*The Toronto Real Estate Board district "W01" includes the neighbourhoods: High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles, South Parkdale within this area. 

• The average sold price in  High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles, South Parkdale area is up 16% from last year at this time
• Days on market is down 16% from last year at this time
• % sold of list price is up 4% from last year
• Number of sales are the same as from last year
• New listings on the market are down 5% from last year
• Active listings still on the market are up 2% from last year

• The average sold price for a detached property in     High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles, South Parkdale area is up 22% from last year
• % sold of list price is up 3% from last year
• Number of sales are down 5% from last year
• Active listings are down 47% from last year  

• The average sold price for a semi-detached in High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles, South Parkdale is up 7% from the same time last year 
• % sold of list price is up 7% from last year
• Number of sales are up 46% from last year
• Active listings are down 33% from last year 

• The average sold price for a condo in High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles, South Parkdale is down 5% from same time last year
• % sold of list price is up 2% from last year
• Number of sales are down 27% from last year at this time
• Active listings are up 30% from last year at this time 

*Toronto Real Estate Board Stats

Toronto's west-end neighbourhoods of High Park-Swansea, Roncesvalles and South Parkdale are still seeing strong demand with low inventory of housing. Record low interest rates are making this still an ideal time to make the decision to invest in real estate or for making a move up! 

Fab Reno'd Home with a Private Drive!!

Urban Chic & Stylish renovated home located in the heart of The Bloor West Village, with a rare & coveted private drive. Open front veranda that invites relaxation with your morning coffee & paper or evenings sipping that glass of wine. Generous sized principal rooms with a contemporary design blending classic traditional features such as oak trim, stained glass windows, hardwood flooring, plate rails and French doors. Gorgeous living room offers ample space with a stone fireplace (gas) flanked by stained glass windows. California Shutters create a modern feel against the warm ambiance. Original double French doors lead to the formal dining area, perfect for dinner parties and entertaining. Awesome renovated kitchen with a wonderful working area and storage for the chef in the family. The cabinetry is rich maple along with granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash, slate flooring and pot lights, opening to an airy & bright breakfast room. This incredible space offers wall to wall windows with numerous skylights found along the vaulted ceiling with a walk-out to a party-sized deck and fenced yard. 3 bedrooms are found on the 2nd level with a unique master bedroom having a vaulted cathedral ceiling, window bench for curling up with a good book, sitting area and a walk-in closet. Lower level also includes a separate side entrance and features a family room/media area with Berber carpeting, built-in bookcases and pot lights. An updated 2 piece bathroom, laundry room and storage room are also on this level. This home offers some unique features with a contemporary design that compliments the desired traditional and original features that are found within the Bloor West Village area.

8 Evans Avenue is in the heart of the Bloor West Village neighbourhood. Just a stroll to the hub of the “Village” shops, markets, restaurants, cafés, butchers & bakeries. The Bloor West Village is a pocket of the city that’s at once intimate and inviting. White lights twinkle in well groomed trees and up and down the street. Old-world coffee shops and meat boutiques intermingle with bakeries, green grocers and European shops. Welcome to the Bloor West Village, the country’s first and stillfinest example of “village-life”, big-city style! It’s hard to believe that you can live within such a trendy and vibrant hood and still be within walking distance of one of the city’s most beautiful parks, “High Park”. This city landmark contains picnic areas, gardens, a zoo, restaurants, outdoor fresh produce market, an outdoor amphitheatre, sports facilities, a playground and a large pond. To the area residents, being able to walk or bike to the park is as much a part of their landscape as the shopping district. Enjoy calling 8 Evans Avenue and this community home!

Offered at $859,900

Please let any of your friends or family know about this great home in prime Bloor West Village!!

Visit during the Public Open House Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th from 2-4 p.m. or call to arrange for a private showing of this home.

April Esteves at 416.587.6429

25 Ritchie Avenue 

In west-end Toronto’s funky Roncesvalles hood, a new contemporary condo building called "Roncesvalles Lofts" located at 25 Ritchie Avenue near Dundas Street west and Roncesvalles Avenue is attracting attention. This European hood is known for its wonderful ethnic eateries, bistros, food markets, pubs, bakeries and fabulous coffee shops, as well as its own Revue Theatre. Walking down Roncesvalles Avenue has an organic feel that both delights area residents and visitors alike, who leisurely stroll along the streets for outings with the family or just an excuse to walk the dog. Urban buyers are looking for interesting condo options, and Roncesvalles Lofts has the clean architectural lines and avant-garde design that is drawing interest. This mid-rise live-work development houses 37 lofts ranging in size from 685 to 1,950 square feet and have sold from the $280,000 to $580,000 range. The styles vary from one to two levels with some suites having terraces or patios. The interior suites are bright and airy with windows galore. The bathrooms are luxurious with rainfall showers and deep soaker tubs to relax in.  The buildings only amenities are a party room and an outdoor garden courtyard and water fountain which should help keep the maintenance fees low, down the road. This urban location offers fast and easy access to downtown Toronto with the Dundas streetcar or Dundas Street West subway station along with the Bloor GO Train Station. Metrolinx plans incude this stop to connect to Pearson International Airport, making it a breeze for air travel without having to find parking for your car or an expensive limo! The West Toronto Railpath runs along the eastern side of the tracks and has been developed as a trail for pedestrians and cyclists to connect to the north, south and eastern neighbourhoods.  Everything you’d desire from Loblaws to bistros, cafes, markets and quaint restaurants are steps away. Within the area is High Park and at the foot of Roncesvalles Ave. and King St. you'll find Lake Ontario. Local residents that are downsizing and first-time buyers to the area are both finding themselves attracted to the contemporary Roncesvalles Lofts, that offers space with an interesting layout and feel.

The Junction Hood’s shopping district is found along Dundas Street West between Indian Grove and Quebec Avenue in  Toronto’s west end. This community offers both a small town neighbourly feel along with an edgy artistic influence. The Junction offers diverse choices of great eateries, cafés, galleries, design & antique shops along with unique boutiques & original specialty stores.

When the Contact Festival began in 1997, The Junction featured the largest number of venues and exhibitions anywhere in Toronto since 2002. This unique show will see leading professionals sharing the limelight with amateur photographers.

Visit The Junction during the month of May and stroll the streets looking for outdoor signposts that identify this venue!

Venues

• Agora
• Articulations
• Bank of Montreal
• Cool Earth
• Eclectic Lighting
• Kingsway Chiropractic
• Latitude 44 Gallery
• Metropolis Living
• Mjolk
• Opticianado
• Phillipa C Photography
• Picture it Framed
• Sweet Potato
• Tea Blendz
• The Beet
• The Hair Lounge
• Vesuvios
• West Toronto Paints

Come and Join this incredible venue in The Junction!

For more information Click Here

High Park’s latest loft conversion is a stunning building that has been a landmark and part of the High Park neighbourhood for over 120 years. The Victoria Presbyterian Church at 152 Annette Street, held its first service in 1885 and has been a part of west Toronto’s history ever since. This elegant building was unusually designed without aisles. The rich details of red clay brick, limestone façade, high copper-covered spire, gothic arches and curved columns have contributed to this buildings eye-catching appeal.

The conversion of this century-old church and Sunday school building into unique modern loft-styled suites while preserving its original features such as the church spire, period light fixtures, soaring ceilings, historic capitals, hammer beam trusses and exposed interior masonry, have added to Victoria Lofts outstanding character and colourful charm.

The modern touches to this conversion include quartz/ granite countertops, soaker tubs and engineered hardwood flooring, spa-like bathrooms, open concept Euro-styled gourmet kitchens, stainless steel appliances and eco-friendly fittings for windows. The Victoria Lofts feature 38 one-of-a-kind one and two storey suites with one bedroom to two bedroom plus den designs. Most of the lofts include a private outdoor space with views of green landscaped roofs.

Victoria Lofts is found on Annette Street at Medland Street in the sought after High Park neighbourhood. The blending of century old homes and mature trees that surround this area, along with fabulous shopping found in the nearby Junction and Bloor West Village, have made this one of the most coveted hoods in west end Toronto to live. Singles, couples and families alike, all fit into these communities offering everything from gourmet foods, great eateries, design shops to fruit markets and butchers, all within a stroll away.

If you're interested in this building or neighbourhood, email me at april@aprilesteves.com

Since the mid 90’s when zoning by-laws in Toronto changed and began to allow for the conversion of older buildings into residential units, condo buyers have been snapping up these unique lofts and in many cases paying a premium.

Older factories, warehouses, vacant office buildings and churches are being revamped and adapted into creative conversions. These vintage buildings have their own history and today’s loft buyers are more interested than ever in the balance of old and new. They don’t mind paying extra for the old post-and-beam construction that combines the backdrop of a historic building along with modern design and materials. The drama of enormous industrial windows and high ceilings can dominate the interior to blend with hip and contemporary clean lines of fixtures and accessories. Creative and chic loft owners are the furthest away from being cookie-cutter types and lean towards "original" styled living.

An intimate and unique loft conversion found in Toronto’s west end is the Wallace Station Lofts. It originated as a 70+ year old Canadian Glue stamp factory, along with its four coach houses and was named after a nearby train station that no longer exists today.

This art deco styled brick building shares an industrial cool design that is appealing to condo and loft buyers looking for "unique" and "character" in their home choice.

Like many of the authentic loft conversions found in Toronto, this building features high post and beam ceilings, exposed brick walls, wood plank and concrete flooring, exposed ductwork, sliding barn doors along with the original freight elevator. Oversized windows bring in natural light and showcase the funky industrial vibe of the lofts. The building’s 38 suites are all unique in design with impressive architectural features, ranging in size from 625 to 1,869 square feet with one and two level floorplans. Many of the lofts have Juliette balconies, large rooftop gardens or terraces for outdoor space. Each suite comes with a security system and parking is inside an attractive gated area alongside the building. Wallace Station Lofts in the past year have been selling from $354,000 to $775,000 depending on size.

The Wallace Station Lofts are found in the Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson Junction area, just east of Dundas Street West and Bloor Street. This up and coming artsy-hip area is only a five minute walk to the subway on the Bloor-Danforth line. Leaving your car behind, couldn’t be easier than when you’re living in the hub of the city, with public transportation practically on your door-step. This amazing location is also home to the Bloor GO Station with Metrolinx plans for a route from Union Station to Pearson International Airport, stopping at the Bloor and Weston stations. Shopping, gallery and café hopping is easy from here. Drop into some of the fabulous design stores and organic eateries found in the Junction with Dundas Street West becoming another great location for strolling amongst some really cool and edgy shops. Roncesvalles is becoming known for its new breed of restaurants and bars attracting the downtown foodie crowd. Cafés and art galleries found in Bloordale Village, are only a stroll away. Also nearby is found High Park, which is Toronto’s largest with nature trails, sporting events, an outdoor theatre, gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas and an off-leash area for dogs.

Another neat element to this area is the proximity to the “West Toronto Railpath”, a perfect example of an urban rails-to-trails project. This incredible multi-use pathway is found along the rail corridor and has been transformed into a public asphalt trail, ideal for pedestrians, cyclists and in-line skaters with Phase 1 starting at Cariboo Avenue to Dundas Street West and Sterling Rd. The entire pathway is a combination of artsy-urban cool combining wild plants, birds, butterflies, restored historical rail bridges and out-door art installations. Local residents are taking advantage of this incredible space that winds through an urban landscape and invites the city dweller to take in their surroundings and marvel at their incredible city. The Wallace Station Lofts offer both a unique living space in an authentic conversion and a hip area to live, for both families and singles alike to enjoy!

The ever vibrant and exciting "Junction" hood is home to the Art Deco Medland Lofts found at 235 Medland Street. This hard loft is an authentic conversion of a 1920's styled building with 9 creative urban spaces. A live/work Euro styled loft in one of Toronto's hottest neighbourhoods in the High Park area. This boutique building offers unique features such as ceiling heights ranging from 11-13 ft, over 40 windows and a great flow and layout. The only private outdoor space offered is with the terraces. At your doorstep you will find and enjoy an array of cool shopping ranging from a stroll for your organic greens and specialty food items at Sweet Potatoe grocer, local coffee shops, galleries and a unique choice of mouth watering menus at such eateries as Curry Twist, Avec Panache, Purple Onion and The Beet. There is no shortage of design shops that are opening up and becoming this hoods "claim to fame". Industrial cool items and fabulous pieces for your loft, condo or house are found at Metropolis Living, Cornerstone Home, Smash and Scandinavian sleek at Mjolic. Pilates and  Yoga Studios are also part of the area lifestyle that draws locals. The Junction is a creative urban community that really is in touch with the residents who are supportive of their area shops. Also closeby is the Bloor/Dundas west subway line, West Toronto Railpath and of course Toronto's most popular - "High Park" for all ages to enjoy.

If you're interested in moving into this neighbourhood, email me at april@aprilesteves.com

West Toronto Loft lovers should look at 363 Sorauren Avenue located in the High Park & Roncesvalles Village locale. A friendly community feeling hood with organic roots. Monday afternoons can be a standing date for strolling to Sorauren Park for its Farmers Market with fresh organic greens, baked goods, and locally made treats. This market is part of the West End Food Co-op supporting a local community and food culture. Sorauren Park is multi-use from community activities, off-leash area for Fido, organized sports and plenty of green space to run around, play and enjoy. Roncey shops, eateries and cafes along with fabulous High Park are all within walking distance. The Robert Watson lofts are a great Toronto Vintage loft conversion with both "authentic" lofts in the original portion & "soft" lofts in the newly built section. This vintage building began as a candy factory and was owned by the namesake "Robert Watson". The character includes all of the coveted features such as exposed brick walls and wooden beamed ceilings. Residents enjoy the landscaped courtyard for relaxing and outdoor entertaining with some of the suites having their own terraces and balconies. This is a rare opportunity to own a true loft in the city of Toronto all within a green and exciting neighbourhood!

Robert Watson Lofts Property Values

363 Sorauren Avenue *TREB Stats

2011/2012

1 bedrooms range from $316,000 to $465,000

1 bedrooms plus den range from $421,000 to $589,000

2 bedrooms & 2 plus den range from $441,000 to $700,000

If you'd like to move to this neighbourhood email me at april@aprilesteves.com

For the eco-conscious condo buyer, choosing a building can be challenging. Many of the restored and renovated vintage factories, warehouses and churches are becoming transformed into unique lofts and condos. It’s a great asset to the urban neighbourhoods when a contaminated old factory is transformed into retail or residential loft, bringing new life back into a sometimes dreary area. 

More and more condo owners want to have green elements in their buildings and suites. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a Green Condo Building. When such green elements are not already available, making personal choices will also help keep you green!

• Individually controlled heat and air conditioning (keep your heat and air low and save $ and energy
• Energy Star Appliances (great investment if your condo doesn’t already have them)
• Close to public transit (leave the car home and hop on!)
• AutoShare close-by (sell the car and only pay when you need it)
• Bike storage (get physical and enjoy seeing your city)
• Low flush toilets and water saving shower heads
• Geothermal Building (High Park Lofts are Toronto’s 1^st)
• Solar Panels
• Green interior finishes such as low-VOC latex paints, formaldehyde-free cabinets (keep your air free of pollutants)
• Green Roof
• LEED certified 

For those buildings that do not yet have green elements, you can begin to make interior changes inside your suite adding eco-friendly improvements such as; energy-efficient lighting, bamboo, cork or marmoleum flooring, appliances, paint, toilet and shower-head, and eco-friendly furniture.   

Visit this year's Green Living Show at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place from April 13th - 15th

Receive free admission when you bring along your electronic waste to recycle!

*April Esteves is a member of the National Association of Green Agents & Brokers