1544 Dundas Street W

Proudly the first non-smoking development of its kind, the Alto Condos at 1544 Dundas Street West may even be attractive enough to cause some smokers to quit. Although we realize that’s a tall order for this mid-rise building, developed by Edenshaw Homes and designed by Quadrangle Architects. Even still, these modern homes in Little Portugal are excellent nonetheless — and they were even recognized as the rental development of the year by the Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario in 2016.

Completed in 2016, the Alto Condos stand at 8 storeys tall. Even though it’s not the tallest tower in the city, the building makes a strong impression at the prominent corner of Dundas West and Sheridan Avenue in Little Portugal. This well-established neighbourhood has an eclectic character that’s emphasized by the building’s design: the architects combined classic copper-coloured bricks with an artful arrangement of white metal panels and windows that are framed in bold red. The result is an edifice that reflects Little Portugal’s creative vibe while oozing contemporary sophistication.

While its smoke-free designation helps those living at 1544 Dundas West avoid harmful air, those living here can get even healthier thanks to the Alto Condos’ state-of-the-art gym. And that’s just one of the attractive amenities available to residents: there’s also a common lounge and access to a spacious terrace featuring a welcoming barbecue area up on the roof.

Additionally, in line with the health-minded homeowners, the development boasts bike and car share programs that their residents can easily access — plus the 24-hour concierge is more than happy to help one out with these services.

Fortunately for the many attracted to this unique development, the Alto Condos offers 90 suites. This includes studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans, which range in size from approximately 620 to 910 square feet. But regardless of their specific size, all Toronto condos for sale in this building feel comfortable thanks to their smart, open concept designs.

Although only select suites have balconies, there’s a freshness circulating throughout 1544 Dundas West since the units have a generous amount of floor-to-ceiling windows. As a result, an abundance of natural light streams into the building, making these modern homes feel quite warm and welcoming.

Little Portugal has grown quite popular as of late, attracting many young families by the day. This is not only because of its location so close to downtown Toronto, but also since the community already established here has such a strong, eclectic character that has continued to thrive even as new businesses and neighbours move in.

Of the many attractions in the neighbourhood, residents will definitely be pleased by Art Metropole. A non-profit organization started by the famed General Idea collective, one can find some truly unique publications at this centre for the arts, located just steps from the Alto Condos.

Finally, although there are some charming independent markets closer to 1544 Dundas West, there’s a No Frills nearby for when residents need to go on major grocery shopping trips. This affordable spot can be found on Dundas West at Lansdowne, the next major street west of the Alto Condos.

Those living at 1544 Dundas West are well connected to the city. Residents may even find themselves driving less often because of how well the TTC serves the area. The 505 Dundas Streetcar stops right at the footstep of the building, and travels east and west through the city. This streetcar moves between Dundas West Station, a couple block away from the building, and Broadview Station near the Danforth, passing through the downtown core along the way.

For those heading out on trips even farther from home, the 505 Streetcar takes residents past St. Patrick and Dundas Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Line. To get onto the subway even faster, travelers can also take the 505 to Dundas West Station on the Bloor-Danforth Line. Alternatively, residents can hop onto the 29 Bus, which heads north to Dufferin Station in about five minutes.

However, for those who prefer to drive, 1544 Dundas West is a great address to call home. Drivers can follow Dufferin all the way to the Lakeshore, where they can access the Gardiner Expressway via Jameson Avenue — often in less than ten minutes.