Overview
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 429 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.
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Sustainable Features
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.
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At Collecdev's latest addition to a new hub of residential density at Wilson subway station, the early stages of site activity are setting the stage for the...
At Collecdev’s latest addition to a new hub of residential density at Wilson subway station, the early stages of site activity are setting the stage for the upcoming construction of Nørdic Condos. In this area of Toronto just to the northeast of the Highway 401 and Allen Road interchange, Nørdic , like Collecdev’s Tretti Condos—already under construction—is designed by gh3. Over the past few months, crews have been clearing away the three outdated rental apartment buildings on the Wilson Avenue site in advance of the early 2021 start of shoring work.
The first signs of activity were spotted in September, when interior gutting began for the single office building and pair of apartment buildings on site. We last checked in about a month ago, when the first structural demolition work had begun to chip away at a shuttered four-storey commercial building at 530 Wilson Avenue: it was last used by Collecdev as a presentation centre for Nørdic and their earlier projects in the area. With the commercial building fully demolished, its footprint will soon be backfilled to create a flat surface for shoring rigs to operate on.
To the east, demolition has advanced considerably on the four-storey rental apartment buildings at 470 and 490 Wilson Avenue. They were still undergoing interior demolition at the time of our last update. A month later, the eastern building has been reduced to rubble while the west building is in the process of coming down.
Nørdic is set to rise 12 storeys to a height of just over 41 metres, and house 429 condominium and rental replacement units. Among the features awaiting purchasers and residents are a selection of amenities appointed by interior designers ESQAPE Design.
Source: Urban Toronto
There are a lot of perks to living at Nørdic – easy access to York University, Seneca’s York U satellite campus, and many more of the city’s most esteemed educational institutions; a transit hub with a near perfect score of 98%; acres of green space in half a dozen nearby parks; more than 2-million square feet of best-in-class retail at Yorkdale; and a lineup of local cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and gourmet food shops that includes one of the Best Bakeries in Toronto as named by blogTO.
Grodzinski Bakery (or “Grodz” as it’s known to locals) is just a 3-minute drive from Nørdic, which means you can be inhaling the sweet scent of freshly-baked challah – available in plain, spelt, raisin, or multigrain – faster than you can say “mazel tov.” Not only is Grodzinski one of the oldest kosher bakeries in the city, but it has a history that stretches back 132 years and nearly 6,000 kilometres.
In 1888, Harris and Judith Grodzinski migrated from the Eastern Bloc to London’s East End, setting up the original bakery at 31 Fieldgate Street. Over the next 11 decades the business expanded and flourished with the help of nephews, siblings, and children, becoming a true family affair. In 1999 it made an epic voyage across the Atlantic with the opening of the first Grodzinski Bakery in Toronto, continuing the family tradition into the fourth and fifth generations.
Residents at Nørdic are sure to become locals at this historic bakery, a spot blogTO called “one of the city’s best destinations for challah.” But don’t stop at the braided loaves; Grodzinski also serves up delectable bubkas, rogallach, cream horns, lemon tarts, and sugar cookies, all made in house, from scratch.
Good bakeries are the sweet spot of any good neighbourhood and the type of local business that help create the vibrant, inspiring, complete community at Nørdic, now under construction in the heart of Wilson Heights.
Grodzinski Bakery is currently offering home delivery and curbside pickup. Visit grodzinskibakery.com to learn more about one of our local favourites and how you can shop local during this time.
Blogs
With everything that’s happened this year, the notion of hosting may feel like a distant memory, but there’s a case to be made that, after months of physical distancing and business closures, face masks, pandemic updates, and general uncertainty, we could all use a little festive cheer. With the holiday season nearly upon us, it’s time to (safely) celebrate. Here’s how.
GO VIRTUAL FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME
Take the festivities online and host a virtual dinner party from the comfort of your suite. Get in the spirit by decorating the same way you would for an in-person event – candles, flowers, and a beautiful table setting will look just as good on screen as they do in real life. Plus, the wide, shallow, light-filled layouts and clean lines of Scandinavian design at Nørdic make the perfect backdrop for Zoom.
STOCK UP
In addition to the regular shopping list for social occasions, COVID means adding a few more items to your cart. If you’ve opted for an in-person event, make sure to provide all the necessary supplies to stay safe. The World Health Organization recommends organizers stock up on hand sanitizer, soap, tissues, closed-lid garbage bins, distance markers, and masks.
TOAST THE SIMPLE THINGS
Sometimes it’s the simple things that bring the most pleasure, so stock up on small items that will have a big impact. Think great wine, top-quality ingredients, and beautiful details. Head to Costco and the LCBO for everything you need to plan a delicious menu; Suzanna’s Flowers for spectacular blooms; Restoration Hardware for items to dress up your space; and the 270+ shops at Yorkdale to dress up your personal style. Thankfully, the neighbourhood around Nørdic offers everything you need, with many shops still open curbside pickup.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Now it’s time for the fun. Whether you’re face-to-face (at a safe 2-metre distance of course) or gathering online, adding some friendly competition by way of games or shared activities is a great way to continue the festivities. Old school favourites like Charades and Trivia can be tailored to your audience and never fail to get people laughing. There are also plenty of games now available online for group play like Checkers, Go Fish, Crazy Eights, and Cards Against Humanity.
FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES
This may not be the most exciting tip of the bunch, but it just might be the most important. In a year where things seem to change from one moment to the next, be sure to stay on top of the local guidelines. Check in frequently with reputable sources like Toronto Public Health, the World Health Organization, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Health for the latest restrictions and information, and be sure to follow their recommendations to keep everyone safe.
During the pandemic Collecdev continues to bring complete communities, like Nørdic, to life, safely and responsibly.
Nørdic has earned top spot with seven nominations for the 2020 Ontario Home Builder’s Association Awards of Distinction, making it one of the most nominated...
Nørdic has earned top spot with seven nominations for the 2020 Ontario Home Builder’s Association Awards of Distinction, making it one of the most nominated projects – and Collecdev one of the most nominated builders – this year.
Among the honours, the Scandinavian-inspired complete community has been named a finalist for Project of the Year and the People’s Choice Award, voted on and selected by the public. The total list of nominations includes:
| • People’s Choice Award | • Best Social Media Campaign |
| • Project of the Year – High or Mid-Rise | • Best High or Mid-Rise Ad Campaign |
| • BestHigh or Mid-Rise Condo Suite | • Best High or Mid-Rise Project Sales Brochure |
| • Best Lobby Entrance |
Since 1991 the OHBA Awards of Distinction have recognized creativity, innovation, and talent within the industry. “Nørdic’s nominations are a testament to the value of a community that recognizes the important relationship between human well-being and the rejuvenative forces of nature, between good design and accessible living, between a convenient location directly on the subway and the appeal of inspiring amenities close to home,” says Natascha Pieper, VP Sales and Marketing at Collecdev.
Two nominations sure to garner attention are the People’s Choice Award and Project of the Year – High or Mid-Rise, the former since it’s an unmistakable reflection of the many happy purchasers who have made Nørdic a sold-out success, and the latter since it represents the best of the best among the industry. We’re thrilled for all the nominations, because they mean that the passion, care, and attention we’ve committed to building a better, healthier, more inclusive, sustainable, and accessible community have set new standards for the way projects get built.
Architecturally, Nørdic impressed the judges from top to bottom, recognized for both Best Lobby Entrance and Best High or Mid-Rise Condo Suite. The lobby greets residents with a striking space featuring a refined, yet relaxed vibe. Between the 24-hour concierge, lighting-fast wifi, and a digital display showing current transit commute times, it’s is equipped with everything to make everyday living a snap.
On the floors above, suites are designed with innovative wide shallow layouts that flood spaces with natural light and ensure an efficient flow. Generous balconies are sheltered from the elements and every unit offers a strong connection to the outdoors, promoting a better, happier, healthier lifestyle. These are spaces that feel comfortable – the perfect backdrop for a soft, relaxed, minimal aesthetic that gives you vacation vibes without ever leaving home.
On the marketing side, Nørdic has been rewarded with three nods:Best Social Media Campaign, Best High or Mid-Rise Ad Campaign, and Best High or Mid-Rise Project Sales Brochure. These nominations highlight that each of these elements helped craft the narrative of the community, the story of a better way to live.
Together, these nominations confirm what we know to be true – through our commitment to our three pillars of social sustainability, environmental stewardship, and experiential design, we’re building a brighter future and helping to shape the industry for generations to come.
The OHBA awards will be held online Tuesday, November 10th. Follow along on the @OntarioHBA social media channels or join the conversation using the hashtag #OHBA2020AoD. To learn more about Nørdic and Collecdev’s other exciting communities, register today.
Early site activity is setting the stage for Nørdic...
Early site activity is setting the stage for Nørdic Condos near Wilson subway station in North York, clearing the way for Collecdev‘s 12-storey residential complex. Designed by Raymond Chow of gh3, the project is part of a wave of residential intensification within walking distance of the station, and will add another 429 condominium units to the mix, along with increased retail presence fronting Wilson Avenue.
Looking northeast to Nørdic Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto
Demolition commenced earlier this summer at the site’s west end, closest to Wilson Station, starting with the gutting of a four-storey commercial building at 530 Wilson Avenue which had been used as a presentation centre for Nørdic, and for previous Collecdev projects in the neighbourhood. A pair of four-storey rental buildings at 470 and 490 Wilson Avenue were also gutted.
Residential buildings at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira
When we last checked in on the site in August, the first signs of demolition were apparent as the site had been surrounded in fencing and initial interior gutting had commenced. A month later, interior demolition has progressed a fair bit as crews from Orin Demoltion meticulously strip out interior finishes in preparation for structural demolition.
Residential buildings at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira
To the west of the residential buildings, the former commercial building recently had the first of its exterior cladding removed, a section of its (recently white-painted) red brick finishes. Structural demolition of the commercial and residential buildings is next, to clear the site and allow the start of shoring and excavation for the new residential complex and park.
Office building at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira
Meanwhile, the first signs of the building’s geothermal system—a regular feature in Collecdev projects—have been spotted in the form of geothermal drilling rigs, which will drill wells across the site as an element of the sustainable system. Geothermal heating and cooling is expected to reduce Nørdic’s carbon emissions by 70% and provide residents with predictable utility costs.
Geothermal drilling rig at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira
Source: Urban Toronto