538 Eglinton Avenue E

In Mount Pleasant East, a family neighbourhood in midtown Toronto set around Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview, Mazenga Building Group’s CORE Modern Homes at 538 Eglinton Avenue East invigorates family-oriented residential development with innovative contemporary design.

Completed in 2017, the CORE Modern Homes’ architecture, was not only designed by Batsay-Csorba but definitely swayed the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada as well: they awarded the firm with the Young Architect Award that very same year.

The animated street-facing façade is curiously contemporary in the best way possible. A playing on the traditional bay window, those at 538 Eglinton East appear to be carved seamlessly into the building, thanks to stone masonry accents. Furthermore, the choice of natural exterior finishes brilliantly adds warmth to the building’s modern, linear forms.

Instead of building expensive, unused amenities, the team behind this residence focused on maximizing the quality of their exclusive residents’ private living spaces. There are only seven townhouse units at 538 Eglinton East, after all.

Mount Pleasant is a family neighbourhood, and the seven suites at 538 Eglinton East are, suitably, all expansive family homes. The units range in size from approximately 2,200 to over 2600 square feet.

All of the Toronto condos for sale in this building offer three bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a den. Better yet, the master suites are massive, occupying an entire level. Residents will also enjoy living spaces that extend out onto private terraces, each of which totals anywhere from 500-600 square feet.

Keeping with the contemporary aesthetic, these suites have truly open-concept layouts. A floating staircase complements the generous living and dining spaces. Families here can get quite cozy, as each townhouse boasts an intimate wood fireplace.

Cooks will adore the kitchens at the CORE Modern Homes. These are chef caliber spaces that feature a top-of-the-line gas cooktop, integrated stainless steel appliances, and extensive designer cabinetry. Additionally, the whole family can gather around their kitchen’s long island, which also includes an inviting breakfast bar.

Lastly, Batsay-Csorba’s design carefully maximizes the flow of natural light into the building. As a result a fresh, vibrant atmosphere circulates throughout all the townhouse units. In all, the vitality of the homes at 538 Eglinton East works in smart conjunction with the neighbourhood’s engaged community.

Mount Pleasant, and the smaller Leaside subsection of the neighbourhood, provides families (and other residents) everything they can ask for. Perhaps that’s why famous Canadians, like ex-NHL players Darcy Tucker and Doug Gilmour, have been attracted to the area.

There are great schools in the neighbourhood. Northlea Elementary and Middle School offers programs from junior kindergarten to the eighth grade — with the option to start French Immersion early, in senior kindergarten. The smaller St. Anselm Catholic School may also attract residents, while for secondary school, Leaside High proudly boasts Will Arnett and Margaret Atwood as alumni.

Residents of the CORE Modern Homes will surely enjoy Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. Swimming in its indoor pool and skating on one of its two ice rinks will keep all members of the family active and entertained.

Homeowners living at 538 Eglinton East will also enjoy Serena Grundy Park. Located a short drive east on Eglinton, the nearly 63 acres (over 250,000 square metres) of natural landscape is a great place for hikes, picnics, and even cross-country skiing. Alternatively, Howard Talbot Park is only a seven-minute walk away. There, sporty residents will find two baseball diamonds, and kids can enjoy running about in its splash pad.

For groceries, the Metro around the corner at Eglinton and Bayview is very convenient; walking there takes less than five minutes.

Residents of the CORE Modern Homes who drive may have the easiest time getting around Toronto, as the roads in the area circulate very well. Eglinton, for example, extends across the city, while Bayview leads south to the Don Valley Parkway or north to the 401.

Those seeking public transit need not venture too far. The TTC operates buses along Eglinton that offer transfers onto the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line at Eglinton West station. The closest bus stop is at Bruce Street, just half a block from home.