Overview
A blank canvas in Toronto’s Tippett Regeneration Area doubles as the testing ground for a new, complete way of living. TRETTI is a social, environmental and experiential strategy of city-building that adopts the best practices of northern European design. Introducing an eco-friendly, affordable, and human-scaled lifestyle to the heart of Wilson Heights, TRETTI captures the progressive ideals that have made Scandinavian cities some of the happiest on the planet, employing an acute focus on placemaking to create an egalitarian, hyperlocal and truly complete community.
TRETTI exemplifies the development principles envisioned for the Tippett Regeneration Area by CreateTO and the City of Toronto, who drew the blueprint for the integrated and mixed-use community now taking shape. Using functional and smart design to enhance livability, coupled with assets specifically curated to meet the diverse needs of its residents, TRETTI gracefully executes the framework established by these important civic partners.
The contemporary and organic architecture of TRETTI responds to the walkable streetscapes of Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen, translating the characteristics of these rich urban environments into a Toronto context. The result is a carefully crafted living experience supported by multi-functional interiors, ample daylight, and a robust connection to the outdoors via green rooftops and a sprawling eighth floor terrace. At 13 storeys, TRETTI is a modest and human-scaled development punctuated by architectural setbacks and ground-level amenities, which animates the public realm and enhances safety with constant “eyes on the street.” An expansive family-friendly amenity package caters to the desires of all residents, and features a fully equipped fitness studio, yoga space, party room, co-working space, indoor pet-friendly play area, and indoor and outdoor children’s play areas.
Acknowledging that buildings are a contributor to climate change, TRETTI embraces a low-carbon future by employing an innovative geothermal heating and cooling system that will produce 70 percent less greenhouse gases, use about 40 percent less energy than a traditional HVAC system, and save over five million litres of water every year. The geothermal system is complemented by several other green gestures, including two private courtyards sporting drought-tolerant landscapes, absorbing stormwater runoff and reducing clean water irrigation waste by 60 percent. A 29,000-square-foot central park features hardscaping to reduce the urban heat island effect and offers places for rest, recreation, and social interaction. Dedicated bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging stations assist in the proliferation of a strong local multi-modal transportation network. These environmentally conscious features are all part of creating a healthy, holistic community for the greater good, a common understanding of how our individual actions impact the people and the world around us.
Illustrating our commitment to social sustainability, 50 affordable residences at TRETTI will give the gift of home ownership to more Toronto families. The broader Tippett Regeneration Area will receive a total of 200 affordable homes from Collecdev. Complete communities are defined by their inhabitants, who come from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. Providing a range of housing types ensures the long-term accessibility and prosperity of the neighbourhood, allowing all families to participate and benefit from this trailblazing community. A pioneering force in building affordable housing, Collecdev provided a personal touch to the homebuying process, meeting one-on-one with each prospective purchaser to answer questions and alleviate any concerns. The majority of TRETTI residents already live and rent in the community, and are ready to put down their roots and invest in the security of home ownership.
Our contribution to affordable housing at TRETTI became the genesis of Collecdev H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easy), a collaboration between all three levels of government. Connecting deserving families with payment- and interest-free down payment assistance loans, the program delivers the dream of home ownership to current renters. Homeowners under the program pay up to 6.5 percent down, representing massive savings compared to the traditional 20 percent down payment required. The loan remains payment- and interest-free as long as the homeowner continues to reside in the condominium. The partnership between governments and Collecdev engendered the City of Toronto’s Open Door Affordable Housing Program, resulting in Collecdev being recognized as a Champion of Affordable Housing.
Located in a mature neighbourhood already defined by relationships to its surroundings, TRETTI features a near-perfect transit score of 98 and convenient access to Wilson, Yorkdale and Sheppard West subway stations, with additional connections to GO Transit, Allen Road, and Highway 401. TRETTI reinforces and heightens the best characteristics of the neighbourhood, serving as the linchpin of a vibrant, forward-thinking, mixed-use community with new public roads, pedestrian and cycling connections, park spaces, and neighbourhood amenities. TRETTI represents the best of both worlds—a multi-layered lifestyle catered to the individual but fostered by social connectedness—a complete community espousing distinctly Scandanavian design with a familiar Toronto address.
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Sustainable Features
Sustainability essentially aims for ecological balance.
Neighbourhood
TRETTI is truly the best of all worlds – Scandinavian inspired, Toronto based, in the heart of Wilson Heights, near Yorkdale, and linked to TTC subway. Live in a charming community bursting with local businesses, family-friendly outdoors, and urban amenities that keep you connected to anything and everything.Broker Portal
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A new community is forming around Wilson subway station in northwest Toronto, replacing former surface parking and lower-density commercial and light industrial...
A new community is forming around Wilson subway station in northwest Toronto, replacing former surface parking and lower-density commercial and light industrial buildings with new medium-density, mostly residential development. Among the firms reshaping this burgeoning pocket of the city is Collecdev, who have a pair of active projects in the area. The further along of the two is Tretti Condos, a 13-storey, gh3-designed development playfully given the Norwegian word for 30, its address on Tippett Road, just south of WIlson Avenue, while on Wilson Avenue itself, Collecdev has just started work on Nordic Condos, continuing the Scandinavian theme.
Panorama of below-grade forming at Tretti site, image by Forum contributor drum118
Construction commenced on Tretti in 2019, and following excavation work, forming work has been progressing gradually through the months since, impacted somewhat by the Covid situation. While sections of Tretti’s four-level underground garage have now taken shape, the pit also extends to the south beyond the footprint of the 13-storey condo, as the Tretti site is to also host a pair of rental buildings, dubbed Tippett Park phases 1 and 2. The 14-storey first phase is currently under construction along with the condo, while the phase 2 rental building remains in pre-construction, filed under a different City planning application.
Below-grade forming at Tretti site, image by Forum contributor drum118
The site is one of several Collecdev projects set to make use of a closed-loop geothermal system that cycles a mix of antifreeze and water through pipes buried in the ground, utilizing the constant temperatures below the surface to heat buildings in winter months and cool them in summer months. To better understand the system, we spoke with Jon Mesquita, partner and co-founder of Diverso Energy, the company handling the geothermal work for Tretti. “The closed-loop geothermal system at Tretti Condos is expected to eliminate 225 tons of CO² and save 3.3M litres of drinking water annually, while reducing overall building energy consumption by 20%,” Mesquita told us.
Tretti Condos, image courtesy of Collecdev
Work on the geothermal system was among the first activity at the site, with Mesquita saying “The geothermal bore-field was installed prior to any building construction. The holes were predrilled and the pipes were capped and cut just below final grade. This allowed for excavation to proceed as normal, and once they reached final grade, we came back in and connected our pipes together. That minimized the impact to Collecdev’s construction schedule. The remainder of the geothermal system—manifold, pumps, and controls—will be completed and connected to the building’s mechanical system closer to building completion and occupancy.”
Sustainability features at Tretti Condos, image courtesy of Collecdev
Similar work is being carried out by another geothermal contractor a short distance away, for Collecdev’s next addition to the neighbourhood in the upcoming Nordic Condos project. As site preparation work clears the existing buildings from the Wilson Avenue site of that 12-storey residential complex, drilling rigs are working away on boreholes for its geothermal system, in a process illustrated with photos in a recent construction update.
Demolition and geothermal drilling continue at nearby Nordic Condos site, image by Forum contributor drum118
You can learn more from our Database files for the projects mentioned, linked below. If you’d like to, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
Source: Urban Toronto
The Danes have a saying, “bo bedre,” which means “live better.” It’s the driving force behind TRETTI and Nørdic, two amazing new Collecdev communities, designed to help more people live smarter, live better, live happier than ever before. This month these projects received industry kudos, nominated for two CHBA National Awards:
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence recognize the best in Canadian new homes, home renovations, community development, and marketing. “These nominations place us among a distinguished group,” said Collecdev President, Maurice Wager, upon hearing the news. “The CBHA is the voice of the residential construction industry in Canada and to be recognized by them is a testament to the incredible communities we’re bringing to life.”
TRETTI and Nørdic, have received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response from the market, impressing purchasers and industry insiders with their holistic approach to development. Inspired by Scandinavian cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo, the communities combine great design and inspiring amenities, with direct access to transit and a strong connection to nature, creating human-centric environments that promote a healthier and happier way to live.
TRETTI’s nomination for outstanding excellence in a Mid- to High-Rise Condominium Project reflects the extensive planning and vision that has gone into the site. CreateTO, a team of real estate professionals working with the City of Toronto to manage its real estate portfolio, worked closely with Collecdev to develop a community plan for the lands at 30 Tippett which were sold to Collecdev in 2015.
The development aligns with the City’s overall vision for the Tippett Regeneration Area and includes provisions for new public services, roads, parks, and infrastructure, along with the 13-storey condominium and two purpose-built rental buildings, Tippett Park Phase 1 and Tippett Park Phase 2. A collection of suites has been designated for Collecdev H.O.M.E – Home Ownership Made Easy., the affordable ownership program developed in partnership with the Government of Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto, that puts good living within reach for more first-time buyers. And sustainable building systems like geothermal energy and green roofs reduce the carbon footprint and create long-term value for residents. These elements, combined with convenient transit, an emphasis on the outdoors, and engaging amenities, make TRETTI a truly complete community, a place residents will be proud to call home.
Blogs
Finding an affordable condo near public transit isn’t easy these days. And finding one that also boasts of noteworthy architecture and plentiful green space, is a major accomplishment.
Tretti Condos, steps from Wilson subway station, claims to tick all of those boxes. Designed by gh3*, the uniquely shaped building with a gently curving spine and three “wings” stepped down from the roofline offers sheltered courtyards where children have a playground and adults have outdoor space. Plus, there’s a wide pedestrian path and 11,000 square feet of ground floor retail.
The suites are designed to maximize natural light, with views of lush landscaping. Interior designer Carmen Dragomir, of esQape Design, placed bedrooms on either side of the central living and kitchen area to give them a more spacious feel.
“Design has a certain way of shaping our lives, our sensibility, our behaviour, even our emotions,” Dragomir says, noting she kept that in mind at Tretti.
LIVEABILITY
The liveability factor was also important for Maurice Wager, the developer Collecdev’s president. Generally, units aren’t getting bigger these days, he says. “And if you reduce the size, you have to make sure the layout works.”
Tretti’s 340 suites have a standard package that includes stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, and porcelain tiles in the bathrooms.
The amenity package, also designed by Dragomir, is generous as well. There’s a fitness studio, a party room with a catering kitchen and access to an outdoor terrace and BBQs. In addition, the condos have a 24-hour concierge service, a co-working station and private meeting rooms.
Millennials and families are expected to be among the buyers and so Wager wanted to include space for those who work from home and family-friendly features such as an indoor/outdoor playground and a pet-grooming studio.
At just 13 storeys, Tretti falls between a mid- and high-rise height, and makes the 340 suites feel reasonably spread out.
Architect Raymond Chow, principle of gh3* which also designed the Rocket condo down the street from Tretti, says the courtyards help with that human scale, “by breaking down the overall mass of the building, and stepping down from the 13-storey height toward the park.”
Green space plays an important role here, shielding the community from the noise and congestion of the Allen Expressway, and connecting the neighbourhood to the Wilson subway station with a path for pedestrians and cyclists. And a park by the front door is connected to a 16,000-square-foot green space.
Wilson Heights itself, is a neighbourhood in flux. It was earmarked for regeneration in 2015 on the city’s master plan. Wager snapped up the plot of land by the subway in 2016. And the following year, the University-Spadina subway line was extended to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
From the beginning, Wager envisioned a site that would be beautiful, affordable and a good place to live. And given his background in architecture and urban planning — from the University of Toronto — he was also committed to a development that was energy efficient.
To increase Tretti’s natural insulating power, it will be built with more solid wall as opposed to glass. A geothermal heating and cooling system will use 40 per cent less energy than conventional HVAC systems, reduce water consumption by 50 million gallons per year, and is expected to cut overall carbon footprint by more than 70 per cent.
ROOF-TOP FUN
Green roofs will reduce the heat island effect, divert stormwater run-off for collection in cisterns (to be reused for irrigation) — and provide a lush backdrop to the rooftop space with its BBQs and cabanas. And the staggered balconies will attract more light in the winter when the sun is lower on the horizon, while limiting light in the summer when the sun is higher.
No discussion of liveability can be had without talking affordability, Wager insists. He’s devised a program called Collecdev H.O.M.E (home ownership made easy) in collaboration with Toronto Affordable Housing Office, which offers an interest-free, down payment assistance loan.
“A lot of people can make monthly payments,” reasons Wager, “because a mortgage isn’t dissimilar from paying rent, but the big barrier is that 15-20 per cent deposit.” The loan is being offered with strings – you must currently be a tenant, and a first-time homebuyer with a maximum household income of $88,900.
The condos are priced from the mid-$400,000s and occupancy is slated for August 2021.
To register and for more information phone 416-640-2543, email info@collecdev.com, or visit website collecdev.com/developments/tretti-condos/
YOU ARE HERE
1) Getting around. A new urban park, with pedestrian and cycling trails is being created in the area. And the Finch West LRT expansion will add 18 new stops.
2) Get smart. York University and Seneca College’s York U satellite campus are 10 minutes away. And the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research Hub – a joint project with academics and industry – is being built at the nearby Downsview Park.
3) Looking for fun? The Barry Zuckerman Amphitheatre offers theatre and music. Black Creek Pioneer Village provides a window on the past. And Fountainhead Park has tennis courts and a multipurpose sports field.
Source: National Post
The world of real estate has evolved quite a bit over the last three decades. Today we have apps that help us find homes, virtual 3D tours that let us...
The world of real estate has evolved quite a bit over the last three decades. Today we have apps that help us find homes, virtual 3D tours that let us experience spaces before they’re even built, and smart phones that put the act of purchasing in the palm of our hands. But despite all this change, there is one age-old real estate adage that still holds true, location, location, location. Today, where you choose to purchase a home is still among the most important factors in determining quality of life and long-term value.
PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC TRANSIT BOOSTS PROPERTY VALUE
A study of several major US cities showed that properties located in close proximity to public transportation outperformed the market by an average of 42% (in some cases by nearly 130%). In New York City, home values on Manhattan’s Upper East Side went up sixfold after the completion of the Second Avenue subway. And while the precise numbers for Toronto aren’t documented, one thing is clear: proximity to transit is an important factor in purchasing a new home, especially for first-time buyers.
Access to transit provides all kinds of benefits for homeowners, from reduced costs (bye bye soaring gas prices and monthly car payments, hello Metropass!), shorter commute times, lowered stress, cleaner air, and more walkable neighbourhoods. A report released by The Center for Neighborhood Technology states,
“Consumers are willing to pay more for housing located in areas that exemplify new urbanist principles or are traditional neighbourhood developments.’ These neighborhoods are walkable, higher density, and have a mix of uses as well as access to jobs and amenities such as transit.”
It’s the very principle we use at Collecdev to determine the best location for new projects like TRETTI – as the city continues to grow, what sites will give residents convenient access to green space, culture, retail, amenities, and community, while keeping them connected to anywhere they want to go?
TRETTI GETS TOP MARKS
You may not be familiar with Redfin, a Seattle-based real estate data and analytics company, but you’re probably familiar with their work. In 2007 the company launched Walk Score (followed quickly by Transit Score), two markers that have become a popular measure of the convenience and desirability of any address. And according to the data, TRETTI is a “Rider’s Paradise.”
With a Transit Score of 98 (out of a possible 100) and a Walk Score that puts many neighbourhood conveniences just a few steps away, TRETTI is the type of community where homes, jobs, and leisure activities intersect, creating the perfect backdrop for an active lifestyle with a smaller carbon footprint.
Located firmly within the 416 (the original benchmark for Toronto living), TRETTI keeps residents connected to the neighbourhood, to the GTA, and to the downtown core. In less time than it takes to watch an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine (and for less than what you’d spend on a Starbucks Venti latte) you can be at Union Station. In roughly 20 minutes you can be at the airport, en route to anywhere in the world!
LONG TERM VALUE
The trend toward intensified urbanization isn’t stopping any time soon. Toronto’s downtown core population is forecast to increase by 83% over the next 12 years and, as it grows, so too will the demand for transit services and communities built around key transit lines, providing residents with easy access to everything they need, without the hassles of a car or a long, traffic-riddled commute. Buyers (and renters) will continue to opt for convenience over space, seeking homes where a subway ride is just steps from their front door. And for homeowners, that means the security of knowing that proximity to the Red Rocket will boost property values for years to come.
Ready to invest in one of Toronto’s most connected communities? Register for Tretti Condos and find a home in the heart of the action. Don’t get left behind. Register today.
A new park is among the green highlights of a condo project that will grow from a former parking lot in north Toronto’s
A new park is among the green highlights of a condo project that will grow from a former parking lot in north Toronto’s Wilson Heights neighbourhood.
Tretti Condos, a 13-storey, 340-suite building with quick transit access — Wilson subway station is a block away — will include an adjacent park with plans for more than 100 trees to shade the site and outdoor courtyards.
Builder Maurice Wager, president of Collecdev, and Raymond Chow, principal at architecture firm gh3*, see the project as an opportunity to build a community where residents can connect with outdoors. The development, at 30 Tippett Rd., will be one of the first to transform the area along Wilson Ave. east of the Allen Expressway.
“Toronto is becoming a more urban, dense city,” says Chow.
“There is a need for simplicity and an edited lifestyle. It’s nice to come back to a place with space to breathe where you can detach,” Chow says, in reference to the project’s Scandinavian-lifestyle inspiration.
“Creating a network of open, outdoor spaces is a key to creating a vibrant community.”
As well, Collecdev’s commitment to environmental stewardship will manifest in Tretti Condos’ focus on sustainable features within the project.
“You can do great things by building a well-designed community, but you need to consider both the macro- and micro-levels,” Wager says. For example, he notes, “you can reduce the amount of commuting required by the ability to provide for all of the residents’ needs within the community so they don’t have to drive everywhere.
“We want this to be a true mixed-use development with community facilities, green space and retail,” adds Wager of the neighbourhood that also includes Downsview Park.
The building will operate with a geothermal heating/cooling system estimated to use about 40 per cent less energy than the traditional HVAC system, including saving more than five million litres of water a year and cut greenhouse gas production by about 70 per cent.
Maurice Wager, left, of Collecdev, and Raymond Chow with gh3* Architects in Tretti Condos model kitchen with modern finishes and energy-efficient appliances. (Moe Doiron/ Toronto Star)
Also planned are green roofs to help improve stormwater management and irrigate the site. As well, water will be filtered through a permeable paving system and collected in a cistern for re-use in landscaping. Windows in the building will have bird-friendly glazing and low-reflection glass to prevent collisions.
Exterior lighting will be downward facing to be night-sky friendly and minimize the impact on the community. Indoor lighting will feature light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs to save energy; common spaces will have motion-sensor lighting to save electricity.
Bicycle use will be encouraged with bike storage rooms and parking spaces. Tretti Condos will, as well, have charging capabilities for electric cars and dedicated parking spots for car-sharing services.
The design profile of the building itself takes into account its place, situated above the Allen Expressway. “We’ve paid a lot of attention to the outline, because people will get a lot of long-distance views of the building,” says Chow.
Condominium suites have been designed to maximize natural light. “It was a bit of a challenge,” says Chow. “Every room had to have a window, because it’s important to have access to light.”
Suites, ranging from the mid-$400,000s to the mid-$700,000s, will be one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, as well as two- and three-bedroom-plus-den options. Appliances will have Energy-Star rating and use 30 per cent less energy than standard appliances. There will be low-flow toilets and efficient water fixtures, as well as programmable thermostats.
Young families’ lifestyles have been considered, with plans for an indoor children’s play area and a dedicated outdoor kids’ space. Tretti Condos will include a fitness studio, a co-working space and rooftop terrace entertaining area. And, for the furry family members, a pet-wash station is included in the plans.
“We’ve taken a sophisticated approach to creating community through thinking about how spaces are used and designing accordingly,” Wager says.
Tretti Condos
Location: 30 Tippet Rd., Toronto
Developer: Collecdev
Architect: gh3* architects. Interior Designer: esQape design Inc.
Building: 13 floors, 340 suites
Suites: From 417-sq.-ft. to 832-sq.-ft. One-bedroom, two-bedrooms, two-bedroom-plus-den, three bedrooms, three-bedrooms-plus-den. Starting at the mid-$400,000s.
Design Features: Rooftop patio, a range of energy efficienct features, co-working space, adjacent parkland
Tentative Occupancy: August 2021
Contact:
collecdev.com/developments/tretti-condos, 416-640-6000
email info@collecdev.com, sales centre at 530 Wilson Ave.
source: Toronto Star