B.streets’ Contemporary Design Mirrors Neighbourhood Chic

The new B.streets condo development promises to be as unique as the Bloor and Bathurst neighbourhood that surrounds it. Elegantly designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, whose projects include the prestigious Schulich School of Business at York University, the Bahá’í Temple of Light and the Institute for Contemporary Culture at the ROM, B.streets condos adds glamour and sophistication to a lively, downtown neighbourhood. Principal architect David Pontarini expresses his excitement about the project, “What we’ve done is created an architectural structure that introduces a dynamic relationship between this new residential building and the storefronts on Bloor. Essentially, we’re swapping an underutilized space with an innovative and artistic development with retail space beneath.” Hariri Pontarini Architects delivers their characteristic creative vision to B.streets, one which brilliantly integrates the materiality of its urban context and the boldness of an adventurous design.

Built on the site of an old school, B.streets’ architecture reflects a more modern vocabulary of shape and colour, inspired by European precedents. “I would describe it as playful, more relaxed, less formal,” says Mr. Pontarini, “We really didn’t want a static roofline, but rather a whimsical silhouette that explores and replicates the rhythm of the smaller shops on Bloor Street.” To this end, the 9-storey building is accented with irregular cubic modules on its front made even more dramatic by the colour-scheme of the structure as a whole. The top portion is a creamy light colour, while the bottom is grounded by a modern grey brick hue that Mr. Pontarini explains is meant to mirror the masonry of the shops in the neighbourhood. Clients will appreciate the building’s uniqueness most when selecting a unit – there are many different suite designs to choose from amongst the 195 units! The upper floors include spectacular two-storey suites that will appeal to people seeking larger units and terraces with excellent views. Prices range from the mid $200,000’s to the mid $700,000’s and sizes are available from 380 sq. f.t to over 1,250 sq. ft.

With interiors designed by Cecconi Simone, the design concept is a direct response to the neighborhood and the architecture of the building; there are elements of industrial era design that have been re-interpreted in a modern way.  Residents will appreciate the clean contemporary style: while eclectic in its material palette, it maintains a sophisticated urban aesthetic.

 

The kitchen combines transitional and contemporary cabinetry seamlessly: shaker doors in black are combined with flat panel doors in wood grain. There’s a feature metal mesh in the upper cabinet doors, an industrial material used in a new way.   The metallic tile backsplash in a brick pattern adds texture and reflection.  The Bathroom is an homage to turn-of-the-century New York bathrooms through the use of small sized glossy tiles with contrasting grout.  The vanity is contemporary with a porcelain vessel sink complete with stainless steel accessories.

 

In the sales office, art installations draw clients further into the experience of the neighborhood itself. Potential purchasers can view some of the innovative design choices in the kitchen and bathroom suite vignettes. The overall design combines a sleek modern palette  with an industrial eclectic feel – neutral woods, blacks, and whites dominate the modern finishes.  It’s a contemporary vibe, but one that radiates comfort, a sense of the area and, most importantly, a sense of home.

 

Pedestrians passing by may catch a glimpse of a massive 23 foot-high mural that covers two sides of the presentation centre’s exterior. The artwork, which features scenes depicting local denizens, is based on photographs taken by blogTO photo editor and former area resident Tom Ryaboi. Lindvest hired Ryaboi to document this diverse community, where street activity is vibrant and people define its essence. 

 

A well-respected leader in the real estate development industry, Lindvest Propertied Limited is known for its visionary approaches to the development of residential and commercial properties across the GTA. The principals of award-winning Lindvest and its affiliates have excelled in land development, quality construction and professional property management for more than 50 years. Lindvest counts customer satisfaction as the basis of its corporate philosophy.

 

B.streets’ prized location, just steps from the TTC and the best Toronto has to offer, cannot be underestimated. The opportunity to purchase a modern architectural gem in a well-established neighbourhood of this stature are few and far between.