Toronto's South Core neighbourhood – lively, lakefront and prestigious

If a lively and active downtown lifestyle is what you’re after, Toronto’s South Core might be the perfect location for you. It might also help if you work in the nearby financial district, as residency in this prestigious neighbourhood has its price.

So-called for its proximity to the downtown core but, obviously south… from the railway lands to Lake Ontario, and bounded on the west by Lower Simcoe Street and on the east by Lower Jarvis Street.

Indeed, Toronto is blessed with a prized waterfront location, which is seeing billions of dollars in development, from public spaces to new residences to new commercial and retail opportunities. And the South Core is a prime example of this growth.

Consider, for instance, the Southcore Financial Centre (SFC), a major mixed-use, sustainable complex. Designed to exceed the expectations of today’s globally connected businesses and sophisticated urban travelers, SFC comprises two striking LEED Gold certified office towers totalling 1.4 million sq. ft. and The Delta Toronto – a premium four-star, 560-room, next generation hotel. Or One York Street by Menkes Developments, a 35-floor, 800,000-sq.-ft. Class AAA building at York and Harbour targeting LEED Platinum certification.

The sustainability and connectivity of these projects typify the redevelopment underway in the South Core. Both buildings boast direct and enclosed access to the PATH to Union Station for TTC, GO Transit the UP Express and more, and beyond through Toronto’s underground network. Within easy walking distance are landmarks such as Scotiabank Arena, the Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, world class restaurants and the city’s Entertainment and Theatre districts.

Then there’s Maple Leaf Square, a multi-use complex and public square next to Scotiabank Arena, with a large video screen for live outdoor public broadcasts of Leaf and Raptors games, and home to Real Sports Bar & Grill, one of North America’s largest sports bars.

New condominiums have sprouted along with the office towers. Among the most notable is the massive, master-planned project – Pinnacle One Yonge from Pinnacle International. The first phase of Pinnacle One Yonge involves The Prestige, a 65-storey residential tower with 497 condominium units, a community centre and extensive retail space. Phases 2 and 3 will add SkyTower, a 95-storey tower (where only a few suites remain), and then an 80-storey tower. Phase 4 will develop the south parcel of the land, introducing an additional three buildings, including a 12-storey addition to the existing Toronto Star building onsite.

With links to public transit, widened sidewalks and improved pedestrian and cyclist access, Pinnacle One Yonge will reshape the area forever.

Now that the west and central portions of the waterfront are well along in development, condo growth is spreading east. Menkes has Sugar Wharf Condominiums at Sugar Beach, and Tridel has Aqualuna at Bayside, at Merchants Wharf and Queens Quay East.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

South from the railway lands to Lake Ontario, bounded on the west by Lower Simcoe Street and on the east by Lower Jarvis Street

KEY LANDMARKS

• Harbourfront
• Maple Leaf Square
• Queen’s Quay Terminal
• Redpath Sugar Refinery
• Scotiabank Arena
• Southcore Financial Centre
• The Power Plant Art Gallery

SELECT CONDO DEVELOPMENTS

Aqualuna at Bayside
By Tridel
tridel.com

Harbour Plaza
South Core Financial District, Toronto
By Menkes Developments
menkes.com

Pinnacle One Yonge
By Pinnacle International
pinnacleoneyonge.ca

Sugar Wharf
Toronto Waterfront
By Menkes Developments
menkes.com

Ten York
By Tridel
tridel.com

The Prestige at Pinnacle One Yonge
By Pinnacle International
pinnacleoneyonge.ca