1000 Bay Condos (or 1Thousand if you're into the developer's branding) are one of a series of new condos in the works on this particularly stretch of the street, the most notable of which is the Britt at the former Sutton Place Hotel site. Not as soaring as some of the other developments nearby, the development will nevertheless contribute to the further densification of Bay St., something that makes sense given its amenities and the width of the road (it's rarely snarled with traffic south of Bloor).

While the building is another example of a glass condo, lead architect Peter Clewes has given it character with a two tower design that makes for a dramatic rooftop terrace atop the shorter structure. The depth of the balconies throughout the building also add visual interest and ward off an accusations of monolithic design.

SPECS

Address: 1000 Bay St.
Storeys: 32
Number of units: 458
Unit types: Studio to three bedrooms
Unit sizes: 377-1168 sq. ft.
Price: High $300,000s
Architect: ArchitectsAlliance
Developer: Crestford Developments
Estimated completion: 2015

FEATURES

• Media Room, games room, billiards room, and party room
• Yoga & Pilates Studio
• Exercise Room
• Concierge services
• Rooftop Terrace

THE VERDICT

Solid development. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but most of the boxes are ticked for a downtown development. The unit range is good, the exterior design is pleasing enough, the units themselves promise some luxury finishes (quartz countertops, ceramic backsplashes, full-height bath tubs), and the rooftop terrace looks like a legitimately nice place to spend time.

It doesn't bear much explaining that the location is excellent. Situated just below Yorkville and adjacent to U of T, there's ample cultural, retail, and green space. Yes, you will pay for this (check the starting prices), but living in such a well-served area in Toronto is always going to be costly.

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