Welcome to my blog series, Condo Chronicles where I analyze popular Toronto condo floorplans and offer my professional advice to improve them.
I remember when Yorkville was truly its own charming self—low-key and less intense. At the corner of Avenue Road and Cumberland, you’d find the old convention centre of the Four Seasons Hotel, a tower that has been converted into micro-condos. After the Four Seasons relocated to their new building on Bay Street, this lower meeting facility seemed unnecessary.
Unfortunately, placing a tower on that corner feels like a poor decision. It sits uncomfortably close to 175 Cumberland and 155 Yorkville, practically allowing neighbours to look into each others’ windows. While the east and west exposures are somewhat brighter, I still don’t consider this a premium location for a high-rise residence.
Craving more condo insights? Read more Conod Chronicles right here.
The Building in Question: 188 & 200 Cumberland Street
The building that replaced the large convention podium, known now as 188 and 200 Cumberland St., features contrasting identities. The first 25 floors contain 255 units ranging from about 337 to just under 1,300 sq. ft.
Although marketed as luxury condos, I have my reservations. Following a familiar trend in the city, there is a separate entrance and address for the more exclusive residences on the upper floors. Above these initial 25 stories, an additional 15 floors feature larger units, primarily ranging from 1,000 sq. ft. to a 4,300 sq. ft. penthouse.
While some of the upper units offer impressive views over 175 Cumberland, most have disappointingly small outdoor spaces relative to their size. As such, I wouldn’t recommend this building as a top choice for my clients.
In addition to my weekly Condo Chronicles series, I also have some condo guides for your convenience. Check them out here:
- The Four Seasons Private Residences in Toronto
- Market Square in St. Lawrence Market
- 33, 55 & 65 Harbour Square in Toronto’s Waterfront
The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
The layouts in the Yorkville Private Estates are decent, other than the scant balconies. Some units take time to sell, regardless of market conditions. The featured unit, repeating on the 5 lower floors, from the 26th to the 30th, is 1,800 sq. ft. with a southwest orientation—optimal, in my opinion. The main space is generous, with a generally good flow and some thoughtful features. The open kitchen functions reasonably well, but the island is too small and lacks utility.
How I Would Improve 188 & 200 Cumberland
To improve this unit, I would suggest rotating the island 90 degrees and doubling its length. This modification would create more bar seating and prep space, perfect for hosting gatherings with a generous surface to put out a spread of food and drink for festive get-togethers. It would also offer a better workspace for those who love to cook, as residents in this condo may be likely to enjoy home-cooked meals rather than relying solely on takeout. I find that cooking a healthy meal is a wonderful way to unwind at the end of the day. The kitchen island provides an ideal space for a couple to discuss their day while preparing a meal, with a laptop or cookbook laid out for reference alongside a selection of fresh ingredients.
Looking for more condo content? Read these other blogs next:
- Toronto’s 5 Most Luxurious Condos Today
- Is it Wrong to Like Older Condo Buildings…Or Are They Actually Better?
- Don’t Be Unduly Swayed by Glitzy Condorama
Another enhancement could involve combining the hall and closet between the master bedroom and ensuite into a spacious, symmetrical dressing room. With good lighting and an appealing through view from the bedroom to the bathtub, it could feature elegant organizers on either side, allowing residents to curate their outfits thoughtfully for the day or evening ahead, and it could easily be shut off at either end with pocket doors.
These are minor adjustments to an otherwise solid layout, but I’m always looking for ways to enhance a space. Still, this building remains low on my list of preferred options in the neighbourhood. That said, it’s essential to make the best of what we have and strive for improvement.
Is there a condo building you’d like to see featured here? Feel free to reach out directly by calling 416-824-1242 or emailing robert@lifeofluxury.ca today.
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