We all know development companies, especially in Toronto, try to sell would-be condo owners on a certain "lifestyle." But it appears the minds behind 109OZ have taken that premise to a whole different level. Literally touting the power of the "Humblebrag" on its website and in its presentation centre Reserve Properties and co. have saturated their sales approach with the boons of the Ossington area. Yes, there are great places to shop, eat, and play on Ossington, and Reserve is reminding would-be purchasers with special events throughout the summer.

Already having hosted a launch concert featuring Eight and a Half and a pop-up urban garden, the sales centre will later also feature art events, outdoor yoga, a vintage market, and a pop-up wedding. Oh, yeah, and I suppose you can buy a condo, too. Right. Here are some of the details.

SPECS

Number of units: 85

Number of floors: 6

Unit sizes (in square feet): 504-1160

Starting price: 285k+

Parking: $35k (For units 660sf or more)

Storage locker: $3,500

Maintenance: $0.52/sf

Hydro included?: No

Amenities: Party room, rooftop patio (But..pft.. Ossington is obviously the main amenity)

Expected occupancy: August 2014

THE GOOD

Yes, we all know Ossington's grand. But the good thing about 109OZ is that it appears not to take away from Ossington's plum nature. Whereas a more domineering structure might infringe on Oz's underdog/indie-designer/organic foodie vibe, 109OZ actually seems to blend quite well, probably thanks to its muted six storeys. Since amenities are kept to a minimum, condo-owners probably don't need to worry (too much) about skyrocketing maintenance fees during those first few settling years. And that intimate number of 85 units means you might actually come to recognize your neighbours in the lobby. Trust me, introverts, this is actually a good thing.

The other boon 109OZ offers (for most units) are expansive balconies and terraces with room for seating and barbecues (with gas hookups). The exterior spaces range from 31 to 374 square feet (practically the equivalent room of a downtown central studio unit), with ample room to grill up some miso tempeh and watch Ossington visitors assemble down below.

THE BAD

In my last post about the Canary District Condos, I vented my grievances with regards to the pseudo-kitchens that seem to crop up in more and more new Toronto builds. These "appliance walls" are, unfortunately, present in each of the unit plans for 109OZ. And looking at the layouts, I'm reminded of another structural pet peeve: the pseudo-bedroom door.

While some 109OZ units have bedrooms equipped with bona fide doors (with hinges and everything!), too many have sliding bedroom "barriers" that block view of the bed from the rest of the unit. Again, ostensibly, the rationale is rooted in space-saving, but I imagine I'd feel a fraud in my "one bedroom" that felt more like a bachelor with "nifty" sliding doors. Nevermind that slamming the door in a fit of rage would be next to impossible.

THE VERDICT

If you love Ossington, this is probably your place. You'll be walking distance to everything, close enough to transit to take you anywhere, and in a building that's modest enough to not garner dirty sneers from anyone (or most, at least). Expansive patios will let you feel part of the action when you can't be bothered to actually go out, and great activities and eats are right at your footsteps when you are.

But personally, I would need my suite to come with counter space (in part, to help avoid perpetual eating out) and real bedroom doors. Though there are some 109OZ units that include doors with hinges and lend themselves to kitchen islands, those units (generally) will cost you a cool 300K over the starting suite costs (probably because they include an extra bedroom and bathroom). That's a lot of dough for a door and a spot to chop carrots.

What do you think? Would you live here? Add your comments to the thread below.