One Cole – The Future of Regent Park

Today was the broker’s luncheon for Daniels’ new project in the Regent Park neighbourhood (Dundas and Parliament) – One Cole. Baker Real Estate is handling the broker’s sales event so as expected, it was very busy with about 100 agents or so in attendance.

The VIP broker’s sales event is set for May 30th, with the public opening June 13th. Contact me now for more information about how you can hire me me as your exclusive buyer’s agent for this event. Baker is limiting agents to just 2 buyer clients each for this event. Floor plans and pricing now available.

One Cole is really unlike any other condo in the city for a number of reasons. First of all, it is already built, yet not a single unit has been sold. Unlike 99% of the condo projects in this city where the builder sells at least 60% of the units before a shovel ever hits the ground, One Cole is nearly finished construction with occupancy is set for the end of this year and sales have not even started. In this market, where many buyers are leery to buy anything for fear the condo may not be built, this is welcome relief.

But of course the real reason why One Cole is so different is it is part of the Regent Park Revitalization plan. Regent Park was Canada’s largest social housing project, built back in the 1940s. At the time it was heralded as a solution to the area’s many urban and social problems, but 60 years later it is widely regarded as a failure and probably exasperated the social problems it was trying to address.

If you leave Toronto now and come back in 10-15 years, you would not recognize Regent Park. It is undergoing what is being called the largest scale neighbourhood renewal project in North America. One Cole is part of phase 1 of this renewal.

My quick thoughts on this project:

• Great value. At $400 per square foot, premium features like 9′ ceilings, granite counter tops, ceramic back splash, stainless steel appliances, laminate flooring in all rooms are all standard.
• Great building. The building itself will have some excellent features that will enhance the quality of life of it’s residents including a 20,000 square foot roof top park, and a Sobey’s, Tim Horton’s and RBC bank all right in the building. The building will also be the first in Toronto to be Leed Gold certified.

My questions about this project which I’d like to hear your thoughts on are:

• Investors – are you considering buying a in this location? Why or why not?
• First time buyers – If you are looking for a condo downtown, and have never considered this area, would you consider buying at One Cole? Why or why not?