Welcome to my blog series, Condo Chronicles where I analyze popular Toronto condo floorplans and offer my professional advice to improve them.
The Residences Of 488 University Avenue were completed in 2017 and consist of 453 units. The 55-story tower sits atop an 18-story International-style modern office building which was re-clad with a beautifully-proportioned glass curtain wall, and its thoughtful redesign makes for an attractive example of adaptive reuse. The condos range from 544 square-foot one-bedroom units to 1,640 square-foot three-bedroom suites, with a variety of floor plans to offer flexibility in layout. All units benefit from relatively unobstructed views in whichever direction they face. The interiors feature 10-foot ceilings and are well finished.
Read the other installations of Condo Chronicles right here.
Before: Functional, Luxurious, and Open
For the most part, the floor plans work well, but I’m showcasing a unit on the 23rd floor, which repeats on several levels. This 1,042 sq. ft. unit, plus an additional 180 sq. ft. of balcony space, contains three compact bedrooms. The layout is functional and offers a luxurious flow, with a sense of openness.
After: A Few Minor Updates Can Make a Big Difference
I’ve reworked several areas to improve the functionality and usability of the space. In the foyer, I’ve created an alcove with a full-height mirror centred on the entryway, designed to reflect more light and give the space a more spacious, formal, and luxurious feel. It also provides a convenient spot for occupants and visitors, alike, to check themselves as they arrive or leave, as many people often do.
I relocated the laundry to be next to the coat closet and designed it to share plumbing with the adjacent bathroom. The front hall closet was reduced in size, but I compensated for this by adding a pantry in the kitchen where the laundry was originally located. The wall that these all share has been divided into four 3-foot-wide panels, with full-height wooden doors and a fixed panel, creating a visually appealing feature.
Do you love Toronto condos as much as I do? Check out some of my other condo blogs right here:
- What are the Record Condo Sales in Toronto?
- What are Toronto’s Record Condo Sales?
- Is it Wrong to Like Older Condos? Or are they Actually Better?
The den/bedroom 3 previously featured extensive glass walls and sliding doors, which faced a dark hallway and lacked versatility. I reworked the space by replacing one of the glass walls with a solid wall and added display shelving. This change allows for more flexibility in furniture placement, such as positioning the bed or another piece of furniture along that wall. The outer wall of the 2 smaller bedrooms is now divided into six 3-foot panels—either glass or wood—that run full height, mirroring the opposite wall for a balanced, cohesive look that enhances the sense of space and luxury.
The kitchen was also expanded by adding a full-depth pantry cupboard, seamlessly integrated into the millwork design. The doors match the panels of the other kitchen cabinetry along that wall, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Curious about a specific Toronto condo building? You might like reading some of my latest condo guides right here:
In the master bedroom, there were originally two separate sliding doors, one leading to the walk-in closet and another to the en-suite bathroom, which took up a large portion of one wall. To optimize this space, I now access the walk-in closet through the bathroom, as both areas are used by the same occupants. This change frees up more wall space for additional functionality next to the closet on the bedroom side, and allows for shallow display shelves or flat hanging space in the closet, as well as a mirror, if desired.
Overall, I’m quite pleased with how this unit turned out. Despite the two large round columns along the outer perimeter, the reworked layout maximizes the space’s functionality and flow, creating a modern and comfortable living environment.
Do you have condo questions? Or is there a condo building you’d like me to feature? Get in touch by calling 416-824-1242 or email me at robert@lifeofluxury.ca.
Guiding Your Experience
Learn more about how I work with you to create unique strategies that help make your dream lifestyle your actual lifestyle.
