222 The Esplanade

Miraculously, Yorktown on the Park manages to host almost 350 St. Lawrence Market condos within its squat, 12-storey structure. Built before the glass tower craze really took hold, the residential edifice at 222 the Esplanade takes up a good half of a city block in downtown Toronto.

The concrete structure that wraps around the corner of Princess Street and the Esplanade is speckled with groups of windowpanes. And while the architecture is nothing to write home about, the classic, humble façade is just the understated home some Torontonians are searching for.

Seeing as Yorktown on the Park has been around for almost three decades now, the amenities aren’t groundbreaking here. However, what extras are offered to homeowners at 222 the Esplanade manage to offer the ideal combination of comfort and security.

The building boasts a gym and sauna, as well as a parking garage, security, and a concierge. A party room and games room are also available for residents to use, as well as a common terrace up on the roof.

Built in 1991, some of these homes have received upgrades over the years, while others will serve as the ideal blank slate for creative buyers. Sizes range as well as styles, with homes featuring anything from one bedroom to two bedrooms plus a den. In terms of floor space, the homes span between approximately 450 and 1,350 square feet.

When compared to other Toronto condos for sale in neighbouring areas, these units represent a great opportunity to save some money, as the price per square foot is below average.

While aesthetics and décor differs between units at 222 the Esplanade, prospective buyers can expect to find hardwood floors, sunlit living spaces, charming balconies, and contemporary kitchens throughout the building. Many of the homes are also equipped with plenty of storage space, while bike lockers are yet another incentive for certain interested parties.

Living directly on the Esplanade certainly has its perks: parks and retail businesses flourish on the street just below.

When sitting outside with a coffee, good company, or even a good book is in order, residents have their pick between David Crombie, Princess Street, or Parliament Square Park. And whichever of these one opts for, one thing is guaranteed: each of these green spaces will take only minutes to reach on foot.

Also just an elevator ride away are the retail spaces found at 222 the Esplanade. Many of these are restaurants and cafés, meaning long days at the office need not be followed up by an hour spent over a hot stove.

Those who do prefer home cooking, however, are also in luck, thanks to the proximity of the building to the St. Lawrence Market. Here, residents will find hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh fish to global spices, fresh produce, and imported cheeses.

While the South Market is home to these permanent retailers, the north portion of St. Lawrence Market hosts weekly events: a farmer’s market on Saturdays and an antique market on Sundays.

The Historic Distillery District is also a short walk away, where residents can dine al fresco in the summertime or wander through boutiques and galleries during the colder months of the year. Alternatively, the lakeshore is nearby, where various venues and parks are waiting to be explored, from the Port Lands, Cherry Beach, and Tommy Thompson Park to the Harbourfront Centre and the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.

Those heading out by car can easily reach the Gardiner Expressway or the Don Valley Parkway. From either of these, one can whip around the city in no time, with the former aiding those traveling east or west and the latter coming in handy for north-south trips.

Residents without vehicles of their own can reach Union Station in about 15 minutes, either on foot or via the Front Street bus. From Union, travelers have access to VIA Rail trains, as well as Go buses and trains, and of course the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line.

Anyone traveling out of town by air can also head to Union Station in order to reach the UP service, which will land one at Pearson International Airport only one hour after leaving the front doors of 222 the Esplanade. The drive to Pearson, on the other hand, takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.

A quick getaway can also be made by catching a flight from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which can be reached in approximately 30 minutes via the Front Street bus or around 10 minutes by car.