looks like the Florian is going ahead with construction this fall....and note the comments about construction financing at the end of the article (my italics)...
from the National Post....
Design with a personal touch
Clients at the Florian get the generous suites they want in a building with the best exterior and interior finishes
National Post
Published: Friday, September 19, 2008
What difference can a brick make?
A lot if you're Bud Purves, and you're in the market for a condominium.
Mr. Purves and his wife, Janet Palmer, were resigned to buying a cookie-cutter unit from a large, "big box" builder until friends recommended Diamante Development's Upper Yorkville project, The Florian.
The luxury condominium, with a construction start this fall, features spacious light-filled suites from 1,500 to over 5,000 square feet in an 83-unit building that curves with the flow of Davenport Rd. where it meets Bay St.
The first thing to catch Mr. Purves's eye when he visited the presentation gallery at 100 Davenport Rd. was the richly coloured brick installed to demonstrate The Florian's exterior finishes and building systems.
"I was quite involved with the building committee of the new Four Seasons Centre in Toronto, and the brick appeared to be the same specification," says Mr. Purves, who heads the development corporation for a large university.
The brick, some three times more expensive than what is customarily used for residential projects, is usually reserved for high-profile commercial and institutional buildings such as Toronto's new ballet and opera house.
Intrigued by this demonstration of quality, Mr. Purves and Ms. Palmer, a business consultant, soon discovered other aspects of The Florian met their requirements. The couple, who own a cottage, downsized two years ago, selling their house and renting while they searched for a centrally located condo or townhouse.
The Florian's site proved ideal, close to shops and restaurants and a short walk from the Rosedale and Bay St. subway stations. At the same time, it allows quick access to the Don Valley Parkway, and the area retains a residential flavour.
Says Mr. Purves: "I am a runner and Janet is a walker, and the access to green parks and running routes is very good, as is the access to a surrounding human-scale neighbourhood where people and families are living."
Mr. Purves and Ms. Palmer were also delighted that they could have their future suite adjusted to suit their needs and preferences.
"Despite the fact that we are buying a smaller, less inexpensive unit, we feel that we are getting all the design help that even the most expensive buyers receive," says Mr. Purves, who likens the personal treatment at Diamante to buying from your local green grocer as opposed to a Wal-Mart.
Diamante co-president Paolo Palamara, trained as an architect, reworked the plans for the 1,700-square-foot two-bedroom residence to meet their needs.
He rejigged the kitchen freeing up space, extended walls and relocated the gas fireplace. More recently, Mr. Palamara was coaxing an extra few inches out of the laundry room for storage of brooms, mops and other cleaning implements.
Mr. Purves and Ms. Palmer couldn't be happier. "We found other units and townhouses we looked at were narrow and deep, and there was a problem with light penetration. With this unit, we get an enormous amount of light, and a huge patio."
They also appreciate the overall plans for the environmentally-friendly building with its high-quality exterior and interior finishes.
"The design is sensitive and of a scale that we were interested in," says Mr. Purves, who soon discovered his development industry contacts knew the project and Diamante's work well. "Many places we saw, they talk about design as a commodity, but here we were looking at design as an art, as the building blocks for a project."
The Building: 83 suites in a 21-storey luxury condominium set in a 4-storey podium.
The Amenities: 24-hour concierge and valet service, rooftop garden, fitness centre and indoor pool, party room with catering kitchen, wine cellar, landscaped grounds. Unobstructed views over Yorkville and Rosedale.
The Designers: Architects Hariri Pontarini, Gluckstein Design Planning, Architects Young + Wright.
The Developer: Diamante Development Corp., an award-winning developer and builder. Projects include One Balmoral, Domus, Phoebe on Queen, 2 Roxborough, One City Hall.
Suites: From 1,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet, now starting at $1 million. (Custom designs still possible for a short time.)
Presentation Gallery: 100 Davenport Rd. Includes a 2,700-square-foot model suite. Contact: (416) 599-7667 or theflorian.com
LIFE IN FINE DETAIL
Elegance is what has guided your life. And now perhaps you're taking a serious look at your residential options. A new home that offers more streamlined living, while still offering grace, stature and dimension. Welcome to The Florian. We could articulate such features as ten foot ceilings, ceilings glass curtain walls, walls museum quality brick, fabulous gardens, fitness centre, rooftop terrace and bar, party room with catering kitchen and swimming pool. We could boast about our 24-hour concierge and valet service. We could say that, with a mere 83 suites, you are going to receive unparalleled service. But, we'd rather show you the real thing, at the top of Bay Street and Davenport in our gorgeous 2,700 square foot model suite at our presentation gallery.
Luxury Condominiums from $1 million to over $3 million to book your private appointment at our presentation gallery, located at 100 Davenport Road Toronto: 416 599 7667
The Florian, The Residences of Upper Yorkville, Bay & Davenport.
www.theflorian.com
Construction start fall 2008
Construction financing in place
Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. Illustrations are artist's concept. Actual photo of model suite.
Brokers welcome & protected.
