The development 200 Russell Hill
Builder/developer Hirsh Development Group
Size 2,000 to 5,000 square feet
Price $3.2-million to $11.9-million
Sales centre: 200 Russell Hill Rd., south of St. Clair Avenue West. Open by appointment only.
Contact: Phone 416-726-7749 or visit 200russellhill.com
Hirsh Development Group’s latest infill project in Forest Hill offers oversized luxury suites – with correspondingly amplified price tags.
The project’s lowest-priced suite is $3.2-million, one of 22 units within the five-storey building at 200 Russell Hill Rd.
“In high-end homes and projects that I do, these are the starting prices. It’s just a different level of quality in finish, service and design we put into it,” says developer Simon Hirsh, whose team sold about 40 per cent of the infill project within months of the launch this year.
“This is a very high-end building built like a large mansion in Forest Hill, so anything … that has a condo feel to it is not acceptable.”
For instance, these one to three-bedrooms plus den plans – ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet – will allow for the relocation or reconfiguration of kitchens and bathrooms, among other things, for one-of-a-kind designs.
“We only have 22 units that are very customizable units more so than any other building we’ve seen in Toronto,” says Mr. Hirsh, who personally consults with buyers. “A big push was to make sure this sort of condominium lifestyle didn’t limit people coming out of their single-family homes.”
Most suites will be crafted with rotunda foyers, formal and casual entertaining areas with ten-foot ceilings and private chambers with luxurious bathing, dressing and laundering stations, as well as rooftop terraces in some cases.
“These rooms are all scaled in size to accommodate the furniture you’d have in your home or the need for artwork on the wall,” Mr. Hirsh adds. “And our kitchen islands are enormous – most are nine to 12-feet long and four feet deep – and walkways between islands and cabinets are 3 1/2 to four feet.”
Also unusual will be the volume of attractions in and around the gated site near Spadina Road and St. Clair Avenue.
“We face [Nordheimer] ravine on the south side, we face Sir Winston Churchill Park on the west side, and those are protected forest views,” Mr. Hirsh states. “So it’s a very serene, quiet setting in a very residential neighbourhood.”
This low-rise will also have its own gardens, pet spa, steam and massage rooms and fitness centre with yoga and sports simulation facilities.
For socializing, there will be a lobby bar and lounge with a wine cellar and tasting table, as well as a second floor theatre, party room and patio.
“We have extensive amenity services for such a small building,” Mr. Hirsh notes. “I want them to truly be spaces people would use as extensions of their home.”
These spaces will be enhanced with assistance of valet and attaché-style concierge. “They will serve you in the wine lounge or coffee bar, they will know your routine and pets’ names,” Mr. Hirsh explains.
Much like the exterior and common areas, the bold mix of contrasting colour palettes and traditional French and contemporary styles will continue into suites above.
Highlights from designer Lori Morris will include intricate millwork, oak and walnut hardwood floors and gas fireplaces, as well as custom Neff kitchens with seven Miele appliances and marble or caesarstone counters with tile or matching slab backsplashes.
“The finishings we’re using are brand name products you see in very high-end homes,” Mr. Hirsh notes. “You will even have an opportunity to see your slab.”
Residents will also move around with ease with Crestron automation systems and two-car parking. “When you approach the building, if you want, the beacon in your phone will open the gates at the front, alert the attaché – if you have any requests – or valet, and also selects your floor when you walk in the elevator,” says Mr. Hirsh.
“[Plus, penthouses] have internal, private garage spaces, so you can park two cars in a private garage with your tandem parking outside, and our garage heights are high enough to accommodate lifts.”
Expected occupancy is fall, 2018 and monthly fees $1.20 per square foot.