For real estate investors, buying a condo unit near a university or college is a surefire way to find tenants. With the current lack of purpose-built rentals in major cities, and a backlog of apartment buildings still in the development and construction phases, students are always in need of digs close to campus.
Ryerson University is one of Toronto’s most unique post-secondary institutions given its highly central downtown location, just a few steps away from Yonge-Dundas Square. The life of a Ryerson student is one spent sampling many of the nearby fast-food eateries, hanging out in the Eaton Centre between classes, and exploring the many offerings of the city’s core.
If you’re looking to pick up a new construction condominium within walking distance of Ryerson University, then here’s a handful of options that you may want to consider.
1. The United Bldg. Condos
Developer: Davpart
Priced from: $582,990
Status: Preconstruction
Situated at the intersection of University Avenue and Dundas Street West, future residents of The United Bldg. Condos will be minutes away from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Queens Park, and a number of Canada’s best hospitals. Still, if you’re not feeling up to going out, there’s plenty to do inside this 55-storey building thanks to its wealth of amenities. Cool off from your workout in the fitness centre in the outdoor pool, or enjoy a drink in the sports lounge before watching a movie on the big screen inside the adjoining theatre.
2. Panda Condos
Developer: Lifetime Developments
Priced from: $664,900
Status: Construction
On the site of this future 30-storey condo once stood the World’s Biggest Bookstore, a quirky Toronto book retailer that was in operation from the 1980s until 2014. Directly across the street from Ryerson University, Panda Condos will also share the neighbourhood with the Eaton Centre, Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas, plus a ton of restaurants, bars and retailers.
3. YSL Residences
Developer: Cresford Development Corporation
Priced from: $802,900
Status: Construction
When complete, YSL Residences will top out at a jaw-dropping 85-storeys, making it one of the tallest residential buildings in the city. While the price tag of these luxury condos are out of budget for most students, teaching space will be reserved for Ryerson University in the nine-storey base podium, along with additional retail square footage. The interiors of the 1,106 residential suites will showcase high-end finishes, including the buyer’s choice of designer quartz countertops, contemporary bathroom vanity cabinetry and glass sliding doors.
4. The Saint
Developer: Minto Communities Canada
Priced from: TBA
Status: Preconstruction
Located a 12-minute walk south of the Ryerson Campus, The Saint is also in proximity to a number of restaurants, retailers and the 501 TTC streetcar line. For the fitness guru or yoga enthusiast, this 47-storey condo tower comes packed with wellness and exercise amenities. Practice your deadlift or punch out some cardio in the top-of-the-range fitness centre before relaxing in the rain chromatherapy room. Realign in the communal meditation room, complete with a salt rock wall, or chill out in the open-air Zen Garden.
5. Fleur Condos
Developer: Menkes Developments Ltd.
Priced from: $670,990
Status: Construction
Construction is said to wrap up on this 29-storey condo tower on Shuter and Church streets this July. Host summer parties on the private landscaped outdoor terrace with the help of the barbecue cooking station and fire pit lounge. Crush your friends in a game of Mario Kart in the media room, or whip up your crowd-pleasing dishes in the gourmet demonstration kitchen.
6. Max Condos
Developer: Tribute Communities
Priced from: $751,990
Status: Construction
Located near the southeast side of the Ryerson University campus, Max Condos is walking distance to Arena Gardens, Metro and a handful of downtown eateries. If you’re working from home, you can find a quiet place to answer emails in the building’s business lounge, before wrapping up the workday in the fitness centre or party room, depending on what mood you’re in.
7. in.DE Condos
Developer: Menkes Developments Ltd.
Priced from: $646,990
Status: Construction
In a year’s time, when construction reaches completion on this 21-storey building on Dundas and George streets, 222 residential units will become part of the neighbourhood. The interiors of these suites will showcase brand-name kitchen appliances, custom-designed bathroom vanities and laminate flooring. Green features are incorporated throughout, such as energy-saving construction materials and low-flow plumbing fixtures for water efficiency.
