dog run, pet spa, yoga deck and bocce court.
Owners who want to get away during the winter months can retreat to the four-seasons reflecting pool with warming pavilions and cozy seats to enjoy the view.
Nature’s at your doorstep
Nestled in Oakville, Glen Abbey Encore has been nine years in the making and offers a diverse mix of luxury homes built by six different homebuilders.
It is surrounded by a 350-acre greenbelt woodlot along Fourteen Mile Creek, and adjacent to the majestic Bronte Creek Provincial Park to the west and Deerfield Golf Course to the south. There are hiking and biking trails and the lakeshore is just minutes away.
“This is a community that has everything. It’s truly self-sufficient and yet you can retreat from the business of your lives by just walking out your door. The six builders have created this incredible selection of townhomes and single-detached residences; there’s something for everyone,” says John Krpan, developer for Glen Abbey Encore.
One of those builders is award-winning CountryWide Homes. The homes they have designed for Glen Abbey Encore are as much about lifestyle and ease as they are about state-of-the-art appliances and luxurious finishes.
Richard Mariani, manager of sales and marketing for CountryWide says: “Whether you’re cooking or entertaining or just enjoying a morning coffee at the marble or quartz stone island, we’ve included the Rolls-Royce {suite} of appliances as a standard feature. There’s the Sub-Zero fridge and freezer and a Wolf gas range with six burners and full-size gas oven and an ASKO dishwasher. There are these amazing 10-foot high ceilings with five-inch cornice mouldings, a free-standing tub and you can even have heated floors in the master ensuite.”
More than 5,000 people lined up and camped out overnight for the development’s first open house in September 2019.
“I think it proves that if you build the right community, with the right builders and the right product and pricing, the market is there,” Krpan says.
Lego playroom for kids.MENKES DEVELOPMENTS
A resort experience with the convenience of home
Taking community to heart is Altree Developments’ new project at 2 Forest Hill.
Altree is guided by president and chief executive officer Zev Mandelbaum's vision to seamlessly integrate projects into the existing culture of the neighbourhoods in which they develop.
“The Forest Hill community is a place that people have called home for many years. It’s where their heart is. To have an opportunity to transform that community is really special. I had this vision to blend features of a house and condo with a combination of luxurious amenities with a warm and ‘homey’ feeling. That’s the plan for 2 Forest Hill,” Mandelbaum says.
The nine-storey building features townhomes and condominiums spanning 950 square feet to 4,000 square feet. The developer has worked with the best designers to create expansive terraces, massive windows and 10-foot ceilings that create a feeling of air and space.
Residents can enjoy the wine cellar and the building’s very own sommelier. There is a concierge service available to residents including valet service for the ultimate in convenience.
“Response from the community has been great,” Mandelbaum says. “We’re now accepting registrations and hope to be selling units early next year!”
Convenience might just be an understatement for the impressive Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. Owners have VIP access to a 213-foot super yacht and their very own private island called Long Cay.
With the world’s largest collection of Bahamian art and an art curator on staff, residents can have their own art collection curated by a professional.
The elite NEXUS Club at Baha Mar, founded by financier Joe Lewis, golfing greats Tiger Woods and Ernie, Els and actor and musician Justin Timberlake, is set around a private pool surrounded by cabanas. The club features a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, a sports bar, indoor gaming area, a central lounge and exquisite views of the island waters.
There is the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Royal Blue Golf Course, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA spa and its largest casino, as well as more than 40 luxury retail outlets.
“It’s really quite decadent,” says Kitty Jones, Baha Mar’s director of international residential marketing and communications.
“We have a six-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot unit with a 3,000-square-foot patio facing the beach. It has a 200-inch television that emerges from the ground and it has so many pixels that the images are crystal clear on the sunniest of days. Imagine how fun it would be to watch a sports game with family and friends!”
Baha Mar in Nassau is the only Caribbean residential destination featuring turnkey residences by two acclaimed hotel brands: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts and SLS Hotels.
“More and more people are looking for properties where families can have a five-star resort experience with all the conveniences of home. That’s our Baha Mar,” says Genevieve Conroy, vice-president of residential sales and marketing for Baha Mar.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail’s Globe Content Studio, in consultation with an advertiser. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved in its creation.