WOW, this is “downsizing”!  Can you see yourself in either of these?    

DISCLAIMER:  We are merely telling you about what we understand is happening.  These 2 articles from REM Magazine are meant to be regarded as merely items of interest, and not as affirmations of the projects.   Neither Jane nor I are saying that we know anything more about these concepts beyond what we’ve read and written.   Did we “CYA” enough?  Enjoy these brief 2 articles.  They obviously got our attention.

We read an article the other day telling us about “Micro condos that have come to Toronto”.

According to a news release from the developers Urban Capital and Malibu, Toronto is about to enter the “global micro-living trend”.  They are introducing the Smart House micro-condos, which “start @ 300 square feet” at Queen Street West and University Boulevard in Toronto.

Seemly more than half of all Smart House residences are priced under $350,000.00.  Rental income is estimated to provide a return of 5 to 7 per cent per year according to the developers.

The 25 storey building includes a boutique-style lobby surrounded by retail space on the ground and second floors, office space on floors three and four, and 241 residential suites on floors five to 25.

They say, all suites can come fully furnished with components that do dual duty or more such as a bed that folds into the wall and becomes a sofa or a desk.  Kitchen counter space can expand and retract.  Other features mentioned include dining tables built into islands, niche shelving in what would otherwise be wasted pipe space, integrated cabinetry and smart appliances and moveable partitions. 

The article directed us to www.smarthousetoronto.com for more information.

The 2^nd article (from the same Professional publication) takes us to Toronto again.  Same CYA DISCLAIMER.

The header said “Openair” feature replaces balcony.

Evidently Freed Developments is offering what they describe as an innovative new design feature called “Openair Suites” at its Sixty Colborne condominium development just east of Toronto’s downtown core.  They say that they’re offering a selection of corner suites that will feature an expansive glass sliding wall system, “designed to reinterpret the traditional condominium balcony with a distinctively sleek, functional and modern approach”.

The condos were originally designed without balconies and the openair feature is being offered as an upgrade.  They say that it allows residents to release two large sliding glass panels along the perimeter wall, creating an expansive 16 foot opening.  The artist’s rendering shows the glass walls retracted with what looks like an approximately 4 foot high balcony-like glass wall in place to “we assume”, prevent people/objects from falling off.

Seemly the tower’s corner suites, which offer the openair upgrade, “start” at $704,900.00 for a “989” square foot unit.  Hmmm, the article didn’t clarify whether the $704,900 was inclusive or exclusive of applicable taxes.  I know what my guess would be.      

And “that” folks is what happening in Toronto! Well, “that” & Rob Ford, but “that’s a whole 'nother story"!

Stay Well and Have Fun.  We’re Thinking of You.

Cheers

Ken & Jane