Casa Condominio Residenza | U/C | 45 st | 138 m | Downtown

[Travis007]

Cresford Developments
Charles Street East - between Yonge and Church
416 units + penthouse
45 stories
Architects Alliance

Sorry I can't attach a rendering - the tower in a modern glass box with floor to ceiling windows and full suite width wrap around balconies.

The building will feature a 5-storey glass walled lobby. The residential units are located above the 5 floor base which will contain above ground parking

The tower fits very much into the new Toronto modernist glass box craze that seems to be sweeping condo developments across the city the last couple of years

I'm pretty sure this is the "Madison Residences" that I posted about quite a while back, but I'm sure they've redesigned it a bit. This will look pretty nice when it's built. It will be built beside the new CAS building which is currently U/C. Just north of the site is Bloor Street Neighbourhood condo.

here's the older version

http://www.inclearimage.com/buildto/33chaales.jpg

[rapideye95]

that building will be quite the looker

[valantino]

I'm pretty sure this is the "Madison Residences"

But that rendering is from Kirkor Architects website (definitely the right location though)

[Travis007]

But that rendering is from Kirkor Architects website (definitely the right location though)
They probably changed the design and name by now. Mike gave a little detail of the new tower and the details of the new tower matches the render a little bit even though the new architects for the building is aA. So don't take that pic for a render, it's just there to show how the old version looked like.

[Mike in TO]

The new version looks much much different than that rendering. It has a very 'clean' look to it similar to Murano, 22 Wellesley or Spire. It is an even box without different shapes sticking out like the rendering above. It has wrap around glass balconies on all sides. The entire building is clad in glass with all glass railings on the balconies. The building looks very sleek - I'm liking the new Toronto style of condos which seems to be emerging in the last year or two.

[G_DOG]

the ads are out for this one,damn it looks good!

[Skybean]

http://www.casacondominium.com/

[Travis007]

^^Definitely one of the best condo websites I've seen in a while.

As for the tower, the top looks a bit too big and should to scale with the tower just like 18 Yorkville. The tower is sleek and tall but I really do wish aA and other Toronto based firms will design something that's not a box.

[Buster]

That rendering is gorgeous! Love the wrap around balconies; kind of reminds me of the towers on St. Clair, across from the giant Loblaws.

It'd be nice if we could see the tower in a single frame to get a better idea of the height-width ratio.

[Travis007]

I hope Cassius doesn't mind.

http://bricks.labattracks.net/kiwanis/toronto/CasaCondominium.jpg

It's a nice tower, but I'm not too excited about it. But for me it would compensate for the (possible) cancellation of the tower around the same height and design on Jarvis.

[cassius]

I don't mind.

It's a little difficult to get a true idea of what this will look like during the day based on that rendering. I like the thin vertical lines on this.

[416]

I hate the top. It weights down the whole building and just looks stupid.
You'd think it would pose some kind of problem with ice and snow buildup and the possibility of either come crashing down on the sidewalk or church roof.

Anyone who walks along King St in the winter knows what i'm talking about (especially at the n/e corner of Yonge King) with signs alerting pedestrians of 'falling ice'.

What's up with the name 'Casa'? I don't get that either.

[Travis007]

^^ Casa=house or home in Spanish/Portuguese

But I guess London was already taken. :(

[You are to blame]

it's a nice looking highrise

[valantino]

"What's up with the name 'Casa'? I don't get that either"

Iif you were to pay a shitload to furnish a project using Armani's home furnishing line - CASA - wouldn't you make it the centre of the marketing?

[KGB]

I think the marketing is fine...lends a certain euro/cosmo flair without absurd direct references to things it's not even close to being (insert one of a hundred embarrassing examples here).

Clewes is certainly talented at spitting out various incarnations of that "look" he has managed to cultivate without them being overly derivative.

Ya think this is actually a new "style" that will become somewhat of a "Toronto" look in 3 or 4 years, when enough of them have been completed? Beats the hell out of that "Vancouver" style which is already terribly dated (at least that's what I'm feeling about them).

As far as the "top"...I like it. Since this style does borrow from several references, one of the main themes of Clewes' work seems to pay homage to both the international style, the turn of the century industrial style with some classical basics...such that a building must have a bottom, a middle, and a top...but done in a subtle manner, unlike earlier skyscrapers where they were very obvious.





KGB

[Filip]

^ I also like the top, interesting....

[rapideye95]

Why call it CASA...it's not even a fricken CASA...I kinda like tho....The top kind of does have that weighing down effect....but HEY...You gotta appreciate the art...Toronto needs funky looking buildings and this one CUTS the cake perfectly

[SD]

The top looks kind of ridiculous. The rest of it looks nice, but then these unrealistic nighttime renderings usually do.

[officedweller]

I can't tell from the rendering whether the glass is coloured in blocks or whether that's just lights that are on and that are off. The wrap around balconies look interesting though. The roof looks OK, as long as it is floodlit well - not blotchy.

[DRTO]

Ya think this is actually a new "style" that will become somewhat of a "Toronto" look in 3 or 4 years, when enough of them have been completed? Beats the hell out of that "Vancouver" style which is already terribly dated (at least that's what I'm feeling about them).
KGB
It seems to look a lot like 18 Yorkville, Spire, 22 Wellesley, Pure Spirit at the Distillery, etc. I'd say it's definitely a consistent style. I'm not sure if it's unique to Toronto or not.

[Dino Domingo]

What intersection will this be built at?

[partybits]

This looks like a great building. I do like the top actually, distinctive compared to the other "Toronto Syle" condo's. They should make good use of the extra space on the top for environmental structures though. Solar/wind would be a start. Guessing to tall for a garden, but some grass could help

[taal]

I hope it gets approved :(

[valantino]

^It is approved

"What intersection will this be built at?"

Charles East & Yonge

[taal]

Ahh Yippi! Thanks

[Regan4000]

Oh wow, it's right on Yonge? That's pretty cool.

How tall is this thing anyway?

[valantino]

A building or two to the right of Yonge on Charles

[Janik]

Before you go any further, do see this thread on the builder and it's most recent failure:

The Bloor Street Neighbourhood (http://www.skyscrapercity.com//showthread.php?t=326898&page=2&pp=20)

And do also have a look at what people are saying on the builder elsewhere: here are the Home builder ratings on Cresford (http://canada.rateyourbuilder.info/view_ratings.php?builder_id=983)

Consider yourself warned

[thryve]

The lobby of this one looks incredible... the building meets the street with quite a presence, and quite bluntly.

And the raised seating area and artwork... gorgeous!

[InTheBeach]

A building or two to the right of Yonge on Charles

To the right? Would that be east, or west?

Remind me to never ask you for directions!

[skouby]

IntheBeach, see picture below for exact location. The box that reads "CASA" is where the condos are being built. Get it now?


http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1925/1dh3.jpg

[valantino]

"To the right? Would that be east, or west?"

towards the right side of every single map of Toronto drawn to date

[valantino]

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/1925/1dh3.jpg

"see picture below for exact location."

casa will actually be closer to the lake

[Jaye101]

^^ huh?

[valantino]

^^see inthebeaches last post about my exceptional skills at giving directions

The Casa logo is actually place above the Bloor Street Neighbourhood site. Casa, on the hand, will be directly across the street; on the south side of Charles or ... closer to the lake

[Taller, Better]

Hmmm... west of the Post Office? I am going to have to scout out that area this morning and figure out where it is going.

[InTheBeach]

^^see inthebeach's last post about my exceptional skills at giving directions

The Casa logo is actually place above the Bloor Street Neighbourhood site. Casa, on the hand, will be directly across the street; on the south side of Charles or ... closer to the lake

What you mean to say is that if you look right, it will be on the right-hand side, right?

[InTheBeach]

Get it now?


Looks like you are the one that didn't get it.

[InTheBeach]

"To the right? Would that be east, or west?"

towards the right side of every single map of Toronto drawn to date

I know, but that is the first time I've had someone tell me to go to an intersection, and then go "right". And closer to the lake is good too. Since you can hit a golf ball into the lake from your place, this makes sense.

[Martinsizon]

Any news on the construction date?

[valantino]

Educated guess

12 months at the earliest

(not including the huge delays at BSN) none of the developments I've followed from this developer broke ground until sales were well over 80%

[Dino Domingo]

Casa is now one floor below ground level - excavation!

[CrazyCanuck]

Good to hear, this building should turn out well.

[phunky]

Excellent. This is a great building :D

[Marco Polo]

This is great news!! Such a welcome addition.

[VikkyD]

Cresford loves them italian designers.... First Casa (by Armani Casa) and soon "NXT" (by Fendi Casa)

Hope the building doesn't turn out looking like Armani himself!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/oversexual/armani.jpg?t=1179065460

what a nice building though.... I assume the penthouses will be fantastic!

[casaguy]

Finally some progress.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0040.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0036.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0035.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0034.jpg

[Marco Polo]

Wonderful!!

[Dino Domingo]

Casaguy, were you up in the crane? That shot looks like it was taken from across the street at BSN.

[casaguy]

The "aerial" photo was taken from the parkage garage roof across the street. I think the crane operators are currently on strike in Toronto, no?

[CrazyCanuck]

Some are, not all of them though, am I right?

[Dino Domingo]

They were doing work with the crane at BSN today so not all of them are on strike.

[pancsi]

actually the strike is over.

[casaguy]

About 2 floors below now... a very long way to go still.



http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/1CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/2CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/4CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/5CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/6CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/7CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/8CASAjun07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/9CASAjun07.jpg

[phunky]

casaguy! thanks for the updates :)

[casaguy]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/4CASAjul07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3CASAjul07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/2CASAjul07.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/1CASAjul07.jpg

[casaguy]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0312.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0311.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0310.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0309.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0308.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0307.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0306.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0305.jpg

[casaguy]

One month later...

According to Cresford's first CASA Newsletter, the crane is scheduled to be installed at the end of September.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/1casaAug10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/2casaAug10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3casaAug10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/4casaAug10.jpg

[Regan4000]

So will this be comparable in height to the two Yonge/Bloor towers lurking in the background?

[Sawadaa]

So will this be comparable in height to the two Yonge/Bloor towers lurking in the background?

Well CASA is 45 storeys and 453 ft. so yeah, just about.

[casaguy]

Casa's height should be in between the CIBC and Bay tower.

According to UrbanToronto.ca...

2 Bloor West (CIBC) is 488ft (34 floors)

Casa will be 453ft (45 floors)

2 Bloor East (The Bay) is 439ft (34 floors)

However, there is one error here... CASA will now be 46 floors. I'm not sure what that will make the final height. Either way, it'll be just about as tall.

But before long, 1 Bloor East will dominate Yonge/Bloor when it reaches 732ft (80 floors).

[Waterloo_Guy]

And the Four Seasons will be just up the road.

[Regan4000]

Very cool my friend

[Sawadaa]

I wouldn't be too concerned about exact figures but most important part is that the Yonge/Bloor area is becoming hella-dense. Add in this, 1BE, Four Seasons, the Uptown, Crystal Blu, the X-Condo, and potentially the Milan condo and Couture and you'll have one badass midtown skyline.

[ale26]

PREACH BROTHER!!

[CrazyCanuck]

Midtown will never be the same.

[Dino Domingo]

I know Toronto is the New York of Canada and that our city is undergoing what has been dubbed the Manhattanization of Toronto, but the geographical terms beings used are getting a little silly. Yonge & Bloor is a part of Downtown Toronto. Midtown is along the Davisville-Eglinton-Lawrence corridor, just as Steeles-Finch-Sheppard is a part of Uptown T.O.

[Waterloo_Guy]

I know Toronto is the New York of Canada and that our city is undergoing what has been dubbed the Manhattanization of Toronto, but the geographical terms beings used are getting a little silly. Yonge & Bloor is a part of Downtown Toronto. Midtown is along the Davisville-Eglinton-Lawrence corridor, just as Steeles-Finch-Sheppard is a part of Uptown T.O.

I agree with the first part, but I don't understand why some people call North York "Uptown". I've been there, and calling it uptown doesn't make much sense to me. It still feels more like MCC than like Toronto.

[Mollywood]

Why don't we give theses neighbourhoods Toronto names instead of copping NYC? Uptown? Do people really Call dt North York Uptown? lol I have never heard friends or family calling it that. I grew up in North York, so I just call it downtown North York. My brother is a long time resident of areas Yonge & Eglinton and Lawrence and Eglinton and he refers to them by those names, not "Midtowm". Do midtown and uptown have any real historical relevance in Toronto or are they recent terms?

[Waterloo_Guy]

Why don't we give theses neighbourhoods Toronto names instead of copping NYC? Uptown? Do people really Call dt North York Uptown? lol I have never heard friends or family calling it that. I grew up in North York, so I just call it downtown North York. My brother is a long time resident of areas Yonge & Eglinton and Lawrence and Eglinton and he refers to them by those names, not "Midtowm". Do midtown and uptown have any real historical relevance in Toronto or are they recent terms?

Those terms--uptown, midtown, downtown, etc.--are in common use in many cities. I grew up in Uptown Waterloo.

As for their application to Toronto, this city is unusual in that there is such confusion over what to call its various parts.

[KGB]

Toronto historically had a downtown and an uptown (which is now just the upper part of downtown). Then uptown became more the St Clair-Eglinton areas when they became major clusters after the 60's and 70's intensifications. Now, with the intensification of NYCC, I suppose that might indicate a new major northern intensification, which would make it the new uptown, requiring the St Clair-Eglinton area to now be the midtown, since it the middle.

Toronto's been changing a lot in the last 50 years, and these things happen with it. Even New York, a hundred years or so ago, didn't have an Upper East Side...or an Upper West Side...or a Central Park either.




KGB

[Taller, Better]

That is true, and the reason there is confusion... Central Park was planned about the same time as our Queen's Park. The man who designed Central Park was hired to design the parks in Mount Royal, in Montreal.

[Jaye101]

Midtown will never be the same.

Midtown?

I know Toronto is the New York of Canada and that our city is undergoing what has been dubbed the Manhattanization of Toronto, but the geographical terms beings used are getting a little silly. Yonge & Bloor is a part of Downtown Toronto. Midtown is along the Davisville-Eglinton-Lawrence corridor, just as Steeles-Finch-Sheppard is a part of Uptown T.O.

I'd say Midtown stretches down to St. Clair.

[catcher_of_cats]

All this midtown, uptown talk has gotten me is a twist. These historical names refer to the boundaries of the old city of Toronto ONLY!!!

Midtown, is and always has been the area around Yonge and St Clair (south of Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Summerhill Station. No where else, and definitely not Yonge and Lawrence. Uptown, is the area surrounding Yonge and Eglinton (the apartment and retail district of Davisville to around Broadway), and again, not Lawrence, and FFS not Steeles. North York Downtown is just that and nothing else. These names and their boundaries have remained relatively stable for decades and are used by the people that have lived there for years.

[Taller, Better]

"Midtown, is and always has been the area around Yonge and St Clair"

No, as KGB said, the old Uptown is now just part of downtown. Hence the name of the old Uptown Cinema.

But I agree with you that midtown is Yonge and St Clair, and uptown is Young and Eligible.

[catcher_of_cats]

I agree with you that the old 'Uptown Theater' is a part of downtown. And at one point Yonge and Bloor was Uptown but that was before WWII.

[Taller, Better]

I agree with you that the old 'Uptown Theater' is a part of downtown. And at one point Yonge and Bloor was Uptown but that was before WWII.

Correct.. that was what KGB was saying. :)

[Dino Domingo]

Uptown, is the area surrounding Yonge and Eglinton (the apartment and retail district of Davisville to around Broadway), and again, not Lawrence, and FFS not Steeles.

Yeah, I'd have to agree that Steeles is pushing it, but Yonge/Sheppard is definitely the new Uptown.

If you want proof Yonge & Eglinton, and most definitely Davisville, are regarded as Midtown Toronto let us use exhibit A: Minto Midtown.

And where is Minto Midtown located?

Mmm hmm.

[leaf345]

But the Uptown Residences are located at Bloor. So Bloor is Uptown and Eglinton is midtown? So confusing...

[Tuscani01]

Well, I know Dalts Honda on Eglinton is now Midtown Honda... So according to Honda, Eglinton is Midtown!

[Taller, Better]

Barrie is the new UpUpTown.

[Jaye101]

All this midtown, uptown talk has gotten me is a twist. These historical names refer to the boundaries of the old city of Toronto ONLY!!!

Midtown, is and always has been the area around Yonge and St Clair (south of Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Summerhill Station. No where else, and definitely not Yonge and Lawrence. Uptown, is the area surrounding Yonge and Eglinton (the apartment and retail district of Davisville to around Broadway), and again, not Lawrence, and FFS not Steeles. North York Downtown is just that and nothing else. These names and their boundaries have remained relatively stable for decades and are used by the people that have lived there for years.

Everything at YnE says Midtown... The Honda, Minto,... At Yonge and St.Clair the majority of the businesses refer to their regional office as a Midtown location. Although some businesses do say uptown, far, far more use the terminology Midtown. It makes sense that Midtown stretches from Summerhill to Lawrence.

Even Wikipedia has it down to a T!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midtown%2C_Toronto

[CrazyCanuck]

Anything north of the 401 should have no uptown designate in my books. That is upper Toronto, not uptown. The stretch between Eglington and the 401 is just too bare to revive the classifiaction at Yonge and Sheppard. I'm still sticking with Yonge and Bloor as midtown, Eglington as Uptown.

[Jaye101]

Eglington? :sly:

[Tuscani01]

Eglington? :sly:

At least he didn't say Younge!

[isaidso]

People consider north of the 401 Toronto? I suppose technically speaking it is and alot of people out there consider it Toronto. I still remember the puzzled look on the sales girl's face at Yorkdale when I asked her if they have an outlet in the city. I told her I was from Toronto.

[leaf345]

A lot of it depends on where you live. Someone that lives in central Toronto probably only considers central Toronto to be "Toronto", and the rest of it is North York, Etobicoke, etc. But people from outside Toronto consider suburbs like Vaughan and Mississauga to be Toronto as well. Many people I know go on about how boring Toronto is after they stayed with their relatives in Mississauga.

[Jaborandi]

For those of us who dwell downtown in what used to be midtown when I moved here but of course was uptown way before I moved here, North York is like up (waaaaaay up), it's very townish and it's Toronto so I agree, it is uptown. Hoggs Hollow should be no more of a barrier to towness than Ramsden Park or Mount Pleasant cemetary. I consider Yonge/Bloor to be upper downtown just as Rosedale is lower midtown and Yonge/St. Clair is lower mid midtown if you know what I mean. Thank goodness the whole east end/west end is relatively simple though I can see how the West Queen West thing will soon lead to the Beach(es) becoming Way East Queen East if we are not careful - and who the hell wants to be careful?

Back to Casa - there was an incident on the site yesterday when a cement truck which had ventured into the pit was unable to get out without the help of a bulldozer pulling it up the dirt incline. Talk about spinning ones wheels! The ramp has been reconfigured somewhat to the point where it almost resembles a clover leaf intersection - albeit, a single clover leaf (I don't believe those are very lucky at all). I'm uncertain if they have excavated as far down as they intend to.

[casaguy]

Interesting story about the incident at CASA... I walked by tonight... They're about 4 more feet lower than these pics... It's surprising a truck couldn't get back up this hill....

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/4casaAug10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3casaAug10.jpg

As far as the downtown/midtown/uptown argument goes...

After 17 years in Toronto, I've lived at Yonge/Bloor and at Yonge/Sheppard and I have never ever once heard anyone refer to any place in Toronto as Uptown (except for the infamously demolished movie theatre).

Midtown has always been the Yonge/Eglinton area. Downtown has always been anything Yonge/Bloor and south.

Anything north of the 401 has always been North York... never uptown.

[Dino Domingo]

People consider north of the 401 Toronto? I suppose technically speaking it is and alot of people out there consider it Toronto. I still remember the puzzled look on the sales girl's face at Yorkdale when I asked her if they have an outlet in the city. I told her I was from Toronto.

Toronto and all its boroughs amalgamated in the mid 1990s. It's all one city now, and most Torontonians know, respect, and regard this. But we still use the former municipalities' names to describe specific regions of the city.

[isaidso]

I am aware of all that, but I'm obviously not talking about municipal boundaries formed through amalgamation. I'm talking about snobby central city mentalities like mine.

Give me a break, I expanded my city boundary north of College just a year ago. Bloor? OK. The 401. Um. They might as well be living in Siberia as far as I'm concerned.

:uh:

[CrazyCanuck]

Eglington? :sly:

Everyone makes mistakes.

[Jaborandi]

I am aware of all that, but I'm obviously not talking about municipal boundaries formed through amalgamation. I'm talking about snobby central city mentalities like mine.

Give me a break, I expanded my city boundary north of College just a year ago. Bloor? OK. The 401. Um. They might as well be living in Siberia as far as I'm concerned.

:uh:

It took me a while to break the St. Clair barrier but I do now venture up to North York just out of curiousity, you know like staring at a traffic accident. It has been quite interesting to watch it develop over the years and to be honest, the older bits near Avondale are really very pleasant.

[Mollywood]

You ain't missing much. I remember when I lived in North York and Mel Lastman boasted that the new "Downtown" North York was going to be better than downtown Toronto and Torontonians would be traveling north for a fun night on the town. Of course, this being Mel, I was of little faith but I wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it is. Walking down Yonge St from Finch to Sheppard is a depressing experience. I guess that's why I deserted North York over 10 years ago.

[Jaye101]

Everyone makes mistakes.

I know, I'm just pulling your leg. :)

It took me a while to break the St. Clair barrier but I do now venture up to North York just out of curiousity, you know like staring at a traffic accident. It has been quite interesting to watch it develop over the years and to be honest, the older bits near Avondale are really very pleasant.

St. Clair? North York begins about 1km north of Eglinton.

[isaidso]

I think Jaborandi was saying that he/she wouldn't consider anything north of St.Clair to be Toronto. Now, however, he/she ventures further, out of curiosity, all the way to North York. That some parts aren't as mind-numbing as expected. Well, I think Jaborandi is slowly being broken down. Resistance is not futile! :)

Jaborandi: let's re-establish Bloor as the city boundary and St.Clair the absolute outer limits! And one question. What's Avondale?

[Taller, Better]

Jaborandi is very much a "he"!! :)

[isaidso]

Ok, thanks. I'll make a mental note. How much of a he did you say he was?

[Taller, Better]

He is a regular "He-Man"!! Brains and brawn... and obviously brave to go up that far into the 'burbs.

[isaidso]

Sounds like my kinda fella :)

Grudgingly, we should talk about Casa, right? Um.....I went to see the model suites last year. The floor plan of one of the larger suites was one of the best I saw all summer. It allowed one to move through the unit in a loop ending up where you started. (A walk through washroom area I believe). Very nice!

[Jaborandi]

He is a regular "He-Man"!! Brains and brawn... and obviously brave to go up that far into the 'burbs.

Well, if shite = brains & fat = brawn, then I'm yer guy.



http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3casaAug10.jpg

They have been drilling holes and sinking I beams into them up against the wall of the Children's Aid Building where that piece of drilling equipment is. Is that an indication that they plan to dig deeper?

[Jaborandi]

Jaborandi: let's re-establish Bloor as the city boundary and St.Clair the absolute outer limits! And one question. What's Avondale?


Avondale (I think that's it's name) is that area directly to the northeast of Yonge/401. I think it used to be the Weston lands. It is now all high rises and townhouses. The townies, despite their faux historical architecture, are kind of intriguing as they are laid out with only sidewalks and no streets separating the buildings. It is quite intimate and worth venturing that far north to check out. Don't be afraid.

[isaidso]

Interesting. These people walk or do they ride down the sidewalk in golf carts and wheelchairs? I will summon the courage, but may turn around every once in awhile to make sure the CN Tower is still in view.

[Jaborandi]

Interesting. These people walk or do they ride down the sidewalk in golf carts and wheelchairs? I will summon the courage, but may turn around every once in awhile to make sure the CN Tower is still in view.

I believe there is one big honking parking garage below for those who shun the whole walking thing. Otherwise, the residents seem to drift by on a cloud of happiness and contentment. Come to think of it, I don't recall seeing many pedestrians at all. It's not like there's any place to walk to.

[Dino Domingo]

Give me a break, I expanded my city boundary north of College just a year ago. Bloor? OK. The 401. Um. They might as well be living in Siberia as far as I'm concerned.
:uh:

You considered south of College to be the dividing line between downtown and "Siberia"? Issues.

[Regan4000]

Yeah, isaidso, what the hell are you talking about? I live at Bayview & York Mills and driving I can be to the water in 15 minutes. Subway, takes a little longer, since I'm a little off of Yonge, but seriously, I live 15 minutes away and I'm just south of the 401. I can't imagine that you and I are that much different .
The entire point of a functioning city is that it contains different aspects in different locations.

Look at a map of London. If you can tell me that people who don't live within 5 minutes of Piccadilly Circus or Canary Wharf aren't real Londoners.. well then you're a moron. No offense.

Regarding Toronto, that's just how it goes. Some people live near the skyscrapers and try to claim that they're more urban because they wear tighter pants, and eye shadow. Well unfortunately, it's not like that. I'd say that once you go past Finch, EVEN Steeles, you're starting to leave the city. Going West it's halfway through Etobicoke, and East, it's the Eastern most tip of Scarbourough.

[Epi]

You considered south of College to be the dividing line between downtown and "Siberia"? Issues.

Apperently in it's 180th year, the University of Toronto FINALLY managed to reach the city limits :nuts:

[Jaye101]

lmao!... I think Steeles is placed perfectly. We just need to Urbanize the Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York... and everything else will fall into place.

[casaguy]

Slowly digging... not much deeper than last week... What is that green thing in the hole?

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/2CasaAug17.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/1CasaAug17.jpg

[isaidso]

Yeah, isaidso, what the hell are you talking about? I live at Bayview & York Mills and driving I can be to the water in 15 minutes. Subway, takes a little longer, since I'm a little off of Yonge, but seriously, I live 15 minutes away and I'm just south of the 401. I can't imagine that you and I are that much different .
The entire point of a functioning city is that it contains different aspects in different locations.

Look at a map of London. If you can tell me that people who don't live within 5 minutes of Piccadilly Circus or Canary Wharf aren't real Londoners.. well then you're a moron. No offense.

Regarding Toronto, that's just how it goes. Some people live near the skyscrapers and try to claim that they're more urban because they wear tighter pants, and eye shadow. Well unfortunately, it's not like that. I'd say that once you go past Finch, EVEN Steeles, you're starting to leave the city. Going West it's halfway through Etobicoke, and East, it's the Eastern most tip of Scarbourough.

God, some people have zero sense of humour. Please don't tell me you've never come across downtown folk who's eyes glaze over just thinking about anything past Bloor? And I don't need to look at a map of London, I grew up there. Of course people who live beyond the ring road are still Londoners in the same sense as you are a Torontonian, but that isn't the point.

Please realize that some people want to live downtown because that which borders it, isn't built up enough for their liking. There is a big difference between downtown and living at Bayview and York Mills for me. That area would put me to sleep. I am not belittling you for living out there, so why are you getting so offended that other people don't want to? Because you are assuming that I am belittling you. Not the case.

Are you trying to tell me that my discomfort is bizarre? It is a phenomenon in every major city on the planet. Alot of Manhattanites couldn't imagine living in Brooklyn, Londoners look for W1 or EC1 as a postal code when flat hunting. To millions of people, the city means the extreme built up area with everything at your feet. The thought of having to drive or take the subway to reach it, is not satisfactory. We are all aware of jurisdictional boundaries and what the city actually includes. It is not meant to put down anyone, but rather a self-imposed definition of where we are willing to live.

It is central city snobbery to some, but it's also how people legitimately feel whether that makes you upset or not. Bayview and York Mills is Toronto, but it's just not 'city' in many people's eyes. Surely, this is not a new concept? Sure, I was poking fun, but it is also how many downtown residents feel whether they want to or not.

[catcher_of_cats]

Here here

[casaguy]

So anywho, back to the big hole in the ground...

Any idea what it is they've placed in that hole in the corner of the site?

[Jaborandi]

So anywho, back to the big hole in the ground...

Any idea what it is they've placed in that hole in the corner of the site?

casaguy - no, I have no idea. There seems to be a lot of water in the pit and since it hasn't rained lately, I'm thinking they have perhaps hit a spring or underground creek. They do have a hose at that end which has been pumping water up to grade level. I'm wondering if those 4 green tubes are somehow acting as coffers of some sort which might explain why they have temporary plywood covers on them or then again, I could be way off base. I've just spent 20 minutes there trying to assemble the clues. There are about a dozen I beams lying about and the drilling equipment has been removed. I was wondering if that is where the crane will be erected but it seems like an odd spot and I doubt if it would have complete coverage of the site. Every morning on my way to work, I cut through the back patio of the C.A.S. and walk up the drive bordering the eastern side of the site and I generally take a gander to see what is happening. If I see any workers, I'll enquire and let you know of any late breaking developments. I noticed you posted on UT that you wanted to grab a shovel and go help digging. There is a shovel on top of one of the sheets of plywood so if you have a mind to sneak in there tonight and enlarge the pit, help is at hand. Don't forget your hardhat and safety boots!

Have they given you an approximate completion date yet? You must be very excited with anticipation and for good reason. It's one of my favourite downtown projects.

[casaguy]

You're right about the water. I didn't notice the puddles up against the south wall.

When I bought a year and a half ago I was told occupancy would be October 2008... Clearly not.

My best guess is that they're a year and a half behind so I would venture to bet that I'll be moving in by the end of 2009.

I'll have to check, but isn't there some law that developers can't be more than 17 months past your original move in date or they'll have you compensate you financially? I think I read this somewhere... I'll have to look.

[rlapidus]

I belive it's 18 months. But don't be surprised if Cresford calls you in to start picking your finishes, and beforehand as a surprise asks you to sign an amendment to the agreement of purchase and sale with new tentative dates, offering a measly upgrade credit as compensation. DON'T SIGN ANYTHING until your lawyer reviews it - even if Cresford pressures you by threatening to delay or "not process" your colour selections. They did this to us with BSN, and upon review, even the real estate lawyer had a hard time understanding if the document bought them an additional 18 months or not.

[casaguy]

Glad to find someone who bought at BSN on here.

I'm curious...

1. When did you buy?
2. What was your tentative occupancy date then?
3. What is it now?
4. Were you informed of the significant height increase?
5. Have you seen renders of the new building?

[rlapidus]

Hi - there's an entire thread on here about BSN and some of our experiences with it; but I can summarize it by saying I was happy to find out they changed our ceiling height from the advertised 9 feet to 8 feet due to a supposed transfer beam (why they couldn't engineer the building around the advertised 9 foot interior clearance I'll never know). This "material change" allowed us, as per the condo act, to get our deposit back with interest. So we took our money and never looked back. We purchased in Sept 2004 for a March 2006 occupancy, and in January 2006 were quite annoyed to see "now under construction" signs on site, with no building permit on file and only limited visible progress on site. They were still claiming a Sept 2007 occupancy in March 2007 - like anyone is stupid enough to believe that!!! I haven't seen the new renders but did see the updated model (after the first height increase; not the second) and the revised building form was quite out of proportion compared to the original design; like the add-on was (and it was) an after-thought.

[casaguy]

Sorry to hear Cresford turned into crap for you. At least you had the smarts to get out. I wonder what the real story is behind the BSN fiasco. Have you spoken with other owners who either jumped shipped or are sticking with it?

I'm just crossing my fingers that the construction on Casa keeps moving forward without unnecessary delay.

[casaguy]

I went by the CASA sales office today a little bit worried by your situation (and wanted to make sure I wasn't going to lose my 9 feet ceilings).

I'm sure the sales girl is a good person in real life, but clearly she was lying through her teeth with all of my questions. (And perhaps I was a little confrontational).

[casaguy]

Whoops... here's the rest of my post...

She said she knew nothing about the BSN ceiling height situation and that it was impossible for anyone to back out after the 10 day cooling off period. Also she said there were no updated renders with the major addition.

(By the way, I've posted a pic of the BSN model on that thread).

As far as CASA goes, I looked at their sales chart that says what units are left... there are many more units available now then when I bought a year and a half ago... hmmm...

She said, don't pay any attention to that. Those red stickers fall off all the time and people just put them back up anywhere.... hmmm again...

Also, she said that the lower floors will be moving in in a year and a half... the higher floors in two and a half years... hmmm yet again.

I'm really gonna have to check what compensation there is for every month past the move-in date they are...

I understand delays happen and things take longer than planned... but just be honest about it.... Don't dick customers around... I hope the BSN fiasco isn't imminent with CASA.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sales1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sales2.jpg

[Dino Domingo]

Those are very nice pictures. I don't know why, but for the longest time I hadn't considered this project would be as tall as the others being built around it. But it looks like it cleary will make a difference.

[vid]

"I think the marketing is fine...lends a certain euro/cosmo flair"

Up here, calling a building "Casa ______" is a trick to make it sound "sophisticated" :lol:

"Casa Condominio Residenza" is just absurd. But what do I know?

[casaguy]

In the end, it will taller than the Bay Tower but shorter than the CIBC tower at Yonge & Bloor.

[rlapidus]

She said she knew nothing about the BSN ceiling height situation and that it was impossible for anyone to back out after the 10 day cooling off period. Also she said there were no updated renders with the major addition.

...


I'm really gonna have to check what compensation there is for every month past the move-in date they are...

I understand delays happen and things take longer than planned... but just be honest about it.... Don't dick customers around... I hope the BSN fiasco isn't imminent with CASA.


She's being too generalistic or simply lying when she says it's "impossible" to back out. If they make what the condo act considers a "material change" to the unit (ie changing the ceiling height, the square footage, number of rooms etc.) you automatically get a new 10-day recision period to back out. This is what we were able to do (after several weeks of waiting for Cresford's layers to put the ceiling height change in writing) and we walked away with a cheque for our original deposit plus interest.

I wonder what the original sales agent (no longer associated with Cresford) is doing with the unit she claimed to have bought at BSN. I suspect it's a gimick that sales agents use in new developments, claiming that even they have bought a unit in the development. When a friend looked at CASA, the agent (a male) said he bought a unit at CASA himself. The friend asked "how did you decide between CASA and BSN?" and the agent stumbled and answered, "oh, I bought in both". Suspicious.

[thryve]

One of the sexiest Toronto towers U/C currently.

[rbt]

She said she knew nothing about the BSN ceiling height situation and that it was impossible for anyone to back out after the 10 day cooling off period.

I don't doubt she knows nothing about BSN. Incidentally, she won't know very much about CASA either. Sales persons are not there to share knowledge with clients, they are there to close a sale. It's not unusual for a sales person to be dealing with clients minutes after arriving at the sales office for the first time and not have looked through any of the sales material, let alone contract material (the big book).

As far as CASA goes, I looked at their sales chart that says what units are left... there are many more units available now then when I bought a year and a half ago... hmmm...

She said, don't pay any attention to that. Those red stickers fall off all the time and people just put them back up anywhere.... hmmm again...

If you bought during the initial release a good chunk of units would have gone back on the market as buyers backed out. Most units purchased during the initial rush typically go back onto the market.

Secondly, they may not have released all of the units at that time. Official sold records and red stickers on the big board rarely align. The big board is customer facing, therefore a tool to be used for increasing sales.

Also, she said that the lower floors will be moving in in a year and a half... the higher floors in two and a half years... hmmm yet again.

That doesn't sound too far off. I always buy high floors for that reason. By the time you add up "rent" payments before registration and hassles of ongoing construction, the extra $$$ per floor is worth while adding.

I'm really gonna have to check what compensation there is for every month past the move-in date they are...

None unless they go way past or fail to give proper notice.

[CrazyCanuck]

Those are very nice pictures. I don't know why, but for the longest time I hadn't considered this project would be as tall as the others being built around it. But it looks like it cleary will make a difference.

That's because the buildings at Yonge and Bloor look tall because there is nothing else around there. It will change when 4 seasons goes up, it will make CIBC and the Bay look tiny.

[Jaye101]

1 Bloor East as well. Man YnB is kickin' ass.

[Waterloo_Guy]

That area is getting a serious build-up.

[Istrian]

Just immagine how that area's gonna change the look when Uptown (764 Yonge, Cristal Blue ( Cruptal Blown - SIC!!!), Four Seasons, Casa, X - condo,44 Charles, etc,etc...will be finished...but 1 Bloor East with it's supposedly 250m height ,or even over it, will be a real crown jewel in that area :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/istrian/1BloorandYongeII.jpg

[casaguy]

I love it!

I was waiting for someone to mock this up!

But now, let's see this shot with Casa in there!

[FTech]

I hate balconies/terraces.:yes:

[Taller, Better]

I hate balconies/terraces.:yes:

!! you hate balconies and terraces? You mean as a visual thing or for your own place?

[DrT]

deleted

[The 'Sauga]

I hate balconies/terraces.:yes:

Well balconies at times can alter and determine the finished architectural details but for me personally, I would never buy a condo without a balcony. It's one of those special perks that is a must-have for me when it comes to vertical living.

[Dino Domingo]

Wow! Awesome pic.

[vancouverite/to'er]

The top looks kind of ridiculous. The rest of it looks nice, but then these unrealistic nighttime renderings usually do.

Agreed. The top is overkill.

[casaguy]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa1a.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa5.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa6.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa7.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa9.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/92casa10.jpg

[casaguy]

A quote from Jaborandi over on UrbanToronto.ca

----------

I had a chance to have a brief chat with one of the workers this morning. It is the base of the elevator shaft. The rebars have been meticulously laid down as well. The worker indicated that the crane will be directly east of the elevator core but not sunk quite so deeply. As for the four mysterious green tubes at the southeast corner of the site each contain a sump pump.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/1CasaSept8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/2CasaSept8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/3CasaSept8.jpg

[Jaborandi]

Thanks casaguy. I meant to post it here as well but somehow didn't get around to it. From the offset, this project has moved along at a fairly brisk pace compared to BSN across the street - fingers crossed that it continues to do so. That little window in the hoarding on the south side of the site is a nice touch and a great vantage point. I always stop for a quick looksee on my way to work.

[Marco Polo]

Thanks for this wonderful update!!

[Jaborandi]

The base for Cranky the Crane is being installed this morning

[casaguy]

Pics taken yesterday.

The first bit of concrete is poured!!!

This is the base of the elevator shaft (there will be 4 elevators).

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0674.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0673.jpg

BELOW: In the top right you can see the base of the crane which, I'm told, they have now begun to assemble and affix rebar around.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0669.jpg

[casaguy]

Looking good!

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0805.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0806.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0807.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0808.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0809.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0810.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0811.jpg

[Taller, Better]

Wow... it gets absolutely bewildering seeing all the construction about downtown.... heady times indeed for Toronto.

[CrazyCanuck]

Nice job Casaguy, you are keeping us informed every step of the way.

[ladyscraper]

seeing all those workers make me wonder just how many construction workers and cranes are hard at work in the city right now..

anyone know how many cranes are in the city at the moment? i guess there is no way to really get an accurate number.

also i've always wondered if most of the construction workers that work on these skyscrapers live within the city or move around to where the most work is.. like right now toronto has TONS of construction work but what about years ago when it didnt?

[LordMandeep]

there was the massive highway 407 ten years ago as the major construction project really.

[valantino]

[quote] like right now toronto has TONS of construction work but what about years ago when it didnt?/quote]

Well, most probably we're even alive back then.

[Taller, Better]

[quote] like right now toronto has TONS of construction work but what about years ago when it didnt?/quote]

Well, most probably we're even alive back then.

I reckon they would be nigh on 200 years old if they can remember when there wasn't a lot of construction going on! :lol:

[ladyscraper]

[QUOTE=valantino;15469605]

I reckon they would be nigh on 200 years old if they can remember when there wasn't a lot of construction going on! :lol:

har har! :banana:
i should have phrased my question better. i didn't mean when no construction was going on and people got around by horse.. i just mean in comparison to times when less major highrises and things of that nature are going up then there would seemingly be less construction jobs within the city. so i was curious if during a highrise boom if some workers come to toronto temporarily.

[valantino]

Of course there are temporary workers but there always were. The metro has been ever expanding even during some of the roughest economic periods. The only difference during down periods is that the work is more seasonal/inconsistent.

P.S. there is relatively no difference between highrise and lowrise construction to a drywaller, brick layer, electrician,, glazer, plumber, concrete/rebar layer, snack truck driver, inspector, roofer, etc.

[ladyscraper]

P.S. there is relatively no difference between highrise and lowrise construction to a drywaller, brick layer, electrician,, glazer, plumber, concrete/rebar layer, snack truck driver, inspector, roofer, etc.

i figured there wasnt. but also there is still just as much low rise construction as always plus all the new high rises on top of it. so i figured there would have to be more.. anyways i took this way off topic by mistake because i decided to type as i thought. back to this condo then! ;)

[casaguy]

You can see the tower crane will rise on the east side of the pit. My guess would be that as the building goes up, the tower crane will hug the eastern balcony ledges.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0875.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0869.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0867.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0866.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0871.jpg

You can see the white BSN tower crane in the center of the shot below. CASA will rise just to the left of that and will block the south side of the Bay tower from this angle.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0856.jpg

[casaguy]

BIG DAY at the CASA site!

The tower crane is in!!!!!!!

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0902.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0903.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0906.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0907.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/cranezoom.jpg

^Kinda reminiscent of that Diet Coke commercial.

And BELOW... some more CASA porn...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0893.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0892.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0891.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0888.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0886.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0885.jpg

[CrazyCanuck]

Another crane graces the sky, Yonge and Bloor is starting to get busy.

[Taller, Better]

Those maquettes are beautiful, but misleading. No building glows like that. Will still be a handsome building, however.

[Regan4000]

Sweet Mother of God

[ladyscraper]

yet another crane to taunt us of our (near) future skyline! :)

[rise_against]

This tower is going to be very beautiful. I love the black base of the condo.

[casaguy]

Removing the ramp... it's now time to build up from here!

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0948.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0947.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0943.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0945.jpg

[Jackhammer]

So many wonderful holes in the city right now.

[valantino]

So many wonderful holes in the city right now.

Swedish convention in town?

[Taller, Better]

The big porno convention is on at the Convention Centre.

[casaguy]

Good to see a lot of activity and plenty of workers this morning!

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1085.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1086.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1087.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1088.jpg

[casaguy]

Was witness to a very cool moment this morning...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1109.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1116.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1118.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1121.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1125.jpg http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1126.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1127.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1132.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1134.jpg http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1140.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1142.jpg http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1147.jpg

[Marcanadian]

Wow, that is very cool indeed. I thought it was an optical illusion at first.

[InTheBeach]

I've always wondered how that works.

Awesome.

[Tuscani01]

wooohooo!

Lets get this thing climbing already. I cant wait to see it.

[Jackhammer]

Note to self. Install hoyer lift before painting yourself into a corner.

[Jackhammer]

Swedish convention in town?
No interest. I'm partial for brunettes.

[wannabeplanner]

I drove by the site today, unfortunately didn't have a camera with me.. Things are progressing.... Slowly but surely! I did a quick count, there were about 18-20 construction workers hammering away!

When do you think it will hit ground?

[CrazyCanuck]

That's good to hear, that's about 3-4 times as many workers as Murano.

[ale26]

what happened to this thread!!!! REVIVE REVIVE!!...this building is magnificant!

RECENT NEWS?? UPDATES?? PICS???

CUMMON PEOPLE!!

[yin_yang]

this is going faaaast! check urbantoronto for regular updates, but the pace onthis one has been very quick. close to ground level by now

[casaguy]

It's only been three months since they installed the crane and they're already almost at ground level...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1637.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1638.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1639.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN1640.jpg

[current]

Photos taken February 5, looking northwest Casa is at ground level.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2246006216_4604cd8f6b_b.jpg

Looking north with BSN in the background.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/2246006222_c67025efa8_b.jpg

[Elkhanan1]

Awesome. I'm really looking forward to this building. Thanks for the pic's.

[Jasonzed]

Excellent! I like this one. Thx.

[Wrk_InProgress]

Apparently, CASA will be constructed like BA1 with steel, which would be unique for a residential building in Toronto (over the last few years). The podium will built using the regular residential concrete method but the tower itself will be steel.

I think somewhere caltrane is smiling to himself.

[current]

Photos taken February 22, the north side is at ground level, looking west.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2287517476_0edca3cdd1_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/2287517478_e3f2a87c2c_b.jpg

Looking north towards BSN (working on the third floor).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2287517474_ecb029fc2f_b.jpg

[ale26]

slow

[vancouverite/to'er]

Will the crown actually be lit up in that gorgeous blue lighting scheme? If so I think it's an asset to the building:cheers:

[Taller, Better]

Wouldn't want to be sitting in the Porta-Biffy when they hoist it up....

[Wrk_InProgress]

Wouldn't want to be sitting in the Porta-Biffy when they hoist it up....

Or under it as they lift it out.

-----

What happened to casaguy ? He was quite regular with the updates and then just vanished ...

[casaguy]

Work on the 4 floor podium moving along nicely... (this will be 4 above-ground levels of parking.)

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2301.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2300.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2299.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2298.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2297.jpg

[CrazyCanuck]

Awesome Casaguy. This one will move quickly now.

[casaguy]

Work on the second floor of the podium moving along.

View from the top floor of 2 Bloor West (which will roughly be the height of CASA).

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2385.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN2381.jpg

[Dream Brother]

What a dumpy looking area. There's not even one nice looking building in those shots.

[Wrk_InProgress]

Welcome back casaguy. Great shots.

[casaguy]

There's not even one nice looking building in those shots.

Until Casa goes up, of course.

And by the way, Casa is now said to be 47 stories, not 45.

[yin_yang]

Until Casa goes up, of course.

And by the way, Casa is now said to be 47 stories, not 45.

right on, not terrible news by all means!

great area to walk around, i never get bored around there

[Coral Builder]

Dream Brother, I couldn't agree more... Where are the demolition guys when you really need them?? What do you think the possibility of demolishing some of these 60's relics is in our lifetime...

[Jasonzed]

Dream Brother, I couldn't agree more... Where are the demolition guys when you really need them?? What do you think the possibility of demolishing some of these 60's relics is in our lifetime...

The building next (east) to the crane in the second photo is slated to be demolished and replaced by, I think, a condo.

[Dimension]

Is that brown brick building next to the tower a church?

[monkeyronin]

Is that brown brick building next to the tower a church?

I think so, but he means the grey office building to the left.

[Dream Brother]

Dream Brother, I couldn't agree more... Where are the demolition guys when you really need them?? What do you think the possibility of demolishing some of these 60's relics is in our lifetime...

Zilch. If anything Toronto will have a 60s architecture revival.

[casaguy]

To the left of the Casa construction site is 45 Charles St. East. There is currently a proposal in to rip it down and build a 33 storey condo in its spot. There is no word yet on whether or not this will go ahead.

To the right of Casa is "Sanctuary". It's basically a drop in centre for street folk.

http://sanctuarytoronto.ca

[Ziggy]

To the left of the Casa construction site is 45 Charles St. East. There is currently a proposal in to rip it down and build a 33 storey condo in its spot. There is no word yet on whether or not this will go ahead.

It's a nice little building, I hope they don't end up tearing it down.

[Taller, Better]

Zilch. If anything Toronto will have a 60s architecture revival.



I don't often agree with you, but this is very possible! :cheers: I wouldn't be at all surprised if 60's International Style architecture makes a big comeback around the world, once people get tired of the bells and whistles of current design.

[Dream Brother]

I don't often agree with you, but this is very possible! :cheers: I wouldn't be at all surprised if 60's International Style architecture makes a big comeback around the world, once people get tired of the bells and whistles of current design.

If this does happen it will only occur in cities that are too cheap to afford quality design. Such as Toronto. New York and Chicago would never waste their time and money on such mediocrity.

[valantino]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if 60's International Style architecture makes a big comeback around the world

I see Clewesian architecture as a post modernistic adaptation of 50s and 60s architecture and his firm's design certainly are leaving its mark.


If this does happen it will only occur in cities that are too cheap to afford quality design. Such as Toronto. New York and Chicago would never waste their time and money on such mediocrity.

Yawn ... you think that after 500 posts his delusions of greener pastures would start to evaporate

[Taller, Better]

If this does happen it will only occur in cities that are too cheap to afford quality design. Such as Toronto. New York and Chicago would never waste their time and money on such mediocrity.

LOL! :lol: You couldn't be funnier if you tried, Dream Bother.... New York, and Chicago (in particular) were the birthplaces of the modern skyscraper, from Louis Sullivan to the International/Bauhaus School. . So, you see, they did "waste" a great deal of time on that "mediocrity".. and had you ever visited either city you would know that.

[Dream Brother]

LOL! :lol: You couldn't be funnier if you tried, Dream Bother.... New York, and Chicago (in particular) were the birthplaces of the modern skyscraper, from Louis Sullivan to the International/Bauhaus School. . So, you see, they did "waste" a great deal of time on that "mediocrity".. and had you ever visited either city you would know that.

I've been to New York. Sure it has it's share of crap but has so many redeemable buildings.
Ya but when the skyscraper was invented attention to detail was more important than it was in the 60s.

[Taller, Better]

^^ In other words "more ornate". Either you see the beauty in clean lines and simplicity, or.... you don't. Clearly you don't. Perhaps your aversion to 60's buildings comes from living up in the land of strip malls.

[vancouverite/to'er]

Atlantic City would be perfect! No "modernsist crap" at all. Lots of attention to detail. lol.

[Coral Builder]

I'm sorry Taller, but I have to go with Dream Brother on this one. NYC and Chicago have a lot of crap it's true, but their newer and older "ornamented" stuff more then makes up for it. Truth be told, even you can't argue that the banal concrete block complexes of the 60's and 70's in Toronto and Montreal, for that matter, are "simple and elegant". As much as architecture is subjective, one truly relegates that era as a black hole which would be better wiped from the face of the earth. Linear, elegant lines can be found in the downtown towers, like TD or CIBC, but far more inspiring are the towers of RBC and Scotia. My real question is, what if anything can be done to wipe away this scurge, which eerily depresses poeple, tourist and native alike?

[Dream Brother]

I'm sorry Taller, but I have to go with Dream Brother on this one. NYC and Chicago have a lot of crap it's true, but their newer and older "ornamented" stuff more then makes up for it. Truth be told, even you can't argue that the banal concrete block complexes of the 60's and 70's in Toronto and Montreal, for that matter, are "simple and elegant". As much as architecture is subjective, one truly relegates that era as a black hole which would be better wiped from the face of the earth. Linear, elegant lines can be found in the downtown towers, like TD or CIBC, but far more inspiring are the towers of RBC and Scotia. My real question is, what if anything can be done to wipe away this scurge, which eerily depresses poeple, tourist and native alike?

Taller is too afraid to admit to anything negative thoughts he might have about Toronto. I think he's in denial. How can you constantly back up Toronto's blandness all the time? You praise everything. You take critical remarks about the city way too personally.

[next level 2008]

Dream Brother. I'm trying to understand why every comment you seem to make about Toronto is so negative yet you continually spend your time in the Toronto forums.

If your just trying to stir the pot than clearly you need to get more hobbies.

If you do in fact live in this city or the outlying areas and agree with your comments pertaining to Toronto then Why do you live here? Why not live in NewYork or Chicago cities in which you claim to be Great.

I agree that New York and Chicago have beautiful architecture and skylines and Toronto does fall behind slightly in this category. However, Toronto is an amazing city with a vibe of its own and If you can't find that here then seriously. MOVE ON!

[Dream Brother]

Dream Brother. I'm trying to understand why every comment you seem to make about Toronto is so negative yet you continually spend your time in the Toronto forums.

If your just trying to stir the pot than clearly you need to get more hobbies.

If you do in fact live in this city or the outlying areas and agree with your comments pertaining to Toronto then Why do you live here? Why not live in NewYork or Chicago cities in which you claim to be Great.

I agree that New York and Chicago have beautiful architecture and skylines and Toronto does fall behind slightly in this category. However, Toronto is an amazing city with a vibe of its own and If you can't find that here then seriously. MOVE ON!

Toronto falls slightly behind New York architecturally? HAHAHA. We're no where near New York.
I live here because my family and friends are here. I like the city enough. It's just ugly as sin. There's nothing wrong with being a realist. Toronto's vibe is run down and destitute.

[Waterloo_Guy]

I live here because my family and friends are here.

So that's who we have to blame for our misfortune.

[Taller, Better]

Coral Builder, Dream Brother and apparently yourself seem to consider all 1960's architectural styles to be "cheap" because they lack the intricate detail of older architecture, but the obsession with comparing Toronto to New York is entirely Dream Brother's, not mine. I completely disagree with your assessment of 1960's International Style architecture, but that's your opinion and you are welcome to it.

But my question is, why do some people here flagellate themselves so much because this city is not New York, Paris, or London? Does this happen in other cities around the world? Are people in other cities so painfully ashamed of their past architectural heritage that they view it as a "scourge" that needs to be "wiped away" so as not to hypothetically offend the tourists? You can bulldoze away as many buildings as you want, but you can't bulldoze away low self esteem. And that is probably more repellent to tourists than a 1960's concrete building.
In any case, if Dream Brother will allow it, perhaps we can get this derailed thread back on track by returning to discussion about Casa.

[Dream Brother]

Coral Builder, Dream Brother and apparently yourself seem to consider all 1960's architectural styles to be "cheap" because they lack the intricate detail of older architecture, but the obsession with comparing Toronto to New York is entirely Dream Brother's, not mine. I completely disagree with your assessment of 1960's International Style architecture, but that's your opinion and you are welcome to it.

But my question is, why do some people here flagellate themselves so much because this city is not New York, Paris, or London? Does this happen in other cities around the world? Are people in other cities so painfully ashamed of their past architectural heritage that they view it as a "scourge" that needs to be "wiped away" so as not to hypothetically offend the tourists? You can bulldoze away as many buildings as you want, but you can't bulldoze away low self esteem. And that is probably more repellent to tourists than a 1960's concrete building.
In any case, if Dream Brother will allow it, perhaps we can get this derailed thread back on track by returning to discussion about Casa.

No it probably doesn't happen in other major cities. No other major city really has the abundance of crap that Toronto does. Helsinki is pretty awful though.

[Joe P]

But my question is, why do some people here flagellate themselves so much because this city is not New York, Paris, or London?

That's exactly it.

Let's get one thing straight: Toronto is not New York.

Let's get another thing straight: That is a good thing.

Toronto has its own vibe and style. So what if our skyscrapers are more boxy and simplistic? Its just a different style. Just because it chooses to convey itself in a way that doesn't meet your tastes doesn't mean its crap.

When I look at other skyscrapers around the world, I look at them and marvel at their imaginativity and creativeness.

When I look at our own skyscrapers I love how they display a "business-first" attitude. Would I like more curvy, buildings? Of course I would! But I'm also perfectly happy with what's going up in T.O. right now.

The key is to look at skyscrapers all around the world and marvel at their beauty on its own merits.

Saying Toronto looks like crap by comparing it to other world-class cities is an unfortunately narrow-minded way of looking at the world.

Please understand, I do not mean to say Toronto's buildings are perfect. But to consistently call them crap by comparing our city to others every single time is pathetic. What's even sadder is that they believe they are right simply because they say so and are unable to understand or respect others' viewpoints.

There's a dfifference between being a realist and a pessimist. Many people will never realize this. Its their loss.

[Dream Brother]

That's exactly it.

Let's get one thing straight: Toronto is not New York.

Let's get another thing straight: That is a good thing.

Toronto has its own vibe and style. So what if our skyscrapers are more boxy and simplistic? Its just a different style. Just because it chooses to convey itself in a way that doesn't meet your tastes doesn't mean its crap.

When I look at other skyscrapers around the world, I look at them and marvel at their imaginativity and creativeness.

When I look at our own skyscrapers I love how they display a "business-first" attitude. Would I like more curvy, buildings? Of course I would! But I'm also perfectly happy with what's going up in T.O. right now.

The key is to look at skyscrapers all around the world and marvel at their beauty on its own merits.

Saying Toronto looks like crap by comparing it to other world-class cities is an unfortunately narrow-minded way of looking at the world.

Please understand, I do not mean to say Toronto's buildings are perfect. But to consistently call them crap by comparing our city to others every single time is pathetic. What's even sadder is that they believe they are right simply because they say so and are unable to understand or respect others' viewpoints.

There's a dfifference between being a realist and a pessimist. Many people will never realize this. Its their loss.

Fair enough. But don't you find cheering for the Leafs to be pessimistic?

[Taller, Better]

I never pictured you as a Leaf's fan, Dream Brother! :D

[Joe P]

Fair enough. But don't you find cheering for the Leafs to be pessimistic?

Finally I agree with you!:lol:

To be honest, I'm not much of a Leaf fan. However, I find the Leafs are very symbolic to the city and thought it was a nice picture.

GO HABS GO!:cheers:

[Taller, Better]

:lol:


(Habs?? Fie on you!!!)

[vancouverite/to'er]

Leafs are more symbolic of the 905. I'm sorry.

[Dream Brother]

I never pictured you as a Leaf's fan, Dream Brother! :D

I'm not a Leafs fan. MLSE is the biggest joke of an organization. The Leafs have now missed the playoffs three years in a row. But watch ticket prices go up again this fall.

[valantino]

I'm not a Leafs fan. MLSE is the biggest joke of an organization. The Leafs have now missed the playoffs three years in a row. But watch ticket prices go up again this fall.

You sure you aren't a Leaf's fan? Because as someone who is more of a bandwagon hopper than fan would say it's the fans that are the joke and MLSE quite business savvy for taking advantage of that fact.

[pancsi]

Some of us Leaf fans support the team, not because of MLSE, but because they are the local team. I wouldn't support any other team as long as there is a Toronto team in the league. If we were to get an NFL team then I would give up my support for my current favourite and support the Toronto franchise. That is what a fan does, support his team when things are going well (a rarity with the Leafs) and when things are not. It is easy to support whomever is winning but I doubt it would be much fun. The best thing that could happen to this city with regards to the NHL would be to get a second team (it won't happen) because the Leafs could use the competition for the sports dollar in this city.

[Dream Brother]

You sure you aren't a Leaf's fan? Because as someone who is more of a bandwagon hopper than fan would say it's the fans that are the joke and MLSE quite business savvy for taking advantage of that fact.

No. I'm not a bandwagon jumper. I wish nothing but the worst for the Leafs. MLSE is a joke in the aspect that they know nothing about hockey. They're merely business men with no hockey background ripping off the naive losers in this city. In many ways Leafs fans are like the people in this city that accept and even praise the mundane architecture.
Leafs fans have to be the dumbest fans in pro sports. No other organization would sell out every game decade after decade especially when they've had terrible teams over the years. It's just utter stupidity. It's pretty fun seeing the Leafs miss out on the playoffs now for a 3rd straight year. As I predicted at the start of these last 3 seasons. Yet MLSE will boost ticket prices again next year and the fans will keep coming. All Leafs fans hate Richard Peddie yet they continually ride his Jonsson. It makes no sense.

[outinleftfield]

God, you really DO hate everything about Toronto. Get some balls and leave, if it's so bad!:bash:

[Coral Builder]

Wow! Dhose some strong words dhere... How typical, someone offers some real constructive criticism and he's tarred and feathered and run out of town... Dream Brother, I like the way you think. We could use some more poeple not living in a bubble in Toronto, and while your at it, add the 60's and 70's garbage architecture in Montreal to your list. Sometimes it makes me gag...
Taller, celebrating mediocrity is the same as masterbating without the payoff. It's OK for a while, but it really doesn't get you where you wanna go. And just so were clear, I love a lot of the newer and older buildings in Toronto, and I think a lot of the newer construction is rescuing the city from the sad heritage of the baby boom years by restoring a healthy balance and variety to the styles available. So I guess there's cause for optimism. I'm just a little afraid that some of the new stuff going up is starting to look a bit repetitive. Aren't you? As for Casa, it's really cool.. I really like the japanese / asian feel that little hat and the detail gives off...

[Taller, Better]

I am not celebrating the mediocre. I have University training in Architecture in Bauhausian theory and am very well versed with International Style architecture, and the theories behind it. I was talking about architectural theories, not specific buildings, and not specific cities... but it has been proving much more difficult than I would ever have imagined to get that point across. Now, if you will excuse me I am going to go bang my head on a concrete wall! :)

[Coral Builder]

Watch your head, that stuff takes forever to fall down...:cheers1:

[Taller, Better]

phew.. feel much better. The New and Improved Kinder/Gentler Taller,Better has discovered a method of controlling his "surprise"!! :D

:wallbash:

[Dream Brother]

Wow! Dhose some strong words dhere... How typical, someone offers some real constructive criticism and he's tarred and feathered and run out of town... Dream Brother, I like the way you think. We could use some more poeple not living in a bubble in Toronto, and while your at it, add the 60's and 70's garbage architecture in Montreal to your list. Sometimes it makes me gag...
Taller, celebrating mediocrity is the same as masterbating without the payoff. It's OK for a while, but it really doesn't get you where you wanna go. And just so were clear, I love a lot of the newer and older buildings in Toronto, and I think a lot of the newer construction is rescuing the city from the sad heritage of the baby boom years by restoring a healthy balance and variety to the styles available. So I guess there's cause for optimism. I'm just a little afraid that some of the new stuff going up is starting to look a bit repetitive. Aren't you? As for Casa, it's really cool.. I really like the japanese / asian feel that little hat and the detail gives off...

:banana:

[Ziggy]

.... someone offers some real constructive criticism...

Constructive??? I must have missed that part.

[outinleftfield]

Probably made up a 2nd profile so he could compliment himself....:ohno:

[Dream Brother]

Probably made up a 2nd profile so he could compliment himself....:ohno:

No, but that's a good idear.:dance2:

[casaguy]

^I've stayed away from this forum for quite a while because it always seemed like there was nothing but 10 year olds trolling around on here. I'm sorry I returned.

[Wrk_InProgress]

^I've stayed away from this forum for quite a while because it always seemed like there was nothing but 10 year olds trolling around on here. I'm sorry I returned.

There's always the ignore feature ....:)

[Dream Brother]

There's always the ignore feature ....:)

There's also the sense of humour feature.

[vancouverite/to'er]

God, you really DO hate everything about Toronto. Get some balls and leave, if it's so bad!:bash:

Why must we associate the leafs with Toronto? Hockey is so hick. Let the rest of Canada bitch about it and their teams.

[Taller, Better]

Current photos:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/Autumn%202007/winter%202007/IMGP4262iCasa.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/Autumn%202007/winter%202007/IMGP4264i.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/Autumn%202007/winter%202007/IMGP4265icasa.jpg

[vancouverite/to'er]

Thanks for the updates! I bet they'll end up ditching the crown for better or for worse.

[Marco Polo]

Thanks a lot for the updates!!!

[Taller, Better]

Thanks for the updates! I bet they'll end up ditching the crown for better or for worse.

Would definitely be for the better. Those hats are so five years ago.

[Marco Polo]

Taller, Better, Anyone in the know, any news on this project?

[CrazyCanuck]

I believe it is on the 5th floor of constructio, just about to finish the podium off.

[current]

July 25

Looking southeast from Charles St., the podium is finished and they are starting work on the second storey of the tower.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2704752744_f5199b0af1_b.jpg

Brickwork at the southwest corner of the podium.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3227/2704782546_fdfe068a66_b.jpg

[Canadian Chocho]

Thanks for all your wonderful updates current.

[Marco Polo]

Current - you made my day!!!!

[monkeyronin]

Anyone have any specifics on prices for units here, or at least a price range? (mid-range prices I believe, but an actual figure would be nice)

[Bisonblight]

About a year ago they were (according to the star) from $186,900 for 431 sq. ft. to $595,900 for 1,205 sq. ft. I also came across starting prices of $199,900.

Love the colour of the brick.

[monkeyronin]

Not bad, thanks!

[vancouverite/to'er]

^^Sounds cheap considering the location. I mean, the pricing competes with MLS!