318 King Street E

The King East received plenty of attention early in 2017, thanks to a controversial video advertisement: a high-powered businessman entertains colleagues with mini golf on the terrace and beer served by his stunning girlfriend, before she returns to the kitchen to prepare a snack for the trio of men. Drinking while she cooks, the loving lady friend continuously spills food all over herself, necessitating costume changes that get skimpier each time.

Fortunately, one needn’t live this type of lifestyle to purchase a home at 318 King Street East. As ill humoured as it may have been, it should be noted that the developers and designers behind the King East weren’t responsible for the commercial (it was created by an independent real estate representative instead).

Rather, Lamb Development Corp likely understood that these St. Lawrence Market condos could sell themselves. This 2013-built, 215-unit residence is, after all, rather impressive. For one, the façade itself is elegant yet humble, with glass not overpowering, but rather complementing, the concrete and red brick edifice.

Located in one of the longest-inhabited areas of Toronto, the modern construction stands out with its geometric base and jutting glass balconies above. However, The King East still manages to fit in with its historical neighbours, thanks to its 15-storey height and warehouse-style aesthetic.

The amenities are generous enough to impress residents who live swanky lifestyles, while unnecessary extras that would go unused and drive up maintenance fees are far and few between. Residents have access to a concierge, guest suites, and visitor parking, as well as a party room, a meeting room, and shared barbecues.

With over 200 Toronto lofts spread throughout the building, the homes within 318 King East vary considerably. While some residents in 300-square foot units may come to covet their neighbours over in the 2,500 square foot suites, it is likely that most residents will be pleased to have found something to suit their own budgets and needs.

Outdoor spaces are abundant at The King East, with 6th floor residents especially fortuitous: they can soak up the sun from their oversized terraces. The rest of the homes at 318 King East have slightly smaller (but equally charming) balconies, and all outdoor spaces have gas hookups for barbecues.

As if to hint at the elegance found within, the suites at The King East are named after iconic architects and designers of furniture, interiors, and more. And while residents may decorate as thoughtfully as they please, Toronto condos for sale in this building are the ideal urban blank slate thanks to a number of key features: exposed concrete ceilings, floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, and open concept layouts.

While the building itself is contemporary as can be, The King East is located in one of the most historically significant neighbourhoods in Toronto: St. Lawrence.

Today, the area is home to modern-day restaurants, shops, bars, and businesses, some of which inhabit structures that date back to the 19th century. Prominent historic sites are also within reach of 318 King East, such as the Distillery District and the St. Lawrence Market.

Residents also have the chance to explore the waterfront, thanks to the fact that Lake Ontario is within walking distance of their homes. Directly south, one will find the Lower Don Lands and the Port Lands, where a day’s worth of activities might involve a stop at T&T Supermarket or Cherry Street Barbecue, before heading over to Cherry Beach.

Active types, on the other hand, might prefer to cycle through Tommy Thompson Park — a 5-kilometer peninsula jutting into the lake that is owned and protected by the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. This also happens to be one of the best spots in the city for both fishing and bird watching.

Getting around is simple with 318 King East as a jumping off point. Streetcars along King will transport passengers to neighbouring areas, such as Old Toronto, the Financial District, Liberty Village, and Roncesvalles. Those heading immediately north or south can catch the 65 Parliament bus, which stops just seconds from The King East at the corner of King and Parliament.

Alternatively, a north or southbound trip can be made using subway trains: King Station can be accessed via a 15-minute walk or a 7-minute ride on the King streetcar. From King Station, the Yonge-University-Spadina line will take travelers wherever they need to go.

Drivers can easily hop onto the Don Valley Parkway or the Gardiner Expressway, making trips around and outside of the city simple and speedy.