35 Merton Street

Translating to river, Rio is a fitting name for the Conservatory Group’s vibrant condos on Merton Street, in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of midtown Toronto. At 35 Merton Street, the Rio I Condos comprise the tallest of this development. However, the building reaches only to 15 storeys, as these were designed to integrate well into the relaxed atmosphere of the neighbourhood: the The Rio IIl and The Rio IV Condos both stand 12 storeys tall.

Completed in 2000, E.I Richmond Architects’ design for 35 Merton boasts a refined postmodern style. While the builders cast the concrete exterior with modern sophistication in mind, what makes the Rio I Condos postmodern is how the plethora of windows and deep balconies central facing out towards Merton are all arranged in timeless, classical proportions.

As architecturally distinguished as they are, 35 Merton’s spectacular amenities are yet another element that attracts many prospective buyers: residents can exercise in the building’s exclusive fitness facilities, followed by a sumptuous relaxation session in the sauna or Jacuzzi.

Moreover, 35 Merton’s secluded garden becomes another oasis for its residents to take advantage of — and many may also consider the condos’ common library similarly. Conversely, for those who want to host friends and family, there are also rooms appointed for parties and business meetings, as well as ample parking for visitors.

Finally, when the Rio I Condos’ residents come home to their sophisticated building, they’re welcomed by a suitably stylish lobby. Elegantly appointed, the lobby exudes a warm ambience, especially considering the 24-hour concierge service.

Luckily for the many prospective buyers eyeing Toronto condos for sale in this neighbourhood, the building contains 112 suites, which range in size from approximately 600 to 1,350 square feet. This includes one- and two-bedroom layouts, many of which boast access to private balconies that overlook Mount Pleasant’s treetops. Residents living in units that face south, on the other hand, can take in the beauty of the city’s skyline on a daily basis.

Inside, the living spaces at 35 Merton’s suites are carefully designed and filled with light courtesy of their many large windows. Even though many residents have proudly customized their homes over the years, their ambience warmly welcomes the varying tastes of any incoming homeowner.

Being surrounded by such an abundance of green space means residents can easily enjoy an active, yet equally urban lifestyle. The tall trees behind the building are part of the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail, which leads to the grassy fields of Oriole Park — a short walk west. Adventurous types will love hearing that this trail is also part of a vast network of paths that lead deep into the Don Valley towards the east.

When making a day of exploring these trails, residents can pick up some food at the Sobeys Urban Fresh around the corner on Balliol Street, or one of the many restaurants along Yonge at the west end of Merton. Explorers will eventually be lead to the Evergreen Brickworks, a cultural centre bringing new life to the Don Valley’s former quarry.

The Beltline isn’t the only line nearby — the subway’s Yonge-University-Spadina line is around the corner as well, with Davisville being the closest station. Convenient for residents of the Rio I Condos who prefer public transit, Davisville Station is accessible at street level on the south west corner of Yonge and Chaplin Crescent.

Additionally, those who usually drive can do so with ease, whether in their neighbourhood or beyond. The traffic in midtown tends to move well, meaning drivers can head up Yonge directly to the Highway 401 in no time.

Alternatively, drivers can also easily access the Don Valley Parkway: at the east end of Merton, Bayview Avenue leads south down into the Don Valley toward the DVP, with the entire trip often taking less than ten minutes.