1055 Bay Street

The Polo Club I Condos is a veteran in the world of residential buildings — it’s been around since 1987. While some prospective buyers flock to modern, sleek glass towers for obvious reasons, it can also be beneficial to live in a building that’s had some time to work out any kinks.

In any case, the condos at 1055 Bay Street manage to feel quite contemporary, despite their construction date. Tridel Developments was behind the creation of the 22-storey glass and brick structure, which houses 355 downtown Toronto condos.

The building must have been popular back in the day, since a second followed suit in 1988. The sister building of the Polo Club I Condos, Polo Club II Condos, is located just around the corner, at 44 Saint Joseph Street.

But back to the Polo Club I: the lineup of amenities available for residents is certainly as impressive as many of its contemporary neighbours. Those living at 1055 Bay Street can forgo paying for a gym membership, thanks to the building’s gym, squash court, sauna, and hot tub. Residents can also gather — with each other or with their guests — in the party room or on the common rooftop terrace. Other added bonuses include a security guard onsite as well as a parking garage.

The homes at 1055 Bay Street range in both size and style, allowing Bay St condos for sale in this building to suit the needs of all sorts of buyers. While 500 square foot junior one bedrooms might appeal to young, first-time buyers, larger suites span up to 1,200 square feet and feature two bedrooms plus a den.

Aesthetically, the Polo Club I Condos are elegant and bright. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows usher in warm sunlight during the daytime, in both the principal rooms and the bedrooms. And thanks to the high-rise status, residents living on upper levels can enjoy watching the commotion of the city from the serenity of one’s own home.

Naturally, the Bay St. Corridor is a huge selling point for these units. Located in the true centre of the city, residents have their pick of how to spend their weekends.

Just to the north of 1055 Bay Street, the elegant streets of Yorkville await. Beginning on Bloor and taking over the blocks just north, designer boutiques become unavoidable. While some may prefer to window shop at Gucci and Chanel, other more affordable stores — thankfully — intermingle with their luxurious neighbours.

A walk through the University of Toronto Campus is yet another way to spend a sunny afternoon. Philosopher’s Walk is a favourite for taking a rest, as this bench-heavy path feels too calm to exist in the middle of a metropolitan city like Toronto. Alternatively, bad weather may call for indoor activities. Residents of the Polo Club I Condos are in luck, as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Gardiner Museum, as well as the University’s very own art gallery, are all within walking distance.

Even something as simple as picking up groceries becomes Sophie’s choice for residents. The expansive Loblaws at Church and Carlton is always a solid choice, while those looking for true opulence in a grocery store will find themselves at ease at the Pusateri’s on Yorkville Avenue. And as for the health-conscious ones, a mammoth Whole Foods is located in the area as well, just north of Bloor on Avenue Road.

Living just moments from Yonge Street has its perks — and transportation is one of them. The Polo Club I Condos are equidistant to two subway stops: Wellesley station on the Yonge line, and Bloor-Yonge station that connects the Bloor-Danforth and Yonge lines. Regardless of which station one chooses, both of these will take about seven minutes to reach on foot.

In about 12 minutes, residents can reach Union Station. From here, those traveling out of the city can catch a GO bus or train, or a VIA Rail train. Toronto’s two airports are also easily accessible from 1055 Bay Street. Pearson will take about 45 minutes to reach when using the TTC and UP services, while drivers can make the journey in just under 30 minutes. Those flying Porter can head over to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport in around the same amount of time.

As for those who prefer to get some exercise in while they traverse the streets of Toronto, the building is certainly well situated for cyclists. Bloor and Wellesley are ideal routes for heading east and west via bicycle, while Sherbourne and Bay will carry bikers safely north and south.