Loft project plugs into Queen East energy

Early next month, Harhay Construction Management Ltd will officially unveil its latest urban development in the city's east end where a growing number of chic new restaurants, cafes and shops are settling in.

The project, simply named The Ninety after its premium location at 90 Broadview Ave. at Queen Street East, will be a nine-storey development with 223 new lofts built around an existing commercial building.

"It's a great location just south of Queen Street East in Riverside, truly a great up and coming neighbourhood that we're finding a huge amount of people want to be a part of it," says Brad Lamb of Brad J. Lamb Realty, which is overseeing the sales and marketing for this and other condominium developments in the area.

"Everything is a hop, skip and a jump away."

Project designers Core Architects Inc. will integrate the architectural style of the existing structure, built in the early 1900s, with contemporary additions.

II by IV Design Associates Inc. - an award-winning firm responsible for spaces like the Royal Ontario Museum - has been brought in to take care of the interiors, including the design of a party room and central courtyard. Individual suites will have loft-style features, such as nine- to 11-foot ceilings and full height windows.

"They did a great job doing a II by IV-style bathroom, which is a very contemporary suite bathroom," adds Mr. Lamb. "We put in all the kinds of finishes that people love."

About 95 per cent of the suites will have a balcony, patio or terrace with gas outlets for barbecuing, says Mr. Lamb.

Purchasers will also have a choice of hardwood floors throughout, European-style kitchen cabinetry, and counters topped with Corian, granite or stone.

Units will be equipped with four stainless steel appliances and laundry machines.

Parking can be purchased for $27,500, and lockers for $3,500.

Maintenance fees will be about 45 cents a square foot.

Occupancy is expected in November, 2010.

There are streetcars virtually at the project's doorstep and the Don Valley Parkway is just blocks away. "It's really a great location for people whether they commute outside the city or they work in the city," says Mr. Lamb.