18 Yorkville Avenue

Generally, condominiums in the Yorkville neighbourhood need at least a certain level of style and grace in order to survive in the area for long. It’s a good sign, then, that 18 Yorkville has remained a sought-after residence for over a decade now.

Built in 2005 by Great Gulf — the developers behind renowned Toronto buildings like the Hudson and X the Condominium—the high-rise edifice at 18 Yorkville Avenue feels innovative yet timeless. While remaining just eye-catching enough, the condo's anything but obtrusive to Toronto’s coveted skyline.

White horizontal strips along the façade function as balconies from which residents can enjoy views of the city below. With 313 units spread out over 36 storeys, there are plenty of opportunities for sweeping vistas, and plenty of opportunity to land Yorkville condos for sale or rent in this building.

Even the lobby is chic and luxurious, with double-height ceilings and sleek furniture ready to welcome residents and their guests. Once one makes it further inside the building — to the 8th floor to be precise — they will be even more pleased to find an array of amenities prepared to make life all that more comfortable for anyone living at the 18 Yorkville condos.

The lineup of extras includes some of the standards — a gym and business centre — plus a few added bonuses that aren’t found in every building. Residents can enjoy spending time in the lounge (which also happens to be equipped with fireplaces), or they may opt to relax outdoors on the common terrace with garden and barbecues. Alternatively, a party room with bar is ready and waiting for when the mood to play host strikes. And on top of all of this, 18 Yorkville also boasts a games room with billiards tables, a massage room, a sauna, visitor parking, and a concierge.

While Yorkville has a reputation for high-end (and sometimes unaffordable) homes, this condo has a range of homes of various sizes, meaning even those with tighter budgets can find something here. The suites begin at around 500 and reach to approximately 3,000 square feet, and feature one or two bedrooms each.

Certain units feature libraries/dens, while some rather sizeable (and impressive) penthouses are available for those hoping for a little more space to play around with. And with the units varying considerably in exposure and layout, some are also brighter than others: floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t all that uncommon. Plus, many of the suites in the building are outfitted with private outdoor spaces of their own, in the form of balconies or terraces.

Living at the northernmost end of downtown Toronto has its perks: residents can explore laid back, tree-lined streets of Rosedale neighbourhood or visit the bustling Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas area on any given day.

Yorkville may be known for its ritzy and glitzy businesses, however those living at the 18 Yorkville condos aren’t required to participate in such lavish activities as shopping and fine dining if they do not please. Alternative pursuits include hunkering down at the Yorkville Public Library next door with a good book, or exploring the Rosedale Ravine Lands on foot.

Even grocery shopping can be as luxurious or laid-back as one desires. Residents are almost equidistant from organic goods at Whole Foods or fairly priced produce at The Market by Longo’s HBC. And for those nights when cooking just isn’t an option, residents living at 18 Yorkville Avenue can head out for a casual bite on Yonge or Church Streets, while Bloor West and Yorkville will service those looking to treat themselves to steak tartar or something similarly indulgent.

When the weather turns — whether on a rainy summer day or during the bitter winter months — a number of indoor attractions can be found within walking distance. The Cineplex Cinemas Varsity and VIP will likely become a go-to spot for catching the latest blockbuster flick, while ROM visits might become so frequent that memberships are in order.

Traveling around Toronto is simple with an address like 18 Yorkville, especially thanks to the multiple subway stations that surround the building. Rosedale, Bloor-Yonge, and Bay are all within walking distance, from which travelers can access trains along both the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge subway lines.

Drivers can use major arterial roads like Bloor and Yonge to get around the immediate area, while the Don Valley Parkway can also be reached in no time via Bloor Street East. From here, one can zip up to the 401 or down to the Gardiner Expressway in a hurry.