The new B.streets condo development promises a unique extension to the Bloor and Bathurst neighbourhood that hugs it. With an elegant mid-rise 9-storey design 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.

B.streets Condos, image courtesy of Lindvest Properties

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.

B.streets Condos, image courtesy of Lindvest Properties

Lindvest Properties enlisted a Toronto muralist to create a massive mural capturing the local neighbourhood’s uniqueness. Measuring 23 feet in height, the mural runs 82 feet along Bathurst and 53 feet along the building’s north side. Based on photographs taken by blogTO photo editor Tom Ryaboi, this artwork depicts local denizens. The muralist projects images at night to capture outlines, then airbrushes colour during the day. Drop by to see it, it should be finishing up very soon. 

Mural underway at B.streets Condos, image courtesy of Lindvest Properties

To capture some of the area’s everyday magic, Lindvest hired professional photographer Tom Ryaboi. Mr. Ryaboi’s lens brings the neighbourhood’s bold and multi-faceted personality into focus: “I was there to document this diverse community,” says Mr. Ryaboi, “There’s so much happening here on the street level. People truly are the essence of this neighbourhood.” Having lived in the area for five years himself, Mr. Ryaboi’s favourite hotspots include Future Bakery, New Generation Sushi (one of 12 sushi spots on the strip) and the environmentally-friendly Green Beanery.

Honest Ed's near B.streets Condos, image by Tom Ryaboi, courtesy of Lindvest Properties

Koreatown near B.streets Condos, image by Tom Ryaboi, courtesy of Lindvest Properties

Lee's Palace near B.streets Condos, image by Tom Ryaboi, courtesy of Lindvest Properties

The opportunity to purchase a modern architectural gem in a well-established neighbourhood of this stature are few and far between. Check out UrbanToronto's dataBase listing for B.streets for more information, and how to register. Click the links below to join in the discussion about B.streets in UrbanToronto's forums.

Related Companies:  Cecconi Simone, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, Lindvest Properties, Milborne Group