60-98 Carr Street

The Gardens at Queen Townhouses cater to a specific subset of prospective buyers looking for downtown Toronto condos: people attracted to these homes prefer houses to condos, landscaped walkways to elevator rides, and green space to lobbies.

In case you couldn’t tell yet, the complex at 60-98 Carr Street is a group of Toronto townhouses, rather than typical condominiums. In fact, there are 177 units in total, all of which were brought to downtown Toronto’s Alexandra Park neighbourhood by Chestnut Homes in 2006. Aesthetically speaking, the Gardens at Queen are charming and low-key, while the soft yellow stucco is both inviting and elegant at the same time.

Even without a long list of modern amenities, the Gardens at Queen earned a nomination for Low Rise Project of the Year upon its completion. Perhaps it’s the warm sense of community at 60-98 Carr that warranted this positive attention, plus who needs amenities with the public swimming pool and skating rink right next door?

Plus, even with no lobby or elevators to deal with, residents still benefit from all of the security of living in a condo complex. Visitor parking is also available, as well as a rooftop terrace for all to share.

Spanning two or three levels each, it’s no surprise these condos range quite dramatically in size. Single professionals or couples will feel more than comfortable in the smaller Toronto condos for sale, which start at around 500 square feet. Alternatively, those looking to raise a family at 60-98 Carr Street might opt to take a peek at the largest units, which reach to approximately 2,000 square feet.

Between the landscaped walkways leading between units, and the balconies or terraces (some of which are up on the roofs) with gas hookups for barbecues, residents never feel claustrophobic at.

Suites come equipped with one or two bedrooms each, while hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows together create a sense of warmth that cannot go unnoticed. Contrasting ever so slightly with this warmth are the contemporary touches found in the kitchens, complete with sleek, granite countertops.

Although the name of the complex suggests otherwise, the Gardens at Queen are not located directly on Queen Street. Rather, the complex is bound on the south by Carr Street, and Queen is just a few blocks south of there.

Once at Queen, residents will find themselves with a conundrum: where to go first. Restaurants, bars, shops, and more can all be found both east and west. To the east, explorers can take a stroll down Graffiti alley, a favourite spot with photographers and tourists alike. To the west, active types will be pleased to find Trinity Bellwoods Park, a Toronto staple for everything from picnicking to ultimate frisbee, tennis, skating, and sunbathing.

Heading out in the other direction, however, will land residents in a completely different world — or so it would seem. Just north of Dundas Street West is the infamous Kensington Market, with its local boutiques that sell everything from vintage baubles to global cheeses and freshly baked baguettes.

Just beyond Kensington is Chinatown, set up mainly along Dundas and Spadina. Here, brunch will involve dumplings or soup, rather than bacon and eggs. Interesting and inexpensive groceries can also be found in this neighbourhood.

Down south, residents will find Lake Ontario. Coronation Park is a favourite lakeside spot for watching the sunset or playing a game of baseball, while the Canadian National Exhibition, just west of there, hosts various events throughout the year. Ontario Place, which used to be home to a theme park until 2011, has also recently reopened as a public park that is still home to the Cinesphere, the first IMAX theatre in the world.

Whether traveling around the immediate vicinity, or leaving town altogether, residents will have no trouble moving about from 60-98 Carr Street.

In less than 20 minutes by way of public transit, residents can reach Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Pearson is also less than an hour away without a car, thanks to the UP express that departs from Dundas West station.

The subway is even closer, as residents can reach Bathurst Station on the Bloor-Danforth line in about 10 minutes, by using the Bathurst streetcar. Alternatively, St. Patrick Station is a great option for those looking to head north or south on the Yonge-University Spadina Line.

Drivers are also well-suited for traveling around Toronto: The Gardiner Expressway can be reached via Queen Street West or Spadina Avenue, while the Gardens at Queen are about equidistant from the 427 and the Don Valley Parkway.