426 University Avenue

Conversions have become all the rage in recent years — and this one of a kind conversion is certain to get buyers excited. Originally built in 1907, Residences at RCMI served as somewhat of a clubhouse for the Canadian Military, until 2014 when it was transformed into modern downtown Toronto condos. Fortunately, the structure maintained much of its history, including the original 2 storey façade and twin cannons.

There is one potential drawback to this property which buyers must be aware of — there is no parking provided with this building… that’s not a joke, this property is car free aside from a car share program, so if you’re attached to your vehicle then you’d be wise to look elsewhere for a condo.

If your head hasn’t exploded from learning that there’s no available parking, then you may be enticed by the forward thinking amenities granted to residents — gym, 300 spaces for bicycle parking, games room, car share program for 9 cars that are kept on site, security guard, and concierge.

There are 318 units in this building, available in 1 bedroom, 1 bedroom + den, and 2 bedroom condos — suite sizes range from 473 square feet to 762 square feet. Units are filled with natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows — keeping with the environmentally friendly feeling — and all units follow open concept layouts.

Within these suites you’ll find hardwood floors, 9 foot ceilings, Corian or granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, designer cabinets, and modern bathrooms. There are certainly condos in the neighbourhood which offer more luxurious finishes, but you’d be hard pressed to find a modern building which offers as much at this price point.

Residences at RCMI is an ideal choice for young professionals who work downtown, and either bike or ride public transit to get to work. While this building might not be the best choice for first time home buyers who are looking for the most affordable Toronto condos for sale, there are some reasonably priced 1 bedroom suites here.

The Grange Park neighbourhood is about as central as central gets — minutes from the Financial District, Entertainment District, and attractions on Yonge, residents of this neighbourhood have countless options for shopping, food, entertainment, and transit.

Shopping enthusiasts who call 426 University Ave home will likely need to exercise some serious restraint; the Eaton Centre is less than a 10 minute walk away, where you’ll find over 200 hundreds stores for the latest in fashion and technology. Or, shoppers can stroll south to Queen Street and peruse a wide array of unique boutiques.

With your stainless steel kitchen appliances, you may choose to prepare your own meals more often than not, but if you’re in the mood to dine out then you have great choices just around the corner — there’s Uncle Tetsu's To Go for a meal and a musical performance, Poke Guys for Hawaiian food, Japango for Japanese cuisine, and a vast selection of Asian restaurants; also, the usual favorites like McDonald’s, Subway, Tim Hortons, and more.

Entertainment options are no less vast — those who are more cultured might enjoy ballet and opera at Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Music fans have the famous Massey Hall to the east for concerts, or the Ed Mirvish Theatre for a show. For a lively nightlife experience, residents can go south to the Entertainment District for pubs, clubs, restaurants, and Toronto’s most notable attractions.

Boasting a nearly flawless walk score of 99 — and it better have a great walk score considering the lack of parking — 426 University Ave is a pedestrian friendly location where errands can be accomplished on foot.

Public transit users have a great starting location for their commute — there are north and southbound buses right outside the building on University Ave, east and westbound streetcars on Dundas Street W, and St. Patrick Station is only steps away for subway lines.

Drivers can reach the nearest highways by heading south Simcoe for the Gardiner Expressway, and east on Dundas for the Don Valley Parkway.