SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATING INTO THE COMMUNITY
On the southwest corner of Church and Front Street East, The Berczy is an elegant boutiquestyle condominium residence in the heart of Toronto’s historic centre. Adjacent to the architecturally celebrated Flatiron Building and only a block from the St. Lawrence Market, The Berczy presented unique challenges for the developer.
“It was important to us and to the neighbourhood that the building’s form and materials respectfully integrate into the context of the community,” says Kelly Wilson, vice president of development for Concert Properties Ltd., the developer of The Berczy.
“The north side on Front Street has the look of merchant buildings, using rich textures and materials like limestone, granite and brick,” he says. The architecture on Church Street just south of Front is reminiscent of a brick warehouse, with large skip-frame windows. At the south end of Church Street is the reconstructed heritage façade of the manufacturing building that once stood there.
In contrast, the upper floors have a distinctly modern exterior. “The lighter look on top gives it an airier, less imposing look,” says Wilson. And to make the upper floors less visible to pedestrians, floors are “terraced” away from the street as the building rises.
The result has been met with enthusiasm. “People in the community love the look, but also appreciate Concert’s collaborative approach and use of good planning principals, like integrated public art, parking and loading zones that are out of sight, and 13,000 square feet of popular retail space at street level for residents and the community.”
Of course, the interior design and amenities were also carefully considered for residents, with large open-concept suites appointed and designed for function and aesthetics. “With only 166 suites, it was important to find just the right balance of outdoor, recreation, fitness, social and entertaining space,” says Wilson.
The proximity to Toronto’s financial core is also a big draw for many residents, who can walk or cycle to work in minutes. The Berczy is close to many of Toronto’s top entertainment venues and great shopping. “We’re also highly serviced by public transit and the Gardiner Expressway.”
The Berczy is an example of how developers can meet the needs of homeowners and the community without sacrificing style.
This is the first in a 3-part series sponsored by BILD. Look for the next one on Saturday, May 30.