3.4K 
On Friday and Saturday we featured articles that gave some insight into the stunning city views that are drawing new residents to the growing Humber Bay Shores development cluster, rising in southern Etobicoke. Seemingly surrounded by construction sites, Amexon Development Corporation’s recently completed South Beach Condos is now bustling with occupants. The II BY IV Design Associates and Arsenault Architects-designed project is made up of twin 27-storey towers, set behind a 2-storey commercial building fronting onto Park Lawn Road, just north of Lake Shore Blvd.
While the $250 million development’s exterior infuses the typical Toronto glass tower with a just hint of Miami-South Beach Art-Deco flair—best seen in the buildings' fins up top—II BY IV Design Associates has dialled up the Modern-meets-Deco a few more notches in the common areas and amenity spaces.
A dominant black and white theme is present throughout the building, with splashes of colour playfully thrown into the mix. The lobby’s plush but starkly coloured furnishings and polished marble floor are accented by colourful touches like over-the-top orange chandeliers and vibrant framed prints of Miami Beach’s classic art deco architecture.
II BY IV took a similar approach with South Beach’s amenity spaces, following the theme of dominating black and white furnishings with colourful accessories.
The spaces seen above and below make up South Beach's part spaces. They include lounge spaces, a large dining/conference room, a more intimate dining space, a demonstration kitchen, and a billiards area.
South Beach's party rooms also come with an 18-seat theatre, complete with stadium seating and an accessible front row to accommodate residents using mobility devices.
With a rich jogging, cycling and fitness culture growing around the Humber Bay Shores’ many paths and trails, South Beach’s extensive gym facilities, known as The Shoreclub, provide fitness buff residents with a way to stay in shape no matter the weather.
Along with cardio and weight-training equipment, The Shoreclub also features an indoor basketball court and squash court, a yoga and Pilates studio, and an on-site personal trainer who can be booked in advance by residents.
Art Deco touches are not the only homage to Miami beach here; the theme extends to south Florida’s long standing culture of swimming and lounging poolside in the sun.
South Beach’s outdoor pool and patio create the towers' closest approximation of Miami Beach atmosphere, and we are happy to report that plastic palm trees were not used here to do it, unlike a certain not-to-be-named waterfront bar in downtown’s port area.
The outdoor pool is certainly an inviting atmosphere, but truth is that life north of the 43rd parallel isn’t always sunshine and bikinis, so for the other half of the year when water can’t promise to be a liquid state outdoors, South Beach has an indoor pool, hot tub and kiddie pool, keeping the resort zeitgeist going here all year.
Sons and daughters-in-law can rejoice, because South Beach has a for $100 per-night guest room, making overnight visits from family and friends much easier to cope with.
A bedroom with high ceilings and an almost entirely marble bathroom is all that is needed here, as the building's amenities are located just down the hall.
Views are a selling point for most condominiums in the Humber Bay Shores area, and this high floor penthouse is no exception. This suite, with modern finishes and enough views for their own article, is currently up for grabs as part of the development's handful of luxury rental suites. (Look on the official site's main page for the Available Rental Units link if you are interested!)
The penthouse balcony also offers a great view of the podium green roof, designed by Cosburn Nauboris Landscape Architects.
Also visible from this vantage point is the two-storey commercial fronting onto Park Lawn, which is home to a new café called Avenue Café + Bistro.
Serving up fresh coffee and gourmet grilled sandwiches made with Ace Bakery bread, Avenue Café + Bistro is already becoming a favourite of South Beach residents. Salads, soups, and a range of desserts are other popular items here.
On a first visit here we were tipped off to their green apple smoothie; it's a total must-try!
The café will soon have even more to offer—a liquor license is on the way—while other spaces in the commercial building will open as the right operators step forward: Amexon only wants the best here, and are looking to add a sushi restaurant, a gelateria, and more in the future.
While the massing, cladding and overall exterior of the towers are for the most part conservative in design, the development is punctuated by distinctive illuminated crowns. Every night, the twin towers are each given a sense of identity, with the west tower glowing blue and the east tower glowing green. The commercial building's facades glow too, highlighting deco details. We'll be back at a closer look as the commercial units open.
Want to know even more about South Beach? Additional information including building facts and renderings can be found in South Beach’s dataBase listing, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or voice your opinion in the comments section provided on this page.
| Related Companies: | Amexon Development Corporation, II BY IV DESIGN, Sigmund Soudack & Associates |
