The Republic of Yonge & Eglinton & NTCI

Hey Guys!

I had the opportunity to go check out Republic and see what was going on at this up and coming Tridel community. Located at Yonge and Eglinton, this condo site is located in a beautiful area. Spread out across this neighbourhood are quaint, one of a kind boutiques, restaurants, pubs, a shopping centre, bookstores, movie theatres, malls, and a large sprawling park. The Eglinton subway is a mere two blocks away.Yonge and Eglinton has an old, quaint feeling to it as much of it has remained in its original form from the past giving it that old Toronto feel. At the same time, the high-rise architecture lends a sense of urban modernity with the buildings and condominium developments punctuating the neighborhood. Simply put, this neighbourhood has a feel that is old yet new, traditional yet modern, and busy yet relaxed.When I arrived at the Republic construction site, I couldn’t believe how busy it is. Currently under construction, the two towers (one located on 25 Broadway Ave and the other on 70 Roehampton Ave) are close to being finished. Some residents have already started moving in and others are completing their pre-delivery inspections.Having never been on a construction site before, I was astounded at the number of workers and coordination needed to make all of this happen. Everywhere I looked there was action.

I went over to look at the Republic tower on 70 Roehampton Ave. The amenities, located on the first floor, are close to completion. I saw the private dining room, the party room and the outdoor barbeque and cabana lounge area –perfect for enjoying nice summer days with friends. The high point was up on the roof to visit the penthouse suites and rooftop terrace. I got an astounding view of the city in all directions.






I stopped by the sales office where I was able to see the signature model suite. With high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood flooring, this elegant suite reflects Tridel’s commitment to building luxurious and practical spaces. I also had the opportunity to interview Republic’s sales associate Sanam Kazemi, and sales representative Marisa DiCecca. They shared their thoughts on uptown condo living at the Republic.

Q: What do you feel makes the Republic community unique?

Marisa: The benefits of living in a Republic condo include the 24 hour concierge/security as well as the great amenities such as a fitness center, steam room/sauna, and a cabana lounge with a barbeque station to enjoy the outdoors. It is almost like a hotel style environment. If you want an easier lifestyle then condo living would be the best option. You have many conveniences under your roof!

Sanam: What truly makes Republic special is its public/private partnership with the Toronto District School Board in building a brand new beautiful school with green features.

Q: Who are the Republic buyers?

Sanam: Everyone from working young professionals to empty nesters. Republic purchasers are a diverse set of people.

Q: Describe the neighborhood that Republic is a part of. What makes it appealing?

Sanam: This area has access to the best shopping, restaurants, etc. It is close to everything and the neighbourhood has a very strong community feel that goes back generations. People are very proud to live here.

Q: Explain the décor theme within Republic.

Sanam: Clean, contemporary, and modern.

Q: What is your favorite suite design and why?

Marisa: One of my favourite suites is the S18A because it has beautiful 10' ceilings and a spacious open-concept feel. This suite is located on the top (27th) floor which gives an amazing view of Yonge Street. Overlooking the core of Yonge and Eglinton is spectacular! You really can see the vibrancy of this premier uptown location.

Sanam: I would have to say suite type 2B+D, a two bedroom with den design. It has a great layout nd the space is very well used. It has a spacious balcony with a North East view overlooking the trees and Broadway Avenue. It is very scenic.

Q: What are the signature features and finishes of Republic suites?

Marisa: The signature finishes include hardwood flooring throughout the living room/dining room, den, and bedroom(s). The bathroom(s) feature marble vanity tops, and the kitchen countertops come in granite or quartz -it is up to the homeowner. Some of the kitchens have breakfast areas. These suites also feature floor to ceiling windows.

Q: What would you say are the perks of condo living?

Sanam: It’s a hassle-free lifestyle and a simple way of living. There is very little maintenance meaning more time for doing the things you enjoy. The 24 hour concierge and security systems are ideal for single women and people who travel extensively for work. The party rooms, outdoor cabanas, theatre, spas, guest suites and fitness facilities allow you numerous ways to stay inside and entertain with friends, family and neighbours.

Q: Republic is a Tridel Built Green. Built for Life ® community. What does this mean for the Republic community?

Sanam: It is an environmentally friendly condominium community featuring toxin-free paint and carpeting, energy efficient windows, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and water conservation methods. Republic features the AutoShare™ program which is an hourly car rental service eliminating the hassle and expense of owning a car.

Q: How do Republic homeowners benefit from Tridel Built Green. Built for Life.®?

Sanam: Green features save homeowners money on energy costs. The utilities are individually metered giving each owner direct control over what they have used. Lower energy costs also mean lower maintenance fees. Additionally, Tridel uses materials with low off-gassing volatile organic compounds which is better for peoples’ health and superior ventilation systems improve indoor air quality while reducing energy loss. All of these things help protect the environment without compromising your comfort and lifestyle.

Q: What can people expect when they visit you at the Republic sales office?

Marisa: When visiting the Republic sales office you are able to view a model suite which displays the premium finishes for our Signature Suite Collection. You can also check out our Decor Center which contains more finishes available for the Signature Collection and Republic Collection suites. Our plasma display gives a wonderful overall concept of our lobby, amenities, and floor plans . There is also a great description of how Republic is "built green". Tridel helps our home-buyers save energy based on the principle of efficiency. This includes energy saving appliances, sub-meters, and water efficiency.

Q: Describe Tridel's customer service.

Marisa: Tridel's customer service is recognized by JD Powers for the past four years. Tridel is ranked the "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with New Condominium Builders in the Greater Toronto Area." Having a customer service background at Tridel [Marisa started her career at Tridel in its award winning Customer Care department], I can tell you that from the time of sales to the time of occupancy, Tridel's goal is that each customer receives the upmost care in every step of the way.

There are still suites available at Republic. Spacious 2 bedroom and 2 bedroom with den suites at over 1000 sq. ft., to gorgeous penthouse suites. Find out more by calling the Presentation Centre at 416-480-0700 or drop by for a visit.

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I checked out the new North Toronto Collegiate Institute Tridel is building. NTCI is an old school with a long history and strong tradition. But it is far too old and expensive for the TDSB to renovate so Tridel stepped in to build a brand new modern school that is built to LEED standards.What makes Republic such a special and unique project is Tridel’s partnership with the Toronto District School Board. Republic is located beside North Toronto Collegiate Institute. Besides building both high-rise towers at the same time, the Tridel construction team is also currently building the new NTCI.The new NTCI is very impressive. It is a spacious, 3 storey building with lots of natural light and dedicated to serving a new generation of students with arts and science training and top athletic facilities inside and out. The new NTCI features a 600 seat auditorium, music and rehearsal rooms, a triple basketball court gym, spacious classrooms and seminar rooms, a library, science lab rooms, a green roof, and a proper track oval with bleachers and playing field.

This is me in the 600 seat auditorium (the seats are getting ready to be installed next week). Behind me is the seating area which features upstairs and downstairs seating.

Here I am in the 3rd floor NTCI library, looking at a piece of restored original stonework that is on display on one of the library walls.

The inner courtyard has been painstakingly restored with the stonework and architecture from the original building carrying forward the tradition and history into the brand new building. http://www.tridel.com/republic/sales.php The new NTCI makes me want to be in high school again! For more construction photos on the NTCI, check out Lorne Chapman's web photo gallery

This is an example of the restored stonework that has been added to the new school in the courtyard area. The pavers with donors' names were just being installed.

Overall, it was very exciting for me to go and check out the Republic community and the new NTCI. I was able to get a sense of the amount of effort and planning that goes into construction. I can’t wait to see the finished product! Until my next Tridel adventure –Molly

Accolade Model Suite Shoot

Hi Everyone!

I visited Accolade and I was very impressed with what I saw!

Located at Eglinton and the DVP, it is minutes away from the DVP and in close proximity to the 401 making it easily accessible to get to from two of the biggest transportation routes in Toronto. Coming from the North end of the city, I flew down the DVP, exited on to Wynford Drive, turned left, made a right just past the Toronto Don Valley Suites and Hotel at Delmanor Wynford, and I had arrived (Google map). Transportation convenience is just one of the perks of living in the urban area of Eglinton and the DVP another being that it is surrounded by numerous shopping, conveniences, and entertainment venues - the Ontario Science Centre with its IMAX theatre is right around the corner! Accolade also has the unique benefit of being surrounded by nature – numerous parks are steps away from the building and home owners have the luxury of overlooking the Don Valley Parklands from their balconies giving the ultimate combination of city mixed with nature.

Touring the model suites was the part I was most excited about. I had an opportunity to view 4 Signature Collection Suites. Two photographers were shooting virtual tours of these suites. Virtual tours enable you to go online to explore the suite in 360 degrees and zoom in for more details. Combined with the floorplans, it is a great online tool to get a sense of the suite's layout and use of space.

All 4 suites that I toured –suite designs SI, S2, S3, and PH4 were different in layout and design. The Tridel interior design team shows tremendous creativity and taste in appealing to many customer lifestyles. While some suites are traditionally decorated, others are modern; and many have mixed elements of different styles to create suites containing features that suit everybody. Above all, the suites make optimal use of all living areas. Everything seems perfectly placed as you move from space to space.


The first suite I toured, S1, was elegant and classic throughout suggesting a refined luxury lifestyle.

S2 took a modern approach and with an open concept design linking the kitchen with the living/dining area creating a spacious feel.

S3 had a mixed theme –traditional with a hint of modernity prevalent in some of the furniture.

The Penthouse was stunning –it felt like I was touring a house! Being located on the top floor of a 34 storey building , you can see the city for miles and the views are amazing in all directions. This penthouse serves both as a model suite and as Accolade’s presentation centre for the sales rep, Kim Fraser and associates.

Although these suites are different from each other, they all have the same beautiful features and finishes such as high ceilings, crown moulding, granite countertops in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, porcelain tiling throughout the hallways and bathroom floors, deep soaker tubs, and more. Each Accolade suite has large windows allowing in lots of light and at at least one balcony providing not only different views of the beautiful city scenery, but also more outdoor space for homeowners. All of these features combine to heighten the quality and luxury of each suite.

Being a Tridel building, I noticed environmentally friendly features in the suites such as dual-flush toilets, low flow faucets and shower heads as well as ENERGY STAR(R) appliances including front loading stacked washers and dryers. Accolade is a Tridel. Built Green. Built for Life(R) community and is designed to be both environmentally friendly, energy and and water conserving, and a healthy indoor living environment.

After touring the model suites, I checked out the amenities. The party room, billiards lounge, fitness centre, and dining/boardroom allows for many entertaining experiences without stepping out of the building. It also allows for members of the Accolade community to come together.

In just a few short hours, I was able to tour several spectacular Signature model suites as well as the numerous lifestyle amenities in the building such as the lobby, party room, billiards and fitness centre. Accolade is a beautiful, busy community that reflects the urban area it is a part of. I had such a great time exploring Accolade! I hope I painted you all a good picture on what I saw last night. Stay tuned for my upcoming Blythwood at Huntington visit!

Bye for now!
Molly 

Touring Accolade Tonight!

Hey Everyone!
Tonight i'll be heading over to Accolade at Eglinton and DVP to see a virtual tour photography shoot! These virtual tours are amazing, they make you feel like you are actually touring the building! I also get the chance to tour one of Accolade's Signature Suites! I'll be taking some pictures throughout the night to share online with everyone so be sure to check them out. I'll fill you all in on the details of my Accolade experience tomorrow!
Bye for now!