Zen condos on King West aim to match millennial lives
New downtown space to offer social hotspots and green space
For 27-year-old Pav Lamba, Toronto’s King West neighbourhood suits his work/live/ play lifestyle to a tee.
It’s close to his job in the Financial District and makes it easy to meet up with friends at hotspots such as Buca, Los Colibris or El Cabillito Tequila Bar. He enjoys being close to the waterfront running track and to his family in nearby Port Credit.
That’s why Lamba is considering purchasing a suite in Zen King West, a new condominium project coming soon from CentreCourt Developments.
The project is tailored to millennials like Lamba who work long hours, have active social lives and are into fitness.
The 32-storey building, coming to King St. W. and Strachan Ave., will offer amenities including a deluxe, 5,000-square-foot gym with running track and zen spa. IQ Food Co., a seasonal kitchen specializing in nutritious, locally sourced food, will open a location on the ground floor.
To tap into the millennial mindset, CentreCourt president Shamez Virani sought the advice of Bader Elkhatib, associate vice-president, 28, who lives in a condo around the corner from the site.
“Bader is a perfect reflection of the type of individuals we see living in the building,” says Virani, of the well-educated, high-achieving, fitness-focused young executive.
“He’s been our real-life guinea pig for all we’re doing at Zen.
“We don’t try to be all things to all people. We define who will live there and do a deep dive to understand what these people want in their home and in their lives,” adds Virani.
“When I joined CentreCourt and learned they had a site close to me, I got really excited about it,” Elkhatib says.
“It’s so close to the action and close to green space. I like to go to the waterfront to run and I have a dog, so having a dog park nearby (South Stanley Park) is huge and Trinity Bellwoods Park is close.
“Having a five-minute walk to work is appealing. Having nightlife is important, but so is having things to do during the day.”
Virani also once lived in the neighbourhood. “What’s unique about King West is that it’s a 24-7 neighbourhood. In the morning, the cafes are buzzing, people are in the parks and walking dogs. And good luck trying to get a seat at lunchtime.”
In addition to its flourishing culinary scene, Virani cites the emergence of new office-space development in King West, with the arrival of companies such as Spotify and Universal Music. “It’s becoming the technology, IT and media braintrust of Toronto.”
Though the neighbourhood is already close to existing parks, more are in the works for the area.
Garrison Crossing, a $19.7-million bridge — the first stainless steel bridge in Canada — will connect Stanley Park to the Fort York grounds to the south. The cycle and pedestrian bridge, that will cross two rail lines, will be completed in summer 2018. Stanley Park is slated for expansion and the future Ordnance Triangle Park is planned between two rail corridors near Strachan Ave.
Virani and Elkhatib also recognized that indoor fitness facilities resonate with millennials.
“I work long hours and I really like the idea of a large gym,” Elkhatib says.
“With my busy schedule, the more convenient it is, the better.”
“The typical (condo) gym design is about utility and having the right equipment more than the finishes. Bader opened our eyes to the new high-end gyms that charge $150 a month for memberships and how it’s not just about equipment, but the environment,” says Virani. “People want to be in a beautiful space they are proud of.”
Elkhatib’s feedback is responsible for elements such as a dedicated cross-fit and kettle ball areas and perks such as plants, comfortable furniture and complimentary juice. “Those things get you excited. Never discount the appeal of an Instagramable gym,” Elkhatib says. “That res- onates with millennials.”
Aunique amenity will be the 3,000square-foot zen spa, with hot and cold plunge pools, steam rooms, cabanas and Wi-Fi, “akin to the nicest five-star hotel spas,” Virani says.
The project is in the registration phase and Virani says response has been overwhelming.
“King West has become the most desirable neighbourhood and millennials are the ones most attracted. There is a shortage of sites in the neighbourhood and this project has opened eyes to a new opportunity.”