Starck-designed King West condo sells quickly

Published Friday, Nov. 01 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Last updated Friday, Nov. 01 2013, 11:33 AM EDT

75 PORTLAND ST., NO. 325, TORONTO

ASKING PRICE $439,000

SELLING PRICE $430,000

PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $379,150 (Nov. 2010); $275,607 (Sept. 2010)

TAXES $2,483 (2013)

DAYS ON THE MARKET Six

LISTING AGENT Christopher Bibby, Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc.

The Action: A deal was written for this one-bedroom plus den suite not long after more than two dozen buyers ventured through the front doors of Seventy5 Portland in the trendy King West neighbourhood.

What They Got: Less than five years ago, local developer Peter Freed and international designer Philippe Starck teamed up to create a modern mid-rise home to this 764-square-foot unit with nine-foot, exposed concrete ceilings, hardwood floors and walls of south-facing windows throughout.

For easy cooking and cleaning, there is a sleek Scavolini kitchen with Corian countertops and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas stove, and a terrace with gas and water outlets off the living and dining area, plus laundry facilities and a bathroom accessible from the master suite and open den.

The unit comes with a locker and monthly fee of $338. Heat and hydro are extra.

The Agent’s Take: “What concerned me initially was the fact this was on a lower floor facing into a concrete wall, but in the end, it provided such a private setting on the south side of the building, no one really minded it,” says agent Christopher Bibby.

“The developer did an exceptional job with the type of finishes people were able to choose from, which made the building so much fun to live in and it really stands out from everything in the area.”

Even the stylish lobby and corridors struck a chord with buyers. “The design of the common areas was by well-known interior designer Philippe Starck, so that’s one thing that’s quite appealing,” Mr. Bibby adds.

“The designs seem to be more forward than other buildings in the area. It didn’t feel like a building in Toronto.”