Whether your office attire has transitioned to sweatpants, or you couldn’t figure out how to remove the cat filter from your important Zoom meeting, many of us now find ourselves dealing with the motions of working from home.
Widespread work-from-home policies aren’t disappearing anytime soon and new more flexible policies may outlast the pandemic itself. For Toronto’s new construction homebuyers, this can translate into prioritizing flexible live-and-work spaces, including focusing their home search on buildings that provide on-site co-working and business lounge amenities.
Here’s a list of new condo projects in downtown Toronto that offer co-working facilities:
1. 199 Church Condos
Developer: CentreCourt and Parallax Development Corporation
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: Garden District
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
Pulling inspiration from the offices of big tech companies, 199 Church Condos says that its future workspace will deliver a mix of open work areas and private meeting nooks. Whether you’re studying for that online course or putting together a presentation, there will be plenty of room at the many communal tables and soft seating areas.
2. Empire Quay House
Developer: Empire Communities
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: East Bayfront
WFH Amenities: Co-working lounge, study rooms
If you need a pick-me-up after a meeting or study session, the co-working lounge at Empire Quay House provides an on-site coffee bar. Whenever you pack up for the day, lift some weights or work on your cardio at the gym, and grab a breath of fresh air in the outdoor courtyard.
3. Sugar Wharf Condos – West Tower
Developer: Menkes Developments Ltd.
Status: Construction
Neighbourhood: South Core
WFH Amenities: Co-work/meeting rooms
After your workday wraps, this two-tower project near Sugar Beach Park has plenty of on-site amenities to enjoy. Host friends and family in the party room with a separate bar area, or let the little ones flex their creative muscles with the help of the dedicated music and Lego rooms.
4. The Saint
Developer: Minto Communities Canada
Status: Construction
Neighbourhood: Old Town
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
On the top floor of The Saint, the ergonomically-designed co-working area features ambient lighting and decor to create a relaxing work atmosphere. Future residents can also make use of the building’s Wellness Centre, complete with private spa rooms, a Zen garden and Himalayan salt rock room.
5. 31 Condominiums
Developer: Lanterra Developments and Westdale Properties
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: The Distillery District
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
Artist’s renderings of the workspace in this future 41-storey high-rise depict glass-enclosed meeting rooms and walls covered with greenery that make for a serene working environment. A 24-hour concierge, locker storage, and a pavilion with a fire pit will also be available for resident use.
6. 55 Mercer Condos
Developer: CentreCourt
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: Entertainment District
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
Slated to rise 47 storeys on the site of the former Second City venue and Wayne Gretzky’s sports bar, 55 Mercer Condos will feature a co-working space with a boardroom and social areas on the ninth floor. On the same level, an outdoor lounge with dining tables and barbecues will also be available.
7. 28 Eastern
Developer: Alterra
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: Corktown
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
Situated near Cherry Street and Eastern Avenue, 28 Eastern is planning to give its future Corktown residents a number of in-house amenities, including a sculpture garden, sun deck, media lounge and a children’s play area.
8. Jac Condos
Developer: Graywood Developments Ltd and Phantom Developments
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: Church and Wellesley
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
A skip and a jump from Allan Gardens, Jac Condos is expected to kick off construction early this year. When complete, the 34-storey tower will place residents within minutes of Ryerson University, Yonge-Dundas Square, the TTC College subway station and the Eaton Centre.
9. 88 Queen Condos – Phase 2
Developer: St. Thomas Developments Inc.
Status: Under construction
Neighbourhood: Garden District
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
On the seventh floor of 88 Queen Condos, those working from home can find a spot along the communal work table or on one of the built-in seats. During your break, swim a few laps in the infinity pool or enjoy some quiet time around the outdoor fire pit on the same floor.
10. 11 Yorkville
Developer: Metropia, RioCan Living and Capital Developments
Status: Construction
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
WFH Amenities: Business centre
In the heart of Yorkville, this luxury high-rise touts a wealth of lavish facilities that can be indulged in after a long work day. Take a dip in the indoor-outdoor infinity pool before spending a night in the piano lounge or sipping your favourite glass of red in the wine room.
11. Burke Condos
Developer: Concert
Status: Pre-construction
Neighbourhood: Saint James Town
WFH Amenities: Co-work/meeting space
This 53-storey project near Sherbourne and Bloor streets will deliver a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including an outdoor terrace with lounge seating, a games room and a 27th-floor fitness centre. Each suite interior will also be fitted with Bosch appliances, matte black hardware and the owner’s choice from three colour palettes.
12. in.DE Condos
Developer: Menkes Developments Ltd.
Status: Construction
Neighbourhood: Garden District
WFH Amenities: Co-working space
For social butterflies and party hosts alike, in.DE Condos will provide a variety of community-oriented facilities. Host pizza nights in the gourmet kitchen with a private dining room, or collaborate on the next big project in the co-working area.
13. Empire Maverick Condos
Developer: Empire Communities
Status: Construction
Neighbourhood: Entertainment District
WFH Amenities: Shared workspace
Currently under construction near King and Peter streets, Empire Maverick Condos will be home to a Wi-Fi-supported work lounge where you can take those important meetings and calls. Unwind from the workday on the landscaped outdoor lounge or at the exclusive residents’ bar.
