On the map: New Etobicoke condo project said to offer ‘Drake aesthetics at affordable prices’
When the team at CORE Architects presented its initial designs for the 9Hundred Condos to Harhay Developments, the master-planned project’s developer responded with an evocative scenario involving Toronto’s most famous rapper.
“I asked them to imagine Drake flying into Pearson in his private jet, getting into a limo, and heading downtown on Highway 427,” recalls Harhay president Chris Harhay. “The 9Hundred’s towers would be some of the first buildings he sees, so I put it to CORE: ‘What would impress Drake?’”
The result of this exchange is four glazing- and metal-clad towers with incrementally rotated floorplates that will create a twisting effect as they rise on the southeast corner of the spaghetti junction where highways 401 and 427 meet Eglinton Avenue West. CORE’s final design “has really created some unique floor plans where no two units are the same,” says the Toronto-based firm’s principal, Deni Poletti.
Finished in a mix of brick and glazing, the towers’ interconnected four-storey podium will house retail and offices alongside amenities that include a fitness centre, daycare and library, and co-working, party, games and screening rooms. Atop the podium, an outdoor pool is ringed by barbecue areas, a pet spa, and lounge and dining areas. At grade, a compact park by Juhan Marten Landscape Architect provides more outdoor access, while shared electric vehicle charging stations and a shuttle service serving the surrounding West Deane Park neighbourhood will help residents venture further afield.
“Our highway-side location is ideal for heading into the city, getting to the airport or heading out of town,” Harhay says, adding that the Renforth station of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT’s West Extension will be steps from 9Hundred’s lobby doors.
Initial public sales of the 900-unit project include 161 suites in 20-storey Tower 1, and 238 suites in 21-storey Tower 2. Spanning 428 to 1,371 square feet, units range from one-bedroom to three-bedroom layouts, with dens as optional add-ons. “We’re launching at $1,150 per square foot, which is really affordable compared to downtown,” Harhay says. “Think of it as Drake aesthetics at affordable prices.”
All 9Hundred suites will have nine feet of headroom. The larger units’ roomy terraces will have gas barbecue connections and water taps. Kitchens feature custom-designed cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
The community’s 15-metre setback from surrounding roadways and double-pane floor-to-ceiling windows have been designed to block noise from nearby roads, Harhay adds. “Unlike most developers, we also build our projects, which prevents delays. For instance, we purchased all the shoring steel in advance, and picked out tiles and hardwood flooring. Buyers and brokers love dealing with us because we always deliver on time.”
That’s more than can be said for flights out of Pearson, even when Drake is a passenger.
Units starting In the mid $600,000s... For more information, vlsit The900.ca.
THREE THINGS
As part of its Centennial Park Master Plan, the City of Toronto is in the process of replacing and enlarging the 525-acre park’s playground, replacing its wading pool with a water play area, paving and illuminating various pathways, and adding new multi-use and ice skating trails. 256 Centennial Park Rd.
Winding along both sides of Mimico Creek, the 18-hole, 6,446-yard course at Royal Woodbine Golf Club is open to members and non-members. The Clubhouse, meanwhile, serves a towering Birdie Burger topped with caramelized onions, mushrooms, jalapeno peppers and extra-old cheddar. 195 Galaxy Blvd.
Next door to its namesake horse-racing track, Woodbine Casino is the largest resort of its kind in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Its 328,000 square feet of gaming space includes 4,800 slot machines and 145 live table games. 555 Rexdale Blvd.
