Welcome to St. Thomas Street – a premium location for residential real estate – in the Yorkville area of Toronto. St. Thomas Street is only two blocks long, and is located just off Bloor Street (on a section dubbed the “Mink Mile”) and adjacent to the University of Toronto campus.
There is a mix of residential and commercial buildings along St. Thomas Street, but I have focused on the residential doorways in this week’s contribution to Norm’s Thursday Doors blog.
For each highrise residence, I have also included an image of the highrise tower. It was not possible to show you what is behind each door, so you get a glimpse of what is above each door instead.
One St. Thomas is a newer condominium tower that looks like it could belong in New York. That is by design – it is a twin to 15 Central Park West in New York City, designed by New York architect Robert A.M. Stern. Recent condo sales in this building have averaged around $1,300 per square foot. Popular musician Drake used to live here. Being number one has its cachet.
Directly across the street is Two St. Thomas. This is a purpose-built rental apartment tower which just recently opened. Sadly, the enrtrance to this building is very non-descript. The front doors look like they belong on any generic office building. The only feature is a copper-clad entry canopy. I recall that there used to be a tagline of “We Try Harder” for Avis when it was the second ranked car rental agency. Avis dropped this slogan after 50 successful years – 2 St. Thomas is the newer building, but it never tried to be better.
The University Apartments are in an older 1927 apartment building located on a heritage site at 8 St. Thomas Street. These apartments are also condos, but are sometimes available for rent.
The Windsor Arms Hotel is located across Sultan Street at no. 18 St. Thomas Street. It is a boutique hotel and it is also an historic property. It was renovated about 20 years ago as part of a redevelopment that added high-rise condominiums to the site. The Residences at Windsor Arms are at 22 St. Thomas Street.
I thought New York before I read your text. Nice set.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That second one is letting down the neighborhood ambiance!! Love the Windsor door and surround, though. Nice finds.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comments. I agree, it is good to see some of the older buildings being preserved, as they have more character. As do their doors.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love when old buildings are kept and the insides are updated as needed. There’s so much beauty and history in many of these places. Of course, some old (and new) buildings should just be gotten rid of. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Splendid doors, I agree that Two, St Thomas should have put more effort into their doors, however, you caught a very good shot of them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comments.
LikeLiked by 1 person