West-end location offers buyers best of both worlds
This time, Quadrangle was chosen to design Picnic inside and out.
High Park is arguably the most unique amenity in the city that a development could market itself with, but transit is also easily accessible for both buildings.
“The nice thing about Picnic, and the High Park for that matter, is they’re on the east side of Bloor West Village, but proximity to High Park is almost better,” said Fidani. “I think you don’t want to be too much further west because you’re tucked away from a bit of the noise of Bloor West Village, but the proximity to Runnymede (subway) station and High Park station is great.”
About 80 per cent of Picnic’s 68 units are two-bedroom suites because they were the fastest sellers at the High Park. Picnic’s upscale interior finishes are curated with everything from marble bathrooms to granite countertops, and units also feature large walk-in closets and fivepiece ensuites.
The North Drive partners have also tasked themselves with overseeing sales, an uncommon undertaking for builders.
“It’s something we chose to do because we’re a brand new group and we really want to understand what purchasers are looking for, what’s involved in the sales process and we feel like we’ve got it now,” said Fidani.
Picnic’s amenities include a gym, gourmet kitchen and a rooftop terrace equipped with a double-fireplace, lounge chairs, outdoor-kitchen and, of course, breathtaking views of High Park and the downtown skyline. There’s a two-acre parkette behind Picnic.
Ed Crosby and his wife, self-pro- fessed “biased west-enders,” bought a two-bedroom-plus den unit at the High Park, primarily because it’s a boutique building. The couple fre- quent restaurants in Bloor West Village and High Park with Fitzey, their eight-year-old dog.
“The great thing about being a dog person is you’re walking all the time,” said Crosby.
“I’ve been taking my dog to High Park for a long time. There are paths through the forest; we could do a good hour walk and not cover the same ground. It’s very important for me and Fitzey to get outside and get exercise every day.”
Crosby calls Bloor West Village a beautiful intersection between Roncesvalles Village and the Junction, and a unique expanse within the city because its bucolic charm is a 15minute subway ride from downtown.
“I’m going to use my car a lot less when I move there (from the Kingsway),” Crosby said. “I think it’s the premier area of the city and the view’s going to be spectacular. I love being out in the forest and that’s what High Park provides in the city.”