The Pinnacle on Adelaide viewed from the northeast corner of Adelaide and John.

The Pinnacle on Adelaide viewed from Festival Tower

A view from afar.

Dark black cladding on the Pinnacle on Adelaide’s north façade.

Source and images c/o:

http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/04/pinnacle-adelaide-gathering-speed-entertainment-district

Put away all reminders of Winter

If you want to start a spring decorating project, the first thing you need to do is a bit of spring cleaning. It’s important to put away all things winter. Gather all winter clothing, shovels, and winter décor to the storage locker or spare closet. Do the typical de-cluttering of your home and try getting rid of things you don’t need.

Bring in more Sunlight

Next, bring in as much sunlight as possible. The simplest way to do this is by adding mirrors throughout your living space. The next best thing to do is to pay attention to your windows. If needed, find drapes and curtains that are lighter and will let in more natural light.

Brighten things up

Once you’ve let in enough natural light, it’s important to pick bright colours and patterns to decorate your space. We all know what spring time colours look like – choose yellows, pinks, lavenders and greens – incorporate them wherever you can. To make sure you’re not going overboard with the colours, try using more neutral tones with only splashes of bold spring colour. Add various patterns throughout your home, either with furniture or wallpaper. Try floral or geometric prints with bright colours. Also, try finding some colourful art which could complement your décor.

Go Natural

Maybe the most important element to bring spring indoors is to literally…bring spring indoors. Buy fresh seasonal flowers and plants to include in your living room, kitchen and bedroom. You could try creating a fruit and flower vase such as the one pictured below (Kumquats and yellow tulips). You could also bring out the fruit trays and add them to the dining table, or living room coffee-table.

If you have any other spring decorating tips, let us know!

Sources:

http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/spring-decorating-tips#slide-1

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/seasonal/spring/spring-decorating-ideas/

http://livingaftermidnite.blogspot.ca/2013/03/2013-spring-decorating-trends.html

http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/828767/how-to-freshen-up-your-home-for-spring

Along with the base of the tower, the podium portion of the project, which will house ground floor retail, restaurants, and two floors of amenity space, is now in place. The image below is a picture of the recent progress.

Aligned with Festival Tower to the south and offset from Cinema Tower to the west (astute condo lovers will also be able to point out Charlie Condos off  in the distance), the Pinnacle on Adelaide tower and associated podium at the corner of John and Adelaide contribute to the re-imagined streetscape of the city’s changing Entertainment District.

Pinnacle on Adelaide Condos are part of what is known as the John Street Cultural Corridor, an area that has plenty of attractions, amenities, and is becoming increasingly pedestrian oriented.  In an attempt to not be “too busy,” the development will feature an urban courtyard with reflecting pools, designed by Toronto’s own Janet Rosenburg + Associates.  It will be tucked between the heritage buildings on the south side of the site and the tower to the north.  Another feature of the project will be its inclusion of granite cube seating with a water feature that will flow between the cubes.

In comparison to the above construction photo, here are a couple of renderings of Pinnacle on Adelaide that demonstrate what it will look like when it’s finally complete! What a difference!

http://www.urbantoronto.ca/news/2013/02/pinnacle-adelaide-taking-shape-entertainment-district

The Harbour Sports Grille is a casual and lively sports bar just steps from the Pinnacle Centre condos. The large space features a beautiful patio, billiard tables, arcade games and over 40 HD television screens to help sports fan catch up on all the matches. They show everything from hockey and basketball to golf and fishing. It’s a great sports bar to check out, whether you want to watch the big UFC match or the poker championship. Not only can you watch your favourite sports, but you may also bump into an athlete! This is because the Harbour Sports Grilled is right by the Air Canada Centre as well as the Rogers Centre.

Luckily, there’s plenty of room for everyone. It can fit roughly 250 guests indoors and an additional 110 on the patio. There are tables, chairs by the bar, and even couches to accommodate the large number of patrons. The crowd is relaxed and mainly consists of after-game sports fans, local business folk, and couples.

The pub menu features 13 draught beers and dishes ranging from homemade pizzas and pastas to prime rib burgers. On weekends, they also offer a special brunch menu with items such as their Nutella French Toast and classic Harbour Sports Grille Breakfast. Brunch is served from 10am to 3pm on weekends.

Prices are very affordable, their Meditterranean Flatbread is $9.99, Shanghai Noodles with beef is $14.99 and the Fish and chip is $8.39.

10 Yonge St., 416-367-4999, http://www.harboursportsgrille.com

Sources:

http://www.harboursportsgrille.com/

http://www.dine.to/harboursports

http://www.toronto.com/listing/136949

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harbour-Sports-Grille/121868800464

The development company is one of the country’s leading builders of exclusive luxury condos, hotels, as well as commercial developments.  They’ve been around for over three decades, cultivating their unique style in development, design, construction and management.

Their extensive list of projects in the Greater Toronto area includes:

• Pinnacle on Adelaide
• Pinnacle Grand Park
• Pinnacle Uptown
• Bellagio on Bloor in Toronto
• Pinnacle Centre in Toronto

Pinnacle International has 15 projects in total; 2 in preconstruction, 4 under construction, and 9 that were recently completed.

The organization’s extensive portfolio demonstrates first hand their devotion to first-class living and architectural excellence in the development of communities across the country.  Learn more about Pinnacle International by visiting http://www.pinnacleinternational.ca.

Sources:

http://www.pinnacleinternational.ca/

http://www.buzzbuzzhome.com/db/pinnacle_international

http://www.newinhomes.com/builders/pinnacle-international.html

Despite forming the link between such big names for the Canadian culture industry, John St. itself isn’t particularly well known as a destination for enjoying the downtown core. However, this will likely change over the next couple of years as the city dedicates itself to drastically redefining John St. in order to make it a vibrant civic space for everyone to enjoy.

A redesign of the John St. Cultural Corridor, which runs from Stephanie St. to Front St., was identified as a priority by the Toronto City Council in 2009, after the city commissioned a study that examined enhancements to public spaces around Toronto’s cultural landmarks. The study identified the importance of making the Cultural Corridor much more pedestrian-friendly, giving the space a unique personality, and recommended improvements that could make this a reality.

Invigorating the John St. Cultural Corridor with a more welcoming and enjoyable air would undoubtedly encourage more people to enjoy this city space. It would also play a role as a welcoming backyard for the downtown core’s expanding residential population, who are increasingly doing away with cars and getting around the city on foot. Changes would also encourage tourists to make this area a destination, not only the cultural landmarks that border it.

Although there are no firm plans yet as to exactly what the space will look like or when changes would begin, there are some particular changes that have been identified as priorities. It is also hoped that the Cultural Corridor could be constructed in time for Toronto’s turn to host the 2015 Pan American Games. The public’s input and engagement with the planning process of the Cultural Corridor has also been encouraged by the city, in order to help evaluate the needs of this project. A link for feedback from the public can be found here, through the City of Toronto.

Some of the changes that have been proposed in order to transform John St. into a more inviting civic space include a widening of the sidewalks and boulevards that would make more space for sidewalk cafes and incorporate more greenery. These wider pedestrian spaces would be achieved by removing lanes of traffic, while at the same time, calming traffic along the Corridor. Lastly, a no-barrier curb would further visually widen the street while making the street more crowd-friendly during events.

Before.

After.

These updates to the John St. Cultural Corridor will undoubtedly benefit the residential population in the area as well as encouraging more of Toronto’s residents and visitors to engage with the city’s public spaces. These efforts will hopefully help make the area surrounding many of Toronto’s most important cultural institutions much more enjoyable, moving away from the dreary, traffic-clogged stereotype of the downtown core and toward a more pedestrian-friendly concept that better showcases the cultural landmarks of the city of Toronto.

Sources:

http://www.toronto.ca/involved/projects/john/

http://torontoed.com/files/plans_reports/01.27.12_JohnStreet_EAStudy_ExecutiveSummary.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/JohnStreetCulturalCorridor

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/john-street-revitalization-plans-in-the-works/article585237/

Image c/o Martha Stewart

Halloween is quickly approaching – that means it’s time to bring out all the festive Halloween décor. There are lots of spooky and fun decorations that will help you create the Halloween mood, both indoors and outdoors. Festive decorating can also be an activity the kids would like to participate in – make it a family event!

Here are a few easy ideas to get you started:

Staircase Silhouette

Image c/o Martha Stewart

What you’ll need:

• Scissors
• Double sided tape
• Black construction paper
• Silhouette template

The staircase silhouette is a fun illusion to add to your stairs – and it’s quite easy to make. Print out a template (you can find these online) and cut out each section. Tape each section to each stair. Use black construction paper over the template to get the right colour and create that shadowy look. Use double-sided tape to stick it to the template.

Eerie Ghosts

Image c/o Martha Stewart

What you’ll need:

• Empty jars
• Wheat paste
• White tissue paper
• Paintbrush
• Clothespins and clothesline
• Utility knife
• Manicure or sewing scissors
• Pencil
• Needle
• Thirty-gauge wire
• Protective gloves
• Large balloon

Floating ghosts can be made in a few simple steps. First, tear sheets of white tissue paper in half lengthwise and paste them onto a large balloon resting on an empty jar. Next, dab wheat paste on a small section at the crown of the balloon and drape a strip of tissue paper vertically from the balloon’s crown to its knot at the bottom. Apply paste over the strip. Then add another strip so that it slightly overlaps the first and dab on more paste. Keep going until you reach the widest part of the balloon.

Next, using clothespins hang the balloon from a clothesline by their knot and let dry. Once dry, pop the balloon and remove. Once it’s all dried, you can start using pencils and a knife to carve out features like eyes. To display, cut a small circle in the top, poke a hole on either side of it with a needle. Put a wire through the holes, twist together halfway. Then push one end inside to hold a battery-powered light. Use the other end to hang the ghost.

Creepy Candles

Image c/o Martha Stewart

What you’ll need:

• Long white candles
• A red candle
• Sand in a pail

To create a sinister look for your candles fill a cup or a small pail with sand, and pant the white candles inside so they stand upright. Light a separate red candle and tip it over the white candles so the wax drips down the tops and sides. Let the wax cool, and then place your Halloween candles around your house to impress your guests!

Don’t forget to get creative!

Sources:

http://www.marthastewart.com/274730/halloween-crafts/@center/276965/halloween

http://houseandhome.com/design/halloween-decorating-ideas-0

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/halloween-decorations.htm

Image c/o Homes and Condos Blog

The Richard West House building was once part of a row of Georgian-style residential buildings in the area, all built around the 1870s. In August 2011, the building was moved across the street in order to protect it from construction of the new Pinnacle on Adelaide. This now vacant building was a Fox and the Fiddle before the move.

The house has been renovated multiple times, which has resulted in the removal of all the original interior features. The exterior walls, however, have remained the same over all these years. These Richard West House buildings are among the few remaining buildings that display decorative brick detailing, making it an important part of Toronto’s history.

The building will be put back to its original site once construction is complete. The existing brick walls and roof will also be restored.

How does a building move across the street? Here’s the video from the relocation!

If the new Pinnacle on Adelaide seems like the condo for you, please feel free to contact us for more information! Reach us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you with your condo search!

Sources:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fabkNa2a44&feature=plcp

http://www.toronto.ca/involved/statutorynotices/archive2010/feb/hl_020410_2.htm

http://homesandcondosblog.com/home/richard-west-house-crosses-the-street-3903.html

http://gbca.ca/site/project/category/house_moves/14

Image c/o blogTO.

La Merceria is a quaint home design shop and café owned by Sandra Rojas-Chinni & Marcelo Chinni. It is located at506 Adelaide St. W, right near the future Pinnacle onAdelaide.

The front is where you’ll find the coffee and Argentinean treats. For those who want to sit and enjoy their food, the café has three tables for two, a few benches, and a few tall chairs by the window.

Further into the shop is where you’ll find all the gifts, soaps, dishware, pillows, and other home accessories – all of which are reasonably priced.

Visit them from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends.

Pinnacle onAdelaideis conveniently located near the Financial, Entertainment and Fashion Districts. For more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you find your very own condo!

Sources:

http://lamerceria.ca/

http://www.blogto.com/cafes/lamerceria

Image c/o Urban Toronto

Pinnacle is at it once again. This is not “new” news, but we feel it necessary to report that Pinnacle International is in the process of moving ahead with their fourth GTA project, Pinnacle Uptown. Pinnacle International is responsible for the Pinnacle Centre at Harbour and Bay Streets and is working on the Pinnacle on Adelaide condos in the Entertainment District as well as Pinnacle Grand Park, located west of Square One in Mississauga.

Pinnacle Uptown will be located just north of Square One in Mississauga. This planned community will span over 36.5 acres and will include a mixture of high-rises, mid-rises, townhouses, retail and commercial developments, surely changing the Mississauga dynamic as the downtown core of Mississauga continues to evolve into a condo-lover’s dream.

The first phase of this project will be Crystal, a 24 and 28-storey tower project designed by El Richmond Architects. These towers will be located on the southeast corner of Eglinton and Hurontario Streets. The amenities will include a 24 hour concierge, guest suites, a gym, a movie room, a party room, a roof deck, a sauna, a swimming pool, a private dining room, a sports lounge, a library, and a business centre. The ceiling heights in the units will be 8 – 9 ft in height, depending on the unit.

The residences at the Crystal Condominiums are now for sale and are starting from the $200′s. If you are interested in purchasing a unit, or would like more information about this project, please call us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help you with your search for that perfect condo!

Sources:

http://urbantoronto.ca/database/projects/pinnacle-uptown-crystal-condominiums

http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2012/01/pinnacle-international-moving-forward-crystal-condos-pinnacle-uptown