525 Wilson Avenue

Anyone who’s familiar with New York City will immediately understand where the name for 525 Wilson Avenue Comes from. And for those who don’t get the reference, the Gramercy Park Condos is named for Manhattan’s only private park. What makes this NYC green space so exclusive is that it’s only accessible by a key provided to those living immediately beside it.

The idea for Gramercy Park Condos in North York isn’t all that different: the urban residential building contains a park that’s exclusively used by its residents. This way, those living at 525 Wilson Ave can enjoy living on a major arterial road, near a subway station and plenty of stores, while having access to a tranquil outdoor space to relax in after a long day.

The Gramercy Park Condos was constructed in 2013 by Malibu Investments, and contains 511 units spread out over 13 storeys. Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects designed the red brick and green-tinted glass structure at 525 Wilson Ave, with NAK Design Group in charge of the landscaping.

Residents also have access to plenty of extras, in case that private park just wasn’t enough. There’s a guest suite and visitor parking, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub, a theatre, a party room, and a games room. And to top it all off, a security guard watches over the building 24 hours a day.

Homes at 525 Wilson range considerably in size: studios start at approximately 450 square feet, while those needing more space can opt for two bedroom plus den units that reach to 1,500 square feet. Even the smallest Toronto condos for sale here feel bright, rather than cramped, though, thanks to the warm light that flows in through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Residents who plan to host dinner parties will love the open kitchens, which allow them to put the finishing touches on their creations while keeping an eye on their guests.

Clanton Park & Wilson Heights is a convenient neighbourhood for residents living all sorts of lifestyles. Shopaholics are around the corner from Yorkdale Mall; residents raising families don’t have to travel far to reach Costco; and outdoorsy types can choose between Earl Bales and Downsview Parks.

The neighbourhood is home to large Jewish, Italian, and Filipino populations, which also means it’s home to restaurants serving up food from all of these cultures. Residents craving dill pickles and smoked meat sandwiches can head to Pancer’s Deli on Bathurst, while those in search of something a little spicier can try Sampaguita Village, a traditional Filipino eatery on Wilson. Another nearby favourite is Lady York, an Italian grocery store with a pretty impressive olive, cured meat, and cheese selection.

It doesn’t get much more convenient than living next to two major highways and a subway station. Residents living at 525 Wilson Ave can get around the city with ease, both by car and public transit. Drivers can use the Allen Road to zip down to Eglinton Avenue in a hurry, while the 401 carries cars east toward Scarborough and the Don Valley Parkway, or west to the 427 and Pearson International Airport.

As for those who rely on the TTC to get around, Wilson Station takes 8 minutes to reach on foot, and about 4 minutes by bus. Once here, passengers can catch trains heading south toward The Annex, the Financial District, and more. Another great option is the 996 Wilson Express bus, which makes just 2 stops on its way to York Mills Station on the Yonge subway line.