Under Construction | 500 Wilson Avenue, Toronto

Friluftsliv is the great Scandinavian philosophy of embracing the outdoor life in everything we do. We’re not only inspired by this ideal for the Nørdic, we are driven by every part of it.

Overview

Category Condo Ownership

Address 500 Wilson Avenue, Toronto

Architect gh3*

Status Under Construction

Nørdic Condos ushers in a novel lifestyle in the evolving Tippett Regeneration Area, a neighbourhood undergoing a transformation supported by all three levels of government and progressive planning principles. The 12-storey development embraces the Scandinavian philosophy of Friluftsliv, which recognizes the relationship between human well-being and the rejuvenative forces of nature.

Introducing a contemporary amalgam of clean lines and neutral palettes to 500 Wilson Avenue, Nørdic Condos is conveniently located in a mature neighbourhood serviced by a number of key transportation routes. The property sits next to Wilson subway station, Allen Road and Highway 401, with valued community amenities like Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Downsview Park, and York University in close proximity. Recent and upcoming transit expansions, including the completed Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension and the future Finch West LRT and Eglinton Crosstown, will provide key links to the rest of Toronto and beyond.

The arresting architecture of Nørdic Condos employs a crisp white facade emphasized by spacious balconies, terraces, and double-glazed windows, accentuating the building’s ingrained connection to the outdoors. On the north side of the structure, a stepped design has been implemented to create a cascading series of outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while interacting with their neighbours. An extension of the home, three communal courtyards offer additional spaces to socialize and enjoy the outdoors.

Nørdic Condos thinks globally and acts locally by including a geothermal heating and cooling system to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce annual energy costs, and save over five million litres of water every year.

An expansive amenities package has been carefully crafted to meet the wants and needs of residents, with a state-of-the-art fitness centre, calisthenics courtyard, outdoor pet relief area and indoor washing zone, outdoor kids play area, and landscaped outdoor lounges and barbecue zones all included in the full-service program.

Nørdic also understands the importance of housing inclusivity and accessibility. A number of the 437 condominiums have been allocated to Collecdev H.O.M.E., an affordability initiative that provides payment- and interest-free down payment assistance loans to first-time homebuyers. Fulfilling the pressing need for affordable housing while addressing long-term plans for growth in the region, Nørdic Condos increases both the volume and type of housing in the neighbourhood, contributing towards the proliferation of a complete community driven by a people-oriented approach.

Gallery

south west façade

north west aerial view

south east view

south view

community park

courtyard

recreation area with calisthenics

lobby

suite interior

party room

Sustainable Features

Sustainable architecture is environmentally conscious, energy-saving, and utilizes responsive and renewable materials and systems. Collecdev realizes that ecological and environmental concerns have expanded beyond the issue of the consumption of non-renewable energy sources.
Sustainability essentially aims for ecological balance.

Geothermal is a premium system that reduces the building’s carbon footprint, lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 70% over traditional systems and saves over 5 million litres of water per year.

Geothermal saves money, reducing annual energy costs for the entire building with lower maintenance and operational costs than a traditional building, and with a 30-year agreement that includes a performance guarantee and predictable costs.

Geothermal is reliable as the technology works through every season. Pumps can simultaneously cool one part of the building white heating another, giving residents full control over their own space.

Geothermal System reducing carbon emissions by 70% and provides residents with predictable utility costs

Offers exceptional energy efficiencies, contributing to a sustainable heating and cooling expense providing residents with predictable monthly utility costs.

Occupancy rates are protected as building operators recognize the value of green buildings and the direct impact on tenant quality, retention and return on investment, ultimately driving up property value.

Collecdev buildings are designed and built to conserve more energy and resources than standard code compliant buildings

Committed to achieving Toronto Green Standards (TGS) certification

Sustainable green roof areas that will help reduce the heat island effect and help to manage storm water retention on site

High performance thermal envelope minimizes unwanted solar gain and heat loss

Bird friendly glazing reduces danger to migratory birds

Exterior lighting directed downwards to reduce urban light pollution

Motion sensor-controlled lighting in common areas to reduce electricity costs

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lights save money by using less energy and lasting far longer than compact fluorescent lighting and halogen bulbs

Tri-sorter disposal and recycling system diverts landfill waste

Electric car charging station located on P1 and provisions made for additional future stations

Car sharing program located on P1

Long-term bicycle parking spaces located on P1

Short-term bicycle parking located on ground level

Rooftop areas are re-purposed as a green roof contributing to greater water conservation, reduced maintenance and improved aesthetics.

Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV’s) in each suite to reduce energy demands and enhance air quality

Programmable thermostat to drive greater energy conservation

Efficient water fixtures and low-flow toilets

All appliances have Energy Star certification, reducing energy consumption 30%

Suites are painted with low volatile organic compound paints to minimize off-gassing, to ensure home has good air quality

Recycling bins placed in all suites

Water efficient plant material provided for more than 50% of landscaped site area

Rainwater is collected from roof and stored in a cistern for future use by the irrigation system. Watering plants with harvested rainwater instead of drinking water helps reduce cost

Over 50 Trees (including tall growth American Hornbeam and Freeman Maples) join the canopy of greenery on site, offering shade from summer sunshine or a rainbow of colours come fall, and ensuring the space will offer a natural refuge for decades to come.

Neighbourhood

Nørdic residents are always connected – connected to the city, connected to transit, connected to everything, 24 hours a day. Discover Wilson Heights immediately outside your front door, a vibrant community inspired by European cities where architectural diversity, urban gathering spaces, and pedestrian-centric infrastructure combine to encourage interaction with neighbours and friends.

Broker Portal

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Latest Blogs

Latest

A symbolic ceremony with Bloor Street United Church & Collecdev

April 4, 2022 READ MORE

The relationship between Bloor Street United Church and Collecdev has been built upon mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger community. This month,...

The relationship between Bloor Street United Church and Collecdev has been built upon mutual respect and a shared vision for a stronger community. This month, that relationship reached another milestone with the ceremonial handover of the church.

Bloor Street United Church has been a cornerstone of the Annex for over 130 years. Now, through a historic collaboration with Collecdev, the site will soon transform into a thriving new community that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable, a community that will enrich the neighbourhood and allow BSUC to continue its great work for the next 100+ years.

On March 23rd, members of the BSUC congregation and members of Collecdev met at the Cielo Presentation Centre to mark the next stage of development. The event included an opening prayer, remarks from both groups, a look ahead at construction and a lively meet-and-greet, a particularly convivial momentthat marked the first time many participants had been face-to-face in over two years, due to the global pandemic.

Honouring both the significance of the event and the spirit of our commitment to social sustainability and public art, Collecdev presented the church with a special edition print of the hand-sketched illustration of Cielo by local artist, “Pen to Papier.” Members of the Design Advisory Committee signed the print, leaving a physical symbol of their lasting impact on the project, a symbol that will be on permanent display once the redevelopment is complete.

The culmination of the event was the symbolic handover of the key from BSUC to Collecdev, a gesture signifying how the church has entrusted the site to our team, confident that we will shepherd it into a new era of prosperity and community. 20 smaller commemorative keys were handed out to the BSUC Trustees, Chair of Council, the Redevelopment Steering Committee and the Relocation Task Group, all of whom have played an integral role in the development, stewarding the entire process on behalf of the church.

The afternoonmarked a significant milestone for everyone in attendance, a symbol not only of the years of hard work and dedication that have led up to this point, but of the generations of inclusiveness, belonging and community that Cielo will come to signify when it is complete.

To learn more about Cielo and about Collecdev’s full portfolio of inspiring, engaging communities, register today.

Nørdic Condos wins Best Advertising Campaign at 2021 BILD Awards

November 8, 2021 READ MORE

Last month, after a long, pandemic-induced pause, the industry gathered in person once again to celebrate the best and brightest projects of the last twelve months at the 41st annual BILD Awards. Nørdic Condos was a standout success, winning the prestigious Best Advertising Campaign, Paid Media Pinnacle Award, in recognition of the project’s clever strategy to bring the Scandinavian-inspired community to life online and in print.

A combination of old and new media painted a compelling story for the community, highlighting Nørdic’s northern European lifestyle that makes good design and good living accessible to all. Print and digital programs covered Nørdic’s impressive array of features including timeless architecture that acts as the backdrop to suites with multi-functional design; engaging amenities that offer a place to socialize, collaborate, and interact; abundant outdoor spaces that create daily opportunities to interact with nature; incomparable access to transit that keeps residents connected to everywhere they want to go; and sustainable building systems that reduce the carbon footprint and provide predictable costs and long-term value.

“Nørdic is a truly complete community,” says Natascha Pieper, Collecdev’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “Our digital and print advertising campaigns told the story of that community, helping viewers recognize the unique nature of a development that responds to the way people really want to live. It’s a model for the future of the industry and we are extremely proud that it resonated not only with the judges, but with our homeowners.”

Nørdic’s powerful campaign impressed the panel of expert judges from across North America, landing it among the esteemed company of the evening’s winners in marketing, architecture, sales, planning, design, and city building. It’s the latest project to join Collecdev’s portfolio of award-winning communities, communities that push the boundaries of innovation and development to create a positive impact on people, places, and the planet.

Construction update: Nørdic Condos

August 11, 2021 READ MORE

Construction at Nørdic is now well underway, bringing future residents one step closer to a Scandinavian-inspired lifestyle next door to Yorkdale, Wilson subway station, and Downsview Park. Here’s a look at some of the recent construction milestones:

Geothermal Energy System

The vertical drilling required for the building’s geothermal energy system is now complete and teams are installing the underground piping infrastructure required for the innovative system that will use 40% less energy than traditional HVAC, produce 70% less greenhouse gas, offer predictable monthly maintenance fees, and save over 5 million litres of water per year.

Excavation

Bulk excavation of the site is now finished, pushing overall detailed excavation to 90%. At the end of July, a soil ramp, previously used to access the base of the 9.9-metre-deep pit, was removed, and a third tower crane will soon take its place.

Concrete Formwork

On August 10^th the third (and final) crane will join two existing luffer cranes that have been on site and operational since July. The steel structures facilitate work on walls, columns, and floor forms, allowing forming activity to advance at the site interior. Work on both the P1- and P2-level parking slabs began last month and are now, respectively, at 10% and 20% completion. The structural foundation system for the entire site is 75% complete.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing of the foundation walls is 40% complete. This critical step provides a layer of protection between the below-grade structure and the moisture present in the surrounding soil and fill, preventing future water damage.

Mechanical, Electrical + HVAC

Rough-ins for the mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems are now underway on the P1 and P2 parking levels. Residents at Nørdic will enjoy individually-controlled heating and cooling in each suite and individual metering of hydro, water, heating, and cooling usage.

Nørdic will introduce residents to an inspiring lifestyle full of green space, thoughtfully designed amenities, innovative architecture, and integrated connectivity to the entire city.

This is the year of public art

June 22, 2021 READ MORE

Collecdev Collaborates with Renowned Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program-Earl Haig for an Art Initiative

Earlier this month Collecdev launched a contest to give aspiring young artists at Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program-Earl Haig campus the opportunity to have their art featured in association with Nørdic Condos–the award-winning condominium community in Wilson Heights. The winning submissions will appear on Nørdic’s construction hoarding. Collecdev is currently in talks with the CWSA-Earl Haig campus for a follow-up initiative that would see the students’ artwork featured as part of the Nørdic condo amenity space wall décor as well.

The CWSAP-EH students who participated in this initiative.

Jeannette Oh, a grade 12 visual arts major who submitted a striking polygon interpretation of two penguins, was encouraged by the invitation from Collecdev. “As a current artist and aspiring illustrator, I will undoubtedly come across scenarios where I will work with a client. This collaboration has allowed me to warm up to the concept of working commercially. It’s an opportunity of outreach, which is especially important during a time of isolation.”

Students’ submissions will be posted on Collecdev’s Instagram page starting Tuesday June 22^nd – Saturday, June 26^th

For the next 5 days, we’ll be featuring a different theme per day, inspired by all things Nørdic, plus a bonus theme.

Day 1: Polygon Animals
Day 2: Falu Red Scandinavian Homes
Day 3: Oslo Art Sculptures
Day 4: Northern Lights
Day 5: Bonus Theme: Wings

We’re inviting you to join in the fun and vote! Help us shortlist the semi-finalists.

Click here to vote.

Here’s How You Can Vote:

Visit @Collecdev on Instagram. The artwork will be featured on @Collecdev’s Instagram page and on our Instagram stories.
Check out the carousel of images and our stories, daily between Tuesday June 22^nd – Saturday, June 26^th.
Simply comment on our Instagram page or on our Instagram stories and tell us which art submission has your vote (by indicating the unique #).
You can vote on each theme, over the next 5 days!

Be sure to check out our Instagram page on Tuesday, June 29^th to find out who the lucky winners are!

Student Prizing

Each student who participated in this contest will receive a $100 gift card to a local art store.

Winner will be announced: Tuesday, June 29^th!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a $500 gift card to a local art store.

Plus the Claude Watson Secondary Arts Programs – Earl Haig will receive a $1500 scholarship at the end of the school year, as a thank you on behalf of Collecdev.

This was a wonderful opportunity for our senior students to engage in their community as well as commercial art making. We place an emphasis on the applied arts as a part of our senior Claude Watson curriculum and working on this project really afforded us the application of key concepts discussed throughout the year.” Nazy Sakhavarz, Program Director, CWSAP-Earl Haig

“We really enjoyed this experience and we look forward to commissioning works from CWSAP-Earl Haig alumni for future Collecdev communities.” Natascha Pieper, VP of Sales and Marketing.

The winning art pieces will be installed on the construction signage, located at 500 Wilson Avenue at Faywood Boulevard early this summer. Engaging and inspiring, they are a harbinger of the Nørdic lifestyle soon to come.

To learn more or to vote on the student-created pieces from CWSAP-Earl Haig, follow Collecdev on Instagram & Facebook.

Collecdev is always looking for creative ways to celebrate art and community, in an age of digital social interaction.

This creative initiative champions young, talented artists, while aligning with Collecdev’s corporate pillar of social sustainability—ultimately leading to a stronger community.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program-Earl Haig campus on this fun contest and we look forward to bringing an amazing new installation to the Wilson Heights community.

Collecdev purchasers can personalize suites by selecting finishes and upgrades online!

April 28, 2021 READ MORE

These days many of us spend hours on social media, pinning, liking, sharing and saving post after post of Instagram-worthy interiors featuring, neutral...

These days many of us spend hours on social media, pinning, liking, sharing and saving post after post of Instagram-worthy interiors featuring, neutral palettes, active stone countertops, attractive blonde flooring and a variety of beautiful millwork kitchen cabinetry options. For residents at Nørdic, all that double-tapping is about to come to life. Later this Spring, décor selections will begin, and the savvy purchasers who have chosen Nørdic Condos as their new home will get the chance to design their dream space in just a few clicks.

Selecting finishes has always been one of the most exciting parts of the home buying process, but in the past, it’s generally involved an in-person trek to a design studio where you were tasked with choosing the entire palette for your new home in just a few hours. Always at the forefront of innovation and human-centred design, Collecdev asked, is there a better way to engineer this experience? We found the answer in The Interactive Abode.

The Interactive Abode is a Toronto-based, Canadian-built, online design tool. From its roots as a simple mix-and-match system, to the robust, intuitive, and fully operational online studio it is today, TIA has emerged as the top design software in North America. Here’s how it works:

Nørdic residents receive an email, inviting them to begin their décor selections online.
They log in to their account from a Mac/PC or tablet, anywhere with an internet connection, and virtually decorate their unit, mixing and matching flooring, cabinets, and countertops until they’ve got the perfect look.
Once selections are complete, they can save their designs, and virtually sign on the dotted line, OR they can book an in-person appointment at the Nørdic Décor Studio to check out their selections in real life.

“It’s the best of all worlds,” says Natascha Pieper, Collecdev’s VP of Sales and Marketing. “Every purchaser is unique, and TIA’s software, not only helps them create a home that reflects their particular lifestyle and personality, but it also offers a more convenient way to access décor selections. Our homeowners can design their suites on their own schedule, whenever and wherever is most convenient for them.”

In addition to the realistic images rendered via The Interactive Abode, Nørdic purchasers can see their vision brought to life in the spectacular Nørdic Décor Studio where they can view samples of colours and materials, as well as stunning kitchen and bathroom vignettes. Like the rest of the community, the finishes at Nørdic are Scandinavian-inspired, an expert mix of minimalist colour palettes and organic textures that create a refined, relaxed vibe. The captivating array of options have been meticulously curated by the team at Esqape Design to promote a sense of lightness and wellbeing. It’s Pinterest-inspiration brought to life, and an entirely new way to put the finishing touches on a new home.