277 Davenport Condos is the place to be if you fancy yourself amongst the 1% - or at least aim to appear like you are. Geared mostly towards empty nesters, this project wants to give those with a bit of extra pocket change an opportunity to downsize without moving into a crowded skyscraper. With units starting around 1,800 square feet, this probably won't feel like you're downsizing too much.

277 Davenport finds itself situated where Yorkville and the Annex cross paths. Unlike most new projects going up in the immediate area whose future residents may range into the hundreds or even thousands, this building has an extremely modest 10 units. With an average of 2 units per floor you're going to find a rarely seen level of privacy for a condo building, but with prices starting around the 1.6 million mark these units don't come cheap. Each suite which comes with 1 parking space also features some of biggest balcony sizes I've seen to date (some over 1000 sq ft). Each unit is also decked out with floor to ceiling glass windows, plank hardwood floors, and 10 ft ceilings.

Amenities are scarce beyond the "executive" concierge. It's not clear whether the "executive" in executive concierge means he or she is an exec or if they are serving executives - with the above average $0.62 sq ft maintenance fees, maybe both. The massive 3,767 sq ft top floor penthouse suite does actually have a few extra perks - a direct elevator, roof top pool and an outdoor kitchen - or if this large penthouse doesn't cut it for space, there's also a two level 3,563 sq ft three bedroom townhouse along the south side of the building. The suite features double height 19 ft ceilings in the living room and a ground floor terrace with yet another (private) pool.

SPECS

Address: 277 Davenport Rd.
Storeys: 6
Number of Units: 10
Ceiling Height: 10 ft
Unit sizes in Square Feet: 1,823 - 3,767 (not including terrace)
Starting Price: $1,600,000
Second Parking Space: $50,000
Maintenance: $0.62 sq ft
Amenities: executive concierge
Architect: Hariri Pontarini
Developer: Burnac Corporation
Interior Designer: Boychuk + Fuller
Landscape Architect: Ronald Holbrook and Associates
Completion Date: 2015

THE GOOD

The benefits of only needing to share your space with just a few other residents can't be overstated. Imagine not waiting an eternity for the elevator to arrive only to find you barely fit on with all the other people scrambling out to work for the morning commute, or perhaps even getting the opportunity to get to know a few of your neighbours (especially the one with the pool).This condo building is probably one the closest projects we've similar to a detached house. Except this way you don't have to yell at the pesky neighbourhood kids to get off your goddamn lawn.

The flashy trademarks we're used to in most multimillion dollar properties aren't here. But instead the emphasis on simplicity shows a bit of a sophistication we don't see enough in a condo market stuck in short term fads. The large uncluttered spaces leave a lot to play with here, and the developer has indicated that customization is encouraged. This simple design will hopefully give this place an edge over some of its shinier counterparts if you decide to sell down the road and enviably find that Toronto's condo stock has gone out of style.

THE BAD

This has a pretty selective market, and not just with the prices. The suites, although large, don't have a lot of bedrooms. If you're hoping to house a family in one of these spacious suites, you may be investing in putting up some new walls in the near future. Or making that terrace all-seasons. Or moving into the nearest Penthouse.

The lack of amenities for anyone but the penthouse or townhouse suites might also be an issue for some. Although this should encourage residents to go out and patronize local businesses, it might be a huge drawback for some who expect a few more goodies for the multimillion dollar price tag.

OUR TAKE

The simplicity of the design is a real highlight here along with a really decent neighbourhood. But keep in mind you could actually buy an entire house with a backyard in this area for pretty much the same price (or cheaper). So if you want a little less to maintain, projects like these are a rare find.

MORE PHOTOS

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