The buildup of Mississauga's downtown core continued last month as work began on Davies Smith Developments' fourth and final condo project in the area.
The firm got in on the ground floor of the condo boom in the city centre, first with its award-winning CityGate I and CityGate II developments starting in 1991, then more recently with the Solstice building.
The new ONYX development will continue the street-friendly design of the first three properties and take it a step further, said Nelson Reis, vice-president of development for Davies Smith.
“Our goal is to provide a vibrant, very pedestrian-friendly environment with a mix of units, including live-work units,” he said. “It's all really driven by design. With this property we have really taken design to the next level. It's all glass, with amazing views from the units. We've got some of the best unit layouts in Mississauga. And the buildings are timeless. Whenever you look at these buildings, whether it's now or years from now, they will still be beautiful.”
Units are already on sale for the ONYX, which will feature 353 condos and lofts at 233 Webb Drive and is set to open in Summer 2009.
The ONYX trademark look will feature clean, modern lines, a black and white palate and cutting-edge architecture, the company said. The 36-storey glass tower will include two-storey lofts spanning the north face of the tower, something the company boasts will be the first of their kind in the city.
Two floors of the building will be completely dedicated to rest and fun, with a year-round indoor pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tube, fitness area and yoga/Pilates studio. The party room even has a name: Stratus. The space will include a rooftop lounge with outdoor terrace on the 36th floor, overlooking the skyline.
Stratus, ONYX’s chic and stylish party room and rooftop lounge with outdoor terrace on the 36th floor, overlooks the Mississauga and Toronto skylines.
The company jumped on the chance to move in on the condo boom in the area, Reis said. “The opportunity was great; it's a great city,” he said. “And it's a growing city. And the area had the right mix of retail and residential for us. The City of Mississauga has been really great in terms of not putting a cap on density and totally allowing us to be creative.”
With all three properties it was very important that they bring a truly urban feel, he said.
Phase I and II of CityGate comprise of two 34-storey towers, located across from Square One Shopping Centre. The towers are located at 3939 Duke of York Blvd. and 220 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. and were completed one year apart in 2004 and 2005.
The towers were the first in the area to offer loft living, Reis said.
The towers also feature indoor pools, unique party rooms, fitness areas, media rooms and guest suites.
The Solstice property, meanwhile, boasts 375 units at 225 Webb Dr. and was just completed this spring. “It is spa-inspired condo living,” said Renee Bourgon, marketing director with Davies Smith. “It has some very cool amenities including a spa centre and indoor/outdoor hot tubs.
All three completed buildings have been “hugely popular” with buyers, Reis said. “And we've also won a lot of awards,” he said, including Project of the Year from the Canadian Home Builders Association. “The projects are selling great and everybody really loves the lobbies and all the amenities.”
Condo buyers today are looking for convenience and community, he said. “People are also looking for places where they can work and play,” he said. “And they want to be right in the urban centre of things. They probably don't want to travel any more than they have to and they are drawn to great design.”
Units in each of the buildings have lots of top-end touches, like granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, lots of glass, 9-foot ceilings and downtown views, he said.
While the company was glad to get in at the start of the condo boom in the area, it doesn't look like there is too much opportunity left there for further developments by Davies Smith, Reis said. “Land is getting scarce in the downtown,” he said. “We're always looking for new land and if opportunity arises we'd jump at it. We love Mississauga. It's a great city. We're always looking, so hopefully we'll find something new. The city center is evolving into a great urban center. They are on their way.”
Meanwhile, Bourgon said she doesn't seem the condo market slowing any time soon. “I think obviously the price point is enabling first-time buyers to enter the market but also it's a matter of a lifestyle choice by young professionals and empty-nesters,” she said. “It's also design-driven. People are very much attracted to think kind of great design.”