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A high-rise in Forest Hill might seem like an oxymoron, but South Forest Hill Residences hopes to blend into the neighbourhood. Preserving old-growth trees onsite is in the plans for the new development by Parallax and Westdale Properties, which will be bringing urban density to an area known for multi-million-dollar homes.
“Originally there were 15 houses that we identified as a terrific location for this kind of development,” says Parallax principal Stafford Lawson. By May 2020, those houses were purchased and a re-zoning application was filed for the site.
“Today’s residents are often having to choose between a suburban lifestyle in a traditional neighbourhood that sacrifices connectivity to downtown, or live in the downtown core. This site has both city access and a low-key neighbourhood,” says Lawson.
Located at 63 Monclair Ave., a quiet dead-end street, the two-tower condo, with 21 and 22 storeys, will be the first high-rise development launched in the neighbourhood in more than 30 years, according to Lawson. While initially the property offered 470 suites, several buyers have purchased two units that will be merged into a single, larger residence. Lawson says that the combination of two penthouses, for example, will create a unit spread out over 6,000 to 7,000 square feet.
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IBI Group is taking the lead on architecture, while Figure3 is overseeing the interior design. “We knew from the beginning that this was a sophisticated neighbourhood, so we didn’t want a glass building that just shines at you,” Lawson says. “Instead, this building has a classic design sensibility to it – not stuffy, but a modern interpretation of the traditional.” IBI chose limestone for the vertical pillars and more traditional masonry to reflect the surrounding residential properties.
Located 150 metres from the St. Clair West subway station and close to St. Clair’s streetcars, residents will have access to city conveniences as well as the perks of hotel-style living: amenities include a 24-hour concierge, a luxury spa, extensive fitness amenities, a children’s playroom, an outdoor social lounge with barbecue and dining areas, a pet spa, a screening room and high-end finishes throughout.
“The lobby was a key design moment for us,” says Dominic De Freitas, principal at Figure3. “Its double height with soft curves juxtaposes with textured elements to add depth and interest.” The dramatic design, visible to the street, blurs the division between the indoors and outdoors.
“We really wanted to present a modern feel with these bold sculptural elements and set them against a monochromatic palette,” says De Freitas. To construct this effect, he says, a strategic layering of textures helped to create a warm yet contemporary look, while “natural materials accentuate the space” — a bronzed ribbon staircase, for instance, and wood baffles on the ceiling.
Suites come in a variety of configurations to make the building accessible to different types of buyers. One-, two- and three-bedroom options with and without dens are available. The Signature Collection suites run between 450 and 900 square feet, while the Crown Collection starts at 1,000 square feet. Occupancy is set for 2026.
A neutral palette defines the residential interiors, but as De Freitas notes, there is “ample opportunity for personalization.” Kitchens feature islands with waterfall quartz countertops, quartz slab backsplashes and customizable open shelving.
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In the bathrooms, a weighted countertop with heavy skirting is balanced by vertical mirrors and soft lighting to create a hotel-like ambiance.
In terms of buyers, Lawson says they range from downsizers to new families who want to be in close proximity to private schools for their children, including St. Michael’s College, Upper Canada College and Bishop Strachan School. The neighbourhood, he says, “really is the crown jewel of the city.”
The Signature Collection suites start in the low $700,000s for 450 square feet. The Crown Collection starts at $1.8 million for 1,000 square feet. For more information, visit https://parallaxcorp.ca/portfolio/63-91-montclair-condos/
Three things
La Barista Café is a popular favourite for morning Joe and a fresh croissant, plus daily soups and sandwiches. 12 St Clair Ave. E.
Blooming Orchid is the spot for dim sum and excellent sushi. 525 Eglinton Ave. W.
Walk your pooch or take a hike along the well-loved Beltline Trail, which passes through Forest Hill as it curves towards Rosedale.
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