Welcome to my blog series, Condo Chronicles where I analyze popular Toronto condo floorplans and offer my professional advice to improve them.
This week, we’re talking about Symphony Place: Located at 71 Simcoe St. near King and University, it is a boutique-style building completed in 1990. It features 87 units spread across a 27-story structure. The units range from approximately 840 sq. ft. to a luxurious penthouse exceeding 3,500 sq. ft. Condo fees are reasonable and include all utilities. Residents enjoy a range of amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, a gym, an exercise room, and a party room. The location is outstanding, situated just steps from the subway and nestled between the entertainment and financial districts.
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The Original Floorplan
The featured unit is available on every floor and, in my opinion, is the only one worth a complete renovation due to the building’s structural concrete and shear walls that cannot be altered. Because this unit runs along the longer side of the building, it offers the potential to open up the space significantly, creating a more modern and functional floor plan. These units are 1,220 sq. ft. and are unique in their original layout, as they are configured as a one-bedroom with two full bathrooms.
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The Re-Imagined Floorplan
The master bedroom presents a challenge with its two entrances, which reduce wall space and limit closet and storage options. As a long end unit, it is prone to spacial inefficiencies that need addressing. The original ensuite bathroom was excessively large, but during renovation planning, it was discovered that the pipes running between floors are located between the shower and the existing vanity sinks, necessitating that wall’s retention.
To resolve this, the dressing area and main bath were combined into a spa-like space. This new design features ample shelving and drawers for clothes, a double vanity with a large mirror above, and a toilet discreetly positioned behind a glass partition. A spacious shower for two was installed, with pairs of rainheads and hand showers, and room for a bathtub if desired in the wet area. Additionally, a generous storage area was created to accommodate a bicycle and other items, compensating for the lack of a dedicated storage locker for this unit.
With a single entrance to the main bedroom located by the windows, a long wall of elegant cabinetry can be installed, featuring a top-mounted open ethanol fireplace, wall shelves, a pantry, cupboards, and a built-in computer/planning desk. By relocating the kitchen, I was able to create a second bedroom while maintaining a generous living/dining area measuring 20′ x 14′. The spacious, open kitchen is perfect for entertaining, benefiting from abundant natural light due to its western exposure and unobstructed sightlines. The addition of the second bedroom, formerly the kitchen, makes the inclusion of a second bathroom with a shower practical, and it also serves as a convenient powder room off the entrance hall. A full-sized stackable washer and dryer fit seamlessly with the existing plumbing, making this alteration straightforward.
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The double doors from the entrance vestibule add a touch of whimsy from the original design. They can be kept closed to create a sense of anticipation for guests, who will be pleasantly surprised when you open them to reveal the expansive view through the windows. There is ample space in the vestibule for a small console table with a large piece of art above it.
The new second bedroom is spacious enough to accommodate either a double or queen bed, along with a dresser and a double closet. The sliding frosted glass partition prevents the room from feeling claustrophobic and can be left open when used as an office or den.
This plan was implemented in one of my personal projects and set a record price per square foot for the building, exceeding all previous records by approximately 25% and of unimproved units by 45% at the time of sale. Smart planning and the use of luxurious materials enabled this unit to sell for more than many larger condos in the district, even in a challenging market. This project is one of several I’ve been personally involved with that demonstrate how thoughtful design and execution can make a significant difference in a market filled with lacklustre condos that could be improved.
Do you have a condo floorplan you’d like to see featured here? Let me know! Reach out directly by calling 416-824-1242, emailing robert@lifeofluxury.ca, or filling out the form on this page.
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