2.5K 
Just beyond the downtown core is the booming district of Humber Bay Shores. The area was up until recently known for being home to the somewhat seedy – albeit picturesque – lakefront motels, however the prime waterside location and easy commute downtown marked the land ripe for development. A number of buildings have already been registered, with a second wave approaching completion in the near future. One project that has already begun occupancy with full completion set for early next year is Amexon's South Beach Condos + Lofts, located just north of Park Lawn and Lake Shore.
The Miami Art Deco inspiration singles the development out amidst its neighbours, most of whom use more direct nautical themes in their design. While the deco-aesthetic has proven to be contentious amongst UrbanToronto Forum members, the attention paid to detail, materials and delivery has far surpassed expectations. Dan Menchions, founding partner of II by IV Design Associates, was nice enough to invite UrbanToronto to tour the amenities of South Beach Condos, still a work-in-progress, and we're sharing what we saw with you today.
Upon entering the building the initial impact and most striking feature is the sheer scale of the lobby, occupying a whopping 7000 square feet of space. II by IV has transformed a mammoth-sized room into one that encourages loitering, interspersed with various seating arrangements that make the space seem like more of an event space than lobby. Unique artwork includes a life sized horse lamp (designed by Moooi and sourced from Klaus on King East), as well as unique 1960s photographs from Miami's South Beach, which have been tinted to add pops of color throughout the room. Not everything is done in here yet – many of the final touches including several custom designed carpets are still to be installed - so we will save many views until a follow-up visit.
Passing through the lobby towards the elevators takes you past the fitness centre, a space that feel more like a very high-end gym that condominium amenity.
A designated fitness lobby with attendant separates the amenity from the elevator corridor; residents will also be able to take advantage of on-site personal trainers and spa facilities. The weight and machine room looks out to a landscaped garden, as do the indoor basketball and squash courts.
After checking out the well-equipped gym we made our way into in the surprisingly luxurious change rooms. Nicer than most private clubs offer, the facilities are accented by marble and mirrors, and wrapped in granite mosaic and quality subway tiles, with fixtures and finishes we're used to seeing in the most exclusive penthouse units rather than common amenities.
Passing through the change room we arrived at the indoor salt-water pool, set to open shortly, which shares space with a hot tub and separate kids pool. Floor to ceiling windows frame the lushly green Mimico Creek ravine to the west, just before it opens out into Lake Ontario.
The amenities continue outside, where a lengthy plunge and lap pool is surrounded by loungers, cabanas and separated seating areas. Extensive landscaping visually sepeartes the outdoor amenity from surrounding developments, emphasizing the building's location next to the creek.
Heading back inside we began to notice the small details that make all the difference in large-scale projects. The pattern on the ceiling – all designed by II by IV – is carried through to the elevator lobby, subtly repeated in both the carpeting and wallpaper on each floor of the building. While definitely not Miami Art Deco, the juxtaposition of various stylistic elements helps negate the kitsch that all too often arises when Deco is applied on such a large scale.
Menchions' enthusiasm for this project was evident in his presentation of the building to us. His emphasis on the coordination and cooperation between developer, designer and architect speaks to the creative freedom and trust afforded to the design team by Amexon. The developer approached II by IV with an idea – Miami's colourful South Beach – and asked them to not only create the interior but to also work with Arsenault Architects on the exterior. The towers balance clean contemporary design with a slight Deco flare – expressed in the vertical bands and playful nighttime illumination - as well as the dramatic porte-cochere.
Turning towards Park Lawn our attention was immediately drawn to the strip of retail under construction, a distinctly separate entity from the condominium. In order to ensure appropriate retail and to control tenants, Amexon has retained ownership of the buildings. Furthermore they've decided to manage and own the businesses that will take up shop, with a SoBe Spa, an izakaya restaurant, an Italian gelateria and a high-end grocer set to open when construction wraps up. This retail strip will continue south as future developments take form, hoping to enliven Park Lawn as the neighbourhood develops.
South Beach Condos is one of many developments arising in Humber Bay Shores, and has most definitely set a standard for those buildings that will soon begin construction. Amexon's history in hotel management coupled with II by IV's extensive luxury and hospitality portfolio is evident in South Beach. While the use of Miami Art Deco is a stretch out of context, II by IV has found a balance that makes the project a welcome splash of color and mid-century design amidst an increasingly homogenous condominium landscape. A detail-oriented approach to design on such a large-scale is rare, and we look forward to seeing the final product when construction wraps up.
| Related Companies: | Amexon Development Corporation, II BY IV DESIGN, Sigmund Soudack & Associates |
