50 Yorkville Ave & 55 Scollard Street

Exploring details about 50 Yorkville Ave, particularly the Four Seasons Private Residences, may induce envy for those on a tight budget. Despite the potential humour in the introduction, there’s a hint of truth. For instance, a penthouse on the 55th floor of the taller of the two residential buildings at 55 Scollard Street & 50 Yorkville Avenue set a Canadian record at the time by selling for a staggering $28 million during the building’s 2012 construction.

Building on an iconic Canadian brand, the Four Seasons Private Residences comprise two towers, with one standing at an elegant 26 storeys and the other soaring to an impressive 55 floors. The lower 20 storeys of the taller building house the Four Seasons Hotel, while the residences have a separate lobby and front door on Yorkville Avenue. Residents of the Four Seasons Private Residences have unimpeded access to a multitude of the hotel’s globally acclaimed amenities, along with a range of exclusive additional features tailored specifically for those living in the Four Seasons Private Residences. A 9th-storey walkway connects both buildings, offering residents access to an impressive and diverse range of services and facilities crafted to elevate their living experience. Whether one seeks a serene day at the spa, a session at the fitness centre, or a refreshing swim in the infinity pool, the Four Seasons Private Residences cater to every desire. Moreover, residents can indulge in the assistance of a dedicated concierge team, available around the clock to attend to their every need. These amenities are amongst the best in any condominium in the city. The monthly condo fees are not unreasonable, considering what is available for one’s use as a resident… At the time of writing (early 2024) the fees range from approximately $1.45/square foot in the taller tower to $1.75/square foot in the shorter Scollard Street tower. The differential is due to the two buildings being registered as individual (separate) condominium corporations, each with its own accounting.

The exterior of the project is sleek and rather timeless, designed by Toronto’s architectsAlliance in joint venture with Page & Steele, and features exquisite interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg and Gluckstein Design Planning.

Diving into the suites, the record-breaking penthouse spans over 9,000 square feet with nearly 700 square feet for staff lodging and four terraces. However, among the 210 units, more modest layouts starting at around 680 square feet are available. Many residences, regardless of size, boast oversized balconies, fireplaces, wall-to-wall windows, and open-concept living spaces.  Please feel free to reach out to me if you are interested in reviewing floor plans for the various suites, and to discuss valuations based on these.

As for the neighbourhood, leaving the luxurious confines of 55 Scollard and 50 Yorkville leads to the posh Yorkville area. Known for its high-end boutiques along Bloor Street, Yorkville Avenue, and Cumberland Street, the district is vibrant with stylish restaurants. Formerly Toronto’s bohemian community, Yorkville has evolved into a place where visiting celebrities often choose to stay.

The Royal Ontario Museum is a short walk away for affordable activities, and outdoor spaces like Queens Park, Rosedale Ravine, and the University of Toronto campus offer enjoyable wandering outdoor experiences. The adjacent Yonge and Bloor neighbourhood provides a lively nightlife, while cinephiles can visit the Cineplex Cinemas Varsity and VIP Theatre or one catch a live show at the Hart House Theatre at U of T.

For transportation, drivers can easily access Bay Street and Bloor Street for local travel or Bayview Avenue for journeys beyond the city centre. The condos are a 4-minute walk from the subway, specifically the Bloor-Yonge station connecting to both the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge-University-Spadina Lines, and just steps from the Bay Street subway station.

Even without a car, residents are well-situated, with Pearson International Airport reachable in 30 minutes by cab or just over 40 minutes via the UP service from the nearby Bloor GO/UP station.