175 Cumberland Street

At the corner of Floor Street West and Avenue Road, overlooking Queen’s Park, the Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto, Renaissance Plaza has stood as a Yorkville landmark, built around the Church of the Redeemer and on top of 9 floors of offices and a level of tony shops on the ground level, since 1982.  15 residential storeys featuring 127 condominium units, served by elevators from the private entrance off Cumberland Street, feature spacious layouts with lots of glass lining bay windows in all principal rooms.  The units were planned with grand living in mind, and feature generous living areas, large kitchens and ample bedrooms.

Renaissance Plaza was a landmark opportunity for developer Bramalea Limited to establish itself in the downtown market after being active in the suburbs as a developer of shopping malls, housing, and commercial space.  The scale of the building communicated well with other buildings in the area but was often felt to be somewhat heavy due to the precast concrete used on the facades.  Designed by architectural firm Page & Steele, the complex was a moderate success in the beginning but has done very well in the resale market due to the location and sizes of the suites. 

Prices have grown rapidly and many units have undergone stunning and expensive renovations.

For families, there are several nearby schools, and the suites within the building are consistently some of the largest downtown, ranging from 1 bedroom units around 1,100 SF to sprawling suites with 3 bedrooms and over 3,000 SF.  Some of the upper units feature fireplaces, and there are a few others that have large terraces with unparalleled views of the city.  This highly sought-after complex attracts well-established people wishing to improve and invest in their homes, with the idea of spending many happy years there, which has led to a stability in the lifestyle of those in the building, where mostly units are owner-occupied.  The management is exemplary with the maintenance of the building and monthly fees are quite reasonable for a building of this age and with such great amenities; they cover most everything except for hydro, parking, and TV/internet.

Renaissance Plaza is considered by its residents to be the ideal home in Central Toronto, with a 99 walk score, 94 transit score and 97 bike score.  Units usually sell at or over asking prices, as demand for these is naturally high.

The building sits enviably above two subway lines, giving the ultimate connections around the city by rapid transit, but the neighbourhood it’s in is totally walkable, possibly one of the most pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto.

Amenities, restaurants, culture and leafy neighbourhoods surround it, assuring a charmed lifestyle for any avid walker or city-lover.If one has a car, parking is available, though not owned, nor on-site for the most part.For this reason, the condo fees include valet parking, if one is to rent a spot across the street, where secure designated spots in a garage are assured by an agreement with the owner of that facility (there’re a limited number of spots within the building).Additionally, amenities for all owners include a full-time concierge, gym, indoor pool, party/meeting room, rooftop deck/garden and sauna.