A Deeper Look at XO2 Condos’ Interiors Appointed by Tomas Pearce
A Deeper Look at XO2 Condos’ Interiors Appointed by Tomas Pearce
In January, Lifetime Developments and Pinedale Properties launched XO2 Condos, and gave us a look at the interiors planned for the building at King and Dufferin in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood. The Turner Fleischer Architects-designed building is the second phase of the development, and will stand northeast across the intersection from its first phase, XO Condos, which launched in 2019 and is currently under construction. While we’ve previously shared a sneak peek at the interiors of XO2, UrbanToronto recently spoke to Melandro Quilatan, president and co-founder of Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc, who gave us a better understanding of the unique spaces that are planned.
“In designing the XO2 Condos, we wanted to create a space that is as dynamic, urban, and edgy as the community surrounding it,” said Quilatan. “King and Dufferin is home to a vibrant and young community, and we wanted to extend this identity into our project. Through art installations and bold, contemporary design features, we are able to bring soul into the space; to tell stories and promote creativity and social interaction.”
XO2 Condos in Toronto by Turner Fleischer Architects for Lifetime Developments and Pinedale Properties
One of the first areas Quilatan pointed out was XO2’s lobby – which he says is one of his favourite spaces in the building. “With its double-height ceilings and a custom-made triple archway structure, visitors and residents will instantly be wowed as they enter the building. And the surprises don’t stop there – the lobby will also feature interactive art gallery walls, fun light fixtures, and stylish seating arrangements.”
At the end of the archway will be a modern concierge desk made of copper that will oxidize and become more interesting over time. The lobby also features a red brick wall on one side, inspired by the heritage wall found in the first phase sister development, XO. On the other side of the space will be floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in natural light. The lobby will have a parcel delivery room with a chilled area for receiving groceries, a pet wash, and a dedicated mailroom.
Lobby of XO2 Condos
XO2 will boast a total of 11,300 ft² of facilities and amenities that will include the city’s only tree-lined outdoor rooftop terrace complete with a bocce ball court, fire pit lounges, barbecue stations, a massive art mural, and an outdoor kids playground fitted with its own sandbox and track.
Quilatan commented on the shared spaces that Tomas Pearce designed. “Few, if any, condos in the city have the luxurious amenities that XO2 residents will enjoy,” he said. “With an entire floor dedicated to entertainment and outdoor activity, there’s plenty for everyone to do – from enjoying a fun night with friends in the Games and Media room to celebrating your little one’s birthday in the Kids Zone, and getting your workout in at the Fitness Center to enjoying a family barbecue in the courtyard.”
XO2’s Kids Zone will uniquely be fitted with an arts and crafts corner, built-in library, pretend play area, movie corner, as well as an outdoor playground for children of residents to enjoy.
The Kids’ Zone
The XO2 Condos will also be home to Toronto’s first in-house urban kick-boxing studio – part of its expansive fitness centre with indoor and outdoor gyms, a free-weights zone, and a dedicated cardio area; along with a golf simulation studio, and a modular kids play area. The expansive fitness centre will take up one entire floor of XO2.
“During the pandemic, there was a huge shift in focus on the importance of mental and physical health,” said Quilatan “At XO2’s Fitness Centre, residents will have convenient access to de-stress and workout close to home.”
The space will have large windows and glass partitions to separate different sections. Mirrors and brick veneers will add depth and character, while the wood panelling across the matte white and black ceiling will give the space a modern feel.
The Free Motion fitness lab
Other amenities that XO2 will feature include a sizeable multipurpose room with a communal dining table, a billiards table, and a bar and lounge area. The building will also include what it calls the ‘Think Tank,’ where residents will be able to go and get some work done in a quiet area outside of their unit. The Think Tank is designed as a dedicated space capable of accommodating both individual and group work; residents will be able to choose between booth seating arrangements with privacy screens and gorgeous quartz tables, a modern board room outfitted with equipment for remote meetings, or a communal study table. The Think Tank will also be equipped with a coffee and juice station and outfitted with office equipment like printers, scanners, stationary, chalkboards, and more.
When XO2 Condos by Lifetime Developments — the sister building to XO Condos and one of the first highrise launches this year — is completed in Liberty Village, Lovebots will take up residence among the human inhabitants. As well as a completed five-foot black matte Lovebot that Lifetime has purchased, Del Degan will be creating indoor and outdoor sculptures and murals for XO2. He’s done multi-faceted projects before, but this will be his largest.
“Every Lifetime development has an artist collaborator,” explains Lifetime Developments’ principal Brian Brown. “We believe in supporting great talent in Toronto to tell a story, capture the essence of the neighbourhood, and to add an extra creative layer to our buildings.
Del Degan got the idea for Lovebot while studying industrial and product design at OCAD University. He noticed how passengers on the subway ignored each other and acted like robots with their devices, so he was inspired to create a robot — but one with a heart.
Lovebot’s design and message are aimed at the young professionals and families who want to make Liberty Village their home. When the first tower, XO Condos, was launched in 2019, it sold out almost immediately and XO2 is expected to generate the same response. Brown says there will be retail space on the ground floor to bring additional amenities to the area.
“It’s a very young, up-and-coming neighbourhood going through a transition,” says Brown. “There’s a lot happening in the Liberty Village-King West area and it’s rare to have a development on two streetcar car lines, plus the proposed SmartTrack line and Ontario Line. It’s a major connected neighbourhood and one reason Liberty Village is growing so quickly.”
The SmartTrack plan is to expand GO Transit service within Toronto. The Ontario line is the new 15.6-km line, including subway service, planned for inside the city. Both will have stops in Liberty Village. The XO2 location boasts a perfect Transit Score of 100 and a Walk Score of 96, and has direct access to the King-Liberty Pedestrian Cycle Bridge. It’s also within a walk to restaurants, shops, pubs and cafes.
XO2 will be a 19-storey building with 410 suites, designed by Turner Fleischer Architects with interiors by Tomas Pearce. Brown says it has been designed with two key elements in mind: to accommodate the next generation of home buyers looking for a highly accessible area and to address residents’ desires to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Amenities in the building include a 3,500-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art fitness centre. For the second time, Lifetime is partnering with Freemotion Fitness to design the space that will be powered by iFit to provide live and on-demand studio classes and global workouts (the first partnership was with Oscar Residences, in The Annex). The KO-XO dedicated boxing studio will be outfitted with heavy bags.
Brown uses iFit himself. “It really changed my home workout. I could be jogging with someone in South Africa or Croatia. It’s a more enriching experience and is where fitness is going — to be more content-driven and interactive,” he said. Other XO2 amenities include a residents’ lounge with kitchen and dining area, outdoor dining and lounging areas, rooftop bocce court, a co-working facility, indoor-outdoor facility for children and a games arcade where a 3D mural by Del Degan will be installed.
Del Degan plans to follow the process he used to create a mural in Trinity-Bellwoods Park — talking to residents and friends in the neighbourhood for insights about what’s important to them. Based on those conversations, he’ll create the 3D mural to reflect the experiences and stories he hears.
XO2 will also be the second Lifetime Developments’ building to use Clear Inc.’s air- and water-filtration systems. The air system has received regulatory approval from Israel’s Ministry of Health and has passed initial testing at its California facility, indicating it’s 99.9 per cent effective in removing viruses, such as SARS COV-2 in enclosed spaces. Gil Blutrich, founder and CEO of Clear Inc. (and founder and former president of Skyline International Developments) says his company’s mission is to improve public health and safety with technologies that deliver clean indoor air and water. Lifetime is Clear Inc.’s first Toronto developer partner.
“We are hearing that purchasers are concerned about how air is filtered through a building and that it’s a key decision factor,” says Brown. “As well as this incredible technology that will eliminate 99 per cent of viruses and pathogens, the water is filtered in the building so the tap water is as clear as bottled water.”
Toronto’s Lovebot Set To Invade New King Street Condo Development
Toronto’s Lovebot Set To Invade New King Street Condo Development
Have you ever heard of Lovebot? If you haven’t, it’s about time you get acquainted with this lovable, faceless robot. The Lovebot is a sculpture that’s easy to spot and recognize as it’s a geometric robot — without a face — sporting a red heart logo on its torso. Do you know many of those? I didn’t think so.
Lovebot was created by Toronto-based artist Matthew Del Degan and was designed to be a representation for the “Love Invasion” movement — a campaign Degan launched with a goal of spreading love, kindness, and compassion in Toronto and beyond. Soon this Love Invasion will spread all the way to King Street, as Degan is collaborating with Lifetime Developments on a new condo project that will keep the love flowing.
Degan’s initial grassroots initiative featured the distribution of 100 backyard-made, hand-cast, two-foot tall concrete Lovebot sculptures across Toronto and surrounding areas, but boy is this movement growing.
Lovebot will no longer just be sitting in the backyards of those in the GTA — our friendly faceless robot is moving up — literally — taking on the high-rise life. Degan is bringing Lovebot, in the form of indoor and outdoor sculptures, as well as murals which will be integrated within the communal living environments, to XO2 Condos, a King Street West condo building set to welcome residents in 2022.
The goal of this collaboration is to inspire the new residents of XO2 Condos and further complement the creative spirit of the community.
Lifetime Developments, a Toronto-based condo developer, has worked on many impressive projects and collaborations involving the arts such as Lenny Kravitz x Bisha Hotel, Mr. Brainwash x Lifeline Foundation, George Pimentel x Oscar Residences, and now the XO2 Condos — their newest endeavour and part of their mission to enhance communities by supporting the arts. What better way to support the arts than by bringing this love-exuding sculpture to Liberty Village?
The idea of Lovebot representing the “Love Invasion” movement is that it serves as a loving disruption to our “robotic” routines, all while reiterating the fact that it is a privilege to be human, to feel emotions, and to not be restricted to algorithms and programming. Many of us get caught up in the day to day, working in our concrete jungles, but we all have the ability to express compassion, love, and kindness. Lovebot serves as a reminder that there is goodness all around us that we can (and should) seek out and harness.
The origins of Degan’s creation are hyper-local, even with such a globally relatable message. The vision behind Lovebot, in essence, pays homage to his arrival in Toronto. After noting the uninspired expressions of city subway passengers, he felt that people in his city could benefit from expressing more compassion. His project really took hold in 2013, after a slew of media coverage profiled his early Lovebot sculptures. Though the sculptures are all very similar to one another, each one was tied to an individual tale or act of kindness.
Especially in these trying times, it’s clear we could all benefit from a little bit more love and Lovebot is here to deliver.
The new project follows the 2019 release of XO Condos on the site. XO2 Condos will have a total of 410 suites located at 1182 King St. W. Consultants for the project include Turner Fleischer Architects, interior designers Tomas Pearce and landscape architects Strybos Barron King, stated a Jan. 4 release.
XO2 Condos will feature approximately 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space including a 3,500-square-foot fitness centre, boxing studio, residents’ lounge with chef’s kitchen, dining area and pool table, outdoor dining and lounge area with fireplaces and barbecues, rooftop bocce court and parkette, co-working facility, games room, golf simulation room and children’s den.
In partnership with Clear Inc. there will also be air and water filtration systems, a process that recently received regulatory approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health and is said to achieve 99-per-cent effectiveness in eliminating viruses such as the coronavirus from enclosed spaces.
“XO2 has been designed with two key elements in mind — the next generation of homebuyers seeking ownership in a highly accessible area, and addressing the evolving needs of prospective residents in order to lead a health-conscious way of life,” said Brian Brown, principal at Lifetime Developments, in a statement.
“We strongly believe that the future of real estate is in healthy buildings, healthy communities and healthy cities,” said Gil Blutrich, CEO of Clear Inc. “Pathogens in both air and water pose major health risks to building residents and current conditions are not up to the task. Our mission is to improve public health and safety by delivering clean indoor air and water.”
XO2 Condos will offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units in addition to a small collection of two-storey live/work townhomes. The building will also feature 15,000 square feet of retail and commercial space in addition to commercial parking.
Lifetime Developments and Pinedale Properties recently launched XO2 Condos, with plans for 410 units spread across 19 storeys in the King and Dufferin neighbourhood of Toronto.
A theme throughout the building and its 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space is health and wellness. The developer partnered with Freemotion Fitness Lab to bring in higher-level cardio and strength-training equipment that offers a content-driven experience that is interactive and immersive.
The 3,500-square-foot Freemotion Fitness Lab outfitted in partnership with connected fitness experts.
The developer also partnered with Clear Inc., a Toronto-based air and water filtration technology company that recently received approval from The Israeli Ministry of Health, passing initial testing at its facilities in California and achieving 99.99 per cent effectiveness in eliminating viruses, such as SARS COV-2.
XO2 will also feature a rooftop bocce court and urban parkette, a children’s den and outdoor playground, a games zone, a dedicated golf simulation room, and a co-working facility.
The Think Tank co-working facility will feature high-speed WIFI, private workstations, a private meeting room and communal-style seating.
XO2 follows its sister building XO Condos, which launched in 2019. Turner Fleischer Architects designed the space with interior designer Tomas Pearce and landscape architect Strybos Barron King.
“XO2 has been designed with two key elements in mind — the next generation of home buyers seeking ownership in a highly accessible area and addressing the evolving needs of prospective residents in order to lead a health-conscious way of life,” says Brian Brown, principal, Lifetime Developments.
Toronto artist and designer Matthew Del Degan will act as an artist collaborator on the XO2 project. He launched the Toronto-based grassroots initiative Lovebot to disrupt robotic routines through art and illuminate compassion in urban locales.
“Our love for this neighbourhood runs deep given our history at this location, and in Liberty Village, going back to 2004,” says Brown. “Matthew will be bringing indoor and outdoor sculptures, as well as murals which will be integrated within the communal living environments, designed to inspire residents and complement the creative spirit of the community and most importantly to show our love and passion for this incredible neighbourhood.”
Inside, units consist of one, two and three bedrooms, in addition to a small collection of two-storey live/work townhomes. XO2 will also feature over 15,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space and commercial parking.
New West-End High Rise Promises Amenity-Rich Life in the Heart of the Action
New West-End High Rise Promises Amenity-Rich Life in the Heart of the Action
With developable land in Toronto’s epicentre at a premium, it’s rare to secure space at a brand-new building in the heart of all the action. But, a new development rising at King and Dufferin proves there are still gems to be found.
Located at 1182 King Street West, the development, aptly named XO2 Condos, is the encore to the incredibly successful XO Condos, which launched in 2019 and is currently sold out.
When completed, XO2 Condos will have a total of 410 suites spread across 19 storeys. The condo will stand just a streetcar ride away from the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, while offering residents an amenity-rich lifestyle in a vibrant location.
In the heart of King West, XO2 Condos will be the perfect place for young professionals or empty nesters — or really, just about anyone who is looking for the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Here you are steps from mass transit, including the previously announced Ontario Line station, a five-minute walk to the future King-Liberty SmartTrack Station, while the King streetcar stops right outside. Of course, the Gardiner Expressway and adjoining highways are also close by, connecting residents to neighbouring cities and beyond.
Residents will truly be in the heart of the action, with parks, entertainment, incredible restaurants, shopping, and culture right at their doorstep. The prime location also means that the urban and industrial vibe of neighbouring Liberty village and the eclectic and hip energy of Queen Street West are also all within walking distance.
For those keen on embracing more of an active lifestyle, the waterfront and its accompanying scenic views, parks, and pathways are a relatively quick walk or bike ride away.
At XO2, striking architecture will rise at a bustling intersection where two iconic neighbourhoods intersect, as locals and visitors alike travel through the surrounding amenity-filled streets.
Prospective residents can choose from a mix of modern suites ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Each unit will have a large balcony with picturesque views of the city, lake, and beyond, plus convenient in-suite laundry.
On site, there will be a mixture of 18,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor amenity space, including a 3,500 square foot Freemotion Fitness Lab that will be one of the city’s most advanced and exclusive training spaces. Here, XO2 residents will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and iFit — a leading interactive fitness program offering live and on-demand studio classes and workouts. Additionally, residents will also have access to KO-XO Boxing Studio — a dedicated boxing area with hanging heavy bags.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. The building will also feature a residents lounge with a chef’s kitchen, dining area, private seating alcoves, and a pool table. Outside, there will be an outdoor dining and lounge area complete with fireplaces and BBQ stations, plus a rooftop bocce court and urban parkette.
For those working from home, there will be a ‘Think Tank’ – Lifetime’s co-working facility, complete with high-speed WIFI, private workstations, a private meeting room, and communal-style seating.
On the days (and nights), when residents are looking to blow off steam, they can head to ‘The Game Zone,’ featuring retro arcade games, a ping pong table, a TV Lounge, and an adjacent golf simulation room.
Of course, there’s even amenities geared toward younger residents, including ‘The Children’s Den’ — a kids’ facility complete with an indoor creative centre and outdoor playground.
XO2 will also be the second of Lifetime’s developments that will feature Toronto-based Clear Inc. air and water systems. Clear Inc. is a leader in water and air filtration technology, so residents can feel sage knowing that all shared amenities spaces, including elevators, will be outfitted with top-of-the-line air and water filtration technology.
But above all, the new build will further add to the vibrancy of King West, by welcoming over 15,000 square feet of new retail and commercial space that will help reshape and revitalize the King and Dufferin area, while also attracting new businesses and residents to the heart of the west-end neighbourhood.
Lifetime Developments Launches XO2 Condos with a Plethora of Amenities
Lifetime Developments Launches XO2 Condos with a Plethora of Amenities
Lifetime Developments, in partnership with Pinedale Properties, has announced XO2 Condos, the second building of its development project in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood. The second phase will stand northeast of the first phase — XO Condos, which launched in 2019 — across both King and Dufferin streets. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, XO2 Condos will have a total of 410 suites spread across 19 storeys located at 1182 King Street West.
XO2 Condos in Toronto by Turner Fleischer Architects for Lifetime Developments and Pinedale Properties
“XO2 has been designed with two key elements in mind — the next generation of home buyers seeking ownership in a highly accessible area, and addressing the evolving needs of prospective residents in order to lead a health-conscious way of life,” said Brian Brown, Principal of Lifetime Developments.
XO2 Condos will offer studio, one, two and three-bedroom units, in addition to a small collection of 2-storey townhomes. Adding to the vibrancy along King Street, XO2 will also feature over 15,000 ft² of new retail and commercial space, in addition to commercial parking.
XO2 suite
Lifetime will also be introducing an amenity program at XO2, catering to both young families and new expectations for downtown living. “We remain committed to constantly rethinking our amenity program with each building to ensure that what we’re offering truly enriches life in our buildings,” said Brown. “It goes beyond making sure that we have a lounge and a fitness room in our buildings — every building offers that, so we work to ensure that we’re offering best-in-class facilities that people will want to use.”
XO2 Condos will feature approximately 18,000 ft² of combined indoor and outdoor amenity space, including a Free Motion fitness lab, which will include a 3,500 ft² state-of-the-art fitness centre designed in partnership with fitness experts from Free Motion Fitness, and powered by iFIT, offering live and on-demand studio classes and workouts.
The Free Motion fitness lab
The Free Motion fitness lab will be the second of its kind launched by Lifetime, following its inaugural launch in Oscar Residences. “Our partnership with Freemotion Fitness really elevates our fitness facilities and allows us to offer superior cardio and strength training equipment,” said Brown. “Freemotion’s iFIT technology has had a major impact on this evolving industry, and we are proud to be aligned with a leader in this field.”
iFit is a content-driven interactive program that uses auto-adjusting technology to deliver an immersive and interactive experience to its users, including changes to incline, decline, speed, and resistance – making for a unique workout experience.
Other amenities at XO2 will include a KO-XO Boxing Studio, and a residents lounge fitted with chef kitchen, dining area, multiple private seating alcoves, and a pool table. Interiors of the shared spaces will be appointed by Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc.
Residents lounge
As for outdoor amenities, XO2 will have an outdoor dining and lounge area complete with fireplaces and BBQ stations, as well as a rooftop bocce court, and an urban parkette.
Outdoor dining and lounge area
The development will also feature what Lifetime calls, “The Think Tank” a co-working facility complete with high-speed WIFI, private workstations, a private meeting room, and communal-style seating.
The Think Tank
Another unique amenity is “The Game Zone” which will feature retro arcade games, a ping pong table, and TV Lounge, and a dedicated golf simulation room.
The Game Zone
Finally, the development will also include “The Children’s Den” a kids facility complete with indoor creative centre, and an outdoor playground.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March of 2020, See You Soon Toronto was born. Lifetime Developments’ Principal, Brian Brown, artist Ben Johnston and ETalk’s Tyrone Edwards came together when we were forced to be apart to support the community of Toronto and those impacted the most by the pandemic. To date, See You Soon Toronto has raised over $450,000 with 100% of the proceeds going to COVID-19 relief through meal drop programs and direct donations benefiting dozens of charities and organizations including Sister’s Keeper, Feed The Frontlines, Fred Victor, University Health Network hospitals, St. Michael’s Hospital, SickKids Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, St. Felix Centre, Parkdale Community Foodbank, Toronto Fire Department and Markham Stouffville Hospital.
We are incredibly humbled to have received the Stephen Dupuis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award at this year’s 41st Annual BILD Awards See You Soon Toronto. This award, created in name and memory of the late BILD President and CEO, Stephen Dupuis who was a strong advocate for the industry and a tireless proponent of CSR, recognizes a member company or individual committed to community building through exceptional charitable/community involvement. Supporting those in need and giving back to the larger community has always been key pillars of the Lifetime brand, and it’s truly incredible to see the fruits of the work we’ve done across the GTA be recognized. Thank you to anyone who has supported See You Soon — we cannot thank you enough!
Sign Up
Stay informed on Lifetime Developments current and upcoming projects.
At Lifetime, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are always looking at how we do business from every angle. Over the last four decades, we have established ourselves as reputable builders and we’re proud of how far we’ve come. As we look towards the future and adapting to evolving needs in our communities, especially as a result of the pandemic, we want to be a part of the solution to providing our residents with easy, innovative ways to lead healthy, active lifestyles. We’re proud to be the first developer in Canada to partner with Clear Inc., a Toronto-based leader in cutting-edge water and air purification technologies. Through this strategic partnership, Lifetime will be implementing these systems into all our new buildings going forward, starting with Oscar Residences.
Clear’s trail-blazing Aura Smart Air’s air filtration system recently received regulatory approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health, a global leader in the fight against COVID-19, passing initial testing at its facilities in California and achieving 99.99% effectiveness in eliminating viruses in enclosed spaces. Like Clear, we too believe that healthy indoor air and water is a right, not a privilege. As indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and most of the U.S and Canada’s drinking water infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life, systems that further provide additional filtration and purification are no longer a nice-to-have in our eyes. We remain committed to providing residents with future-forward, innovative ways to live a healthy lifestyle, especially in the midst of a collective, heightened understanding of how pollutants impact our daily lives and long-term health.
Sign Up
Stay informed on Lifetime Developments current and upcoming projects.
On the map: XO Condos at King and Dufferin are taking McDonald’s place
On the map: XO Condos at King and Dufferin are taking McDonald’s place
A pair of high-rises moving into South Parkdale are being designed with youthful residents in mind
Two mixed-use condominiums are coming to burger-and-fry central in Parkdale, a.k.a. the intersection of King and Dufferin, where the McDonald’s on the southwest corner dished out Big Macs for decades.
Demolished in early 2020, scaffolding is covering the site where a construction crew is preparing for the 14-storey, 307-unit XO Condos, scheduled for completion in 2023.
The rooftop terrace is “similar to what you’d see on Adelaide or Richmond,” says interior designer Melandro Quilatan. Lit stools “define the mood come sundown.”
A second tower, the 19-storey, 404-unit XO2, meanwhile is slated for the strip mall across the street on the northeast corner, where Burger King is still selling Whoppers, and a Quiznos also operates.
The smaller units at XO Condos have sold out; remaining inventory starts at $1-million for three-bedroom suites and penthouses, including two-storey penthouses dropping soon. Units are sized at more than 900 square feet and include parking, lockers and upgraded design features.
“It’s rare that you get an opportunity to change a major intersection in such a dramatic way,” says Brian Brown, vice-president of Lifetime Developments, who, along with Pinedale Properties, is behind the venture.
Brown adds that the intersection is a key “connection point for four different neighbourhoods — King West, Queen West, Liberty Village and Parkdale.”
The location is steps from mass transit, including the newly announced Ontario Line station — it’s a five-minute walk to the future King-Liberty SmartTrack Station, says Brown. The Gardiner Expressway and adjoining highways are also around the bend through the Dufferin Gate.
South Parkdale is similar to Liberty Village in 2004, says Brown. That was when Lifetime Developments acquired its first property there, the 300,000-square-foot Liberty Market Building at 171 Liberty St. E.
“At the time, Liberty was very much a neighbourhood in transition, and that’s what King and Dufferin is like right now,” says Brown. Liberty Village was once an industrial enclave where factories produced carpets and heavy machinery before its turn as a residential and retail hub.
“Aside from adding an architectural statement to both corners, both buildings will also have new retail at the ground level along King Street,” says Brown.
The kids’ zone is connected to an outdoor play area.
In Turner Fleischer Architects’ design plan for XO Condos, the historic bank on the site will remain intact; the 14-storey building will be set behind it, giving the heritage element prominence.
“The [condo’s] design is rooted in the spirit and character of downtown Toronto’s west end,” says Steve Nonis, principal of Turner Fleischer Architects. It features articulated precast concrete forms, “and the base building pays homage to pedestrian interactions with the building and expresses the importance of the retail and building entry,” says Nonis. Meanwhile, “the balconies on the upper storeys are recessed and projecting, creating an interesting interplay of shadow and light.”
Melandro Quilatan, principal of Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting, is finessing the interiors at both condos, which when completed, he says, will have distinct identities.
“This is our sixth development with Lifetime,” says Quilatan. “What I love about Lifetime is they have this uncanny ability to suss out pockets of the city to build vertical communities [in].”
Lifetime Developments’ midrise Oscar Residences, for example, is due to awaken a snoozy stretch of Dupont Street once it’s completed in 2024. And there’s RVER Condos, in the initial stages of planning, going in by the Don on the southeast corner of River and Dundas Street East.
“Liberty Village is dynamic and urban. King West is known for its restaurants and live theatre district. Queen West is about fashion and has a strong arts culture,” says Quilatan. “Those who find these community amenities attractive are our target demographic. Hip and urban and youthful are key words that played an important role in our design.”
The lobby inside the heritage bank, for example, “is useable and glamorous, not just for passing through.” Because the footprint is tight, Quilatan had to be clever to create punch: wooden arches highlight the lobby’s capaciousness, while a space-saving banquette has seating for a crowd.
“We want residents and guests to feel really comfortable sitting down on the elongated sofa with a laptop and a coffee, maybe conduct a little meeting there,” says Quilatan, who compares the white-walled space, with its “urban, edgy porcelain floors that mimic concrete” to an art gallery.
There are other nods to Parkdale’s reputation as an art hub. The reception features an “urban graffiti tunnel” by local street artist Daniel Bombardier, who goes by the name Denial. He also contributed a Lichtenstein-esque 50×20-foot pop-art mural for the condo’s sales office that will be rehung in an amenity space.
The lobby level also has a pet spa with a raised tub for big and little dogs and a parcel area with refrigerated storage for deliveries.
Tucked inside the heritage portion of the building that once housed a bank, the Tomas Pearce-designed lobby has wood arches and banquette seating.
Level two, though, is “outfitted for fun,” says Quilatan, of its 13,000 square feet of amenities. “Suites are well-appointed, but we want residents to view the amenities as an extension of their space.”
Parents can cart the kids to the children’s room with its desaturated primary colour scheme and stylish drywalled arches and play zones; it’s also connected to an outdoor play area. Then there’s a dedicated space for cardio, weight lifting, yoga and a dance studio, as well as a rounded Peloton spin room.
Level two’s hoopla continues in the multipurpose party room, in its kitchen designed to “look like a hip bar or a club, and space enough for both small and large gatherings,” says Quilatan.
The party room’s appliances are tucked behind matte-black base cabinetry; countertops are honed. LED artwork on the wall reads “Punch today in the face.”
Level two also has a flex space with sectionals and a video-gaming hub. The Think Tank, meanwhile, lets working-from-home residents take a breather from their suites. It’s equipped with a printer, copier, self-serve coffee station and various zones for social or quiet time — the window nooks are lovely. “It’s like a glamorous Starbucks,” laughs Quilatan.
Beyond is a stylish rooftop terrace “similar to what you’d see on Adelaide or Richmond with incredible LED-lit stools that define a mood come sundown,” says Quilatan. There’s lounge seating and architectural lighting on newel posts with cocktail ledges.
You can imagine a glass of chilled wine being consumed here. But a Happy Meal? That’s all in the past.
Suites start at $1-million for three-bedroom layouts and penthouses; two-storey penthouses are pending. The units are all 900 square feet and up, and include parking and lockers, as well as upgraded design features.For more information, visit xocondos.com.
