Just north of the Junction Triangle, a new area of gentrification and curated coolness is attracting would-be millennial homeowners – the Stockyards district.
While most Torontonians venture to the neighbourhood for its Stock Yards Village shopping experience replete with Pier 1 Imports, Michaels, and yes, even a requisite Dollarama, condo developer Marlin Spring hopes to lure in some permanent residents with its architectural nod to an industrial past.
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Located at 2306 St. Clair Avenue West, in a neighbourhood previously known for its slaughterhouse history, the Stockyards District Residences recently broke ground this August with local Ward 5 Councillor Frances Nunziata present. With a proposed completion date of 2021 and just over 80 per cent of the units already sold, Marlin Springs’ redevelopment of the area will likely bring even more local business into neighbourhood already populated with renovated breweries, shopping centres, and parks. The development sits just north of the bustling-with-families Runnymede Park.
Erin Millar, director of sales and marketing at Marlin Spring, says the condos are drawing buyers who have otherwise felt locked out of an overpriced real estate market. “We are definitely seeing a lot of younger buyers,” says Millar. “These are millennials – people in their late 20s or early 30s who still very much want to live within an urban experience, but who may also one day want to have a family,” says Millar. She makes reference to the kids’ room amenity in the building with different play areas based on age.
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Young buyers may also be responding to the award-winning marketing campaign. The Stockyard District Residences was a finalist at the 39th Annual Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association Awards for Best Project Branding & Identity, Mid/ High-Rise and Best Brochure, Mid/High-Rise categories. Littered with references to “seeking authenticity” and “we create our truth”, the campaign has definitely scored points with millennials who might be searching for a development that doesn’t just plough over its history, but rather, celebrates it.
Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects Inc., the 10-storey mixed use facility showcases mixed materials, huge floor-to-ceiling black window mullions, and brickwork modernized with glass balconies. The L-shaped building offers a variety of shapes and styles. “We just say that their customized units,” says Spring. “Buyers are also loving the fact that they can select the layout that’s perfect for them. It’s also really different to be able to purchase something that is not cookie cutter.” With 236 units in the building, prices range from the mid-$400,000 for 524 sq. ft. to $1.3 million for 1300 sq. ft.. A portion of the ground floor layout also features boutique shops.
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Interior designers U31 captured the vibe of modern industrial. Describing their vision for the Stockyards District Condos as “refined industrial aesthetic”, it’s a look reflected in the presentation centre and renderings of the lobby and all public areas – brick wall finishes, exposed wood posts, black steel mesh screens. “We chose designers who could both look to the past and the future of this space,” says Spring. “There’s an authenticity to it but it also is modern – such as with the open concept and eclectic style.”
Rustic elements are echoed in the ground-level courtyard and outdoor green space. Firepits, a dog run, BBQ station, and children’s play area are merged to host a vibrant community. Other amenities include a fully-equipped fitness and yoga room.
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U31 designed these areas and the fixtures and finishes made available to new buyers. “They hint at an industrial past, but are contain classic, modern lines,” says Marlin. “One of the features for example is brick detail, something that again highlights the materials of factories and train stations from another era.”
Wide plank laminate flooring, balconies with glass railing systems and industrial-inspired accents, quartz-slab countertops, faucets featuring a unique and modern matte black finish, and energy-efficient appliances are just a few of the suites striking features.
However, the real attraction for buyers is the neighbourhood itself. Within walking distance are the LCBO, Sicily Pizza, Metro and Malta Park and Vine Parkette – that’s not including the fifty plus shops at the Stockyard Village.
Still Marlin Spring hopes that the Stockyards District Condos will become its own destination spot.
