Living in the Entertainment District Toronto

Living in the Entertainment District Toronto

Wednesday Sep 14th, 2022

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Entertainment District Toronto

The Entertainment District is a popular nightlife destination in Toronto. As the third-largest centre for English theatre globally, with London and New York occupying the top 2 positions, the city offers residents a wide variety of entertainment options. It is the most happening centre for dining, nightlife, and live entertainment from world-famous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Living in Condos for Sale Entertainment District Toronto gets you closer to the action.

Toronto's Entertainment District is home to a wide variety of attractions. They include the Roy Thompson Hall, the Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre, offering stage productions such as Mamma Mia! and The Lion King. However, patrons of the arts aren't the only ones who'll benefit from living in Entertainment District Toronto. Sports enthusiasts can watch Toronto's own Maple Leafs and Raptors at Scotiabank Arena and Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. 

The Entertainment District comes alive at night with clubs, cocktail bars, restaurants, and live music venues, including jazz and blues clubs. This central district in Toronto is one of the best neighbourhoods to live, work and play. 

Things to Do in The Entertainment District Toronto

The Toronto Entertainment District is a neighbourhood in the city of Toronto, Ontario. It sits between King Street West between University and Spadina Avenues and is home to theatres, venues and performing art centres. 

The majority of Downtown Toronto's nightlife is found in this region and extends west to King Street. Residents and visitors of Toronto can walk through the Entertainment District to find restaurants, bars, clubs and concert calls that cater to their unique tastes and occasion. Additionally, many of the country's most important and recognizable cultural landmarks are located in the Toronto Entertainment District.

These include:

Toronto's Entertainment District also has some of Toronto's biggest outdoor attractions, such as Nathan Phillips Square and Yonge-Dundas Square, which are ideal for a pleasant sit-down, skating, or concert.

Entertainment District Toronto is known for a wide selection of restaurants and bars, with establishments offering everything from inexpensive meals to world-class dining, trendy bars and pop-up shops. 

Entertainment District Toronto is a popular party place after sunset and an easygoing daytime spot. The ambiance here is young, with a significant student impact from the Toronto Metropolitan University, OCAD University and the University of Toronto, and is cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street. As a result, the Downtown area is constantly changing, with pop-up eateries, new shop spaces, and the construction of new facilities. Some of the most popular Entertainment District restaurants include Marked, Myth, KōST, Pai, La Carnita and Momofuku Noodle Bar.

The History of Entertainment District Toronto

The aptly called Toronto Entertainment District has become synonymous with Canada's entertainment sector, with the annual Toronto International Film Festival, Roy Thomson Hall, and the historic Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandria theatres as some of its most notable landmarks. However, this bustling cultural beacon was not always as it is today. 

The Entertainment District Toronto was once primarily home to textile manufacturing and warehouses that serviced the surrounding rail yards before becoming the lively, cosmopolitan area it is today.

The Garment District

The Garment District was the district's original name early in the twentieth century. This was a primarily industrial area, and neighbourhoods had very few residents. Textiles and fabric factories were common in this area due to their proximity to shipping, rail lines and the Toronto Waterfront. 

Much of the area developed in the aftermath of the 1904 fire. This redevelopment prompted numerous companies to relocate west of Bay Street and Front Street. Although these industries were present in the area for over half of the twentieth century, they left gradually by the 1960s. CN had begun to relocate their railyard activities to Vaughan's northern suburbs.

Ed Mirvish's Efforts

Edwin "Honest Ed" Mirvish was an American-Canadian businessman, philanthropist and patron of the arts who lived in Toronto, Ontario. He purchased the historic Royal Alexandra theatre in 1963, averting what could've been an ignominious end for the neighbourhood. Mirvish restored the Royal Alexandra to its former glory and hosted a succession of travelling shows on its stage over the next decade. He also purchased a nearby building on King Street West and opened a chain of restaurants. Mirvish's moves to reinvigorate the district are proof of the successful bid. 

The CN Tower opened in 1976, attracting international attention and tourists. This year also witnessed the inaugural Festival of Festivals, subsequently renamed the Toronto International Film Festival. With the influx of attention Toronto received, The Entertainment District thrived throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

New entertainment establishments emerged during the decade. David Assoon and his brothers founded the Twilight Zone, Canada's first large-scale dance club, in 1981. Roy Thomson Hall, located at King and Simcoe, opened in 1982, and since then, it has been home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre was built on former railway land and opened its doors on Front Street in 1984. The Toronto Blue Jays arrived at the former SkyDome in 1989. Ed Mirvish family erected another theatre along King Street, the Princess of Wales Theatre, in 1993. It could seat 2000 people and better meet the needs of the neighbourhood. Festival Hall opened in 1999, and the early 2000s witnessed the start of Toronto's condo boom.

The Mid-1990s

In the mid-1990s, Barbara Hall, the mayor, met with Jane Jacobs and the city's top planner, Paul Bedford, and devised a proposal called "The 2 Kings." This plan saw the areas of King St. near Spadina and Parliament rezoned. Instead of only being zoned for heavy industry, they were now allowed for residential and commercial purposes. According to Now magazine, 750 people lived in the neighbourhood in 1996. By 2005, the population had grown tenfold to 7,500 people and is still thriving today.

Entertainment District Condos

The Entertainment District of Toronto is located between Spadina Avenue and University Avenue in the city's centre, featuring a wide variety of entertainment and eateries. 

Aside from its famous nightlife, Entertainment District Toronto is a thriving business centre with cutting-edge office space. The region has world-class condos for sale, such as Theatre Park Condos at 224 King St and renowned hotel-condo chains like The Ritz-Carlton at 183 Wellington St and The Shangri-La at 180 University Ave.

Theatre Park 

Theatre Park is a fresh new Entertainment District condominium at 224 King Street West in Toronto. Built by Lamb Development Corp. in 2015, this stunning 47-story Toronto condo features suites ranging in size from 329 to 3270 square feet, with a total of 234 units. With spacious balconies from which residents can enjoy the spectacular city views and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize light, Theatre Park Condos are the perfect place to live while staying close to the action. 

Amenities at Theatre Park Condos in Entertainment District Toronto include professionally landscaped outdoor patios and gardens, party rooms, swimming pool, BBQ area, 24/7 concierge and security, exercise centre and gym and more.

 

Shangri-La Condos

The Shangri-La Condo is a modern residential tower at 180 University Ave in Toronto, designed by James J.M. This Asian-inspired hotel and condominium is one of the most visually appealing residences and is part of the Toronto Luxury Condos Collection. While the Shangri-La Hotel is on the first 17 stories, it has 49 residential levels and offers excellent city views. 

Westbank Project Corp built the Shangri-La condo in 2012. They are comprised of 393 units, with highly modern suites ranging in size from 678 to 4432 square feet. The hotel has a luxurious lobby, a café, and a restaurant. A pool, visitor parking, an exercise room, a sauna, a leisure room, a party room, a business centre, a movie room, guest rooms, a parking garage, a doorman, concierge and security, and much more are among the luxurious amenities found at The Shangri-La condos.

The Ritz Carlton

The Ritz Carlton Residences are located at 183 Wellington St West. This modern high-rise condo tower in Toronto stands out among other Entertainment District Toronto condos as it boasts 158 units with suites ranging in size from 1233 to 10854 square feet. This is one of the most opulent condos in Toronto to call home. 

The Ritz Carlton is well-known for hosting high-end business and social events and is unquestionably a renowned Toronto residential landmark. Residents of this luxury condo in Toronto have access to world-class amenities such as visitor parking, media room, swimming pool, concierge and security, parking garage, party room, gym, sauna, spa, business centre, and a meeting room and much more.

Four Seasons Toronto

Four Seasons Toronto is located at 55 Scollard St and 50 Yorkville Ave. It is one of the most prestigious and well-designed condo projects in Toronto. The project's design is comprised of two towers, one standing at 55 stories and the other 30 stories. The taller tower is also home to a hotel. The first 23 stories are hotel floors, with the remaining 32 as residental floors.

An architectural pedestrian bridge located on the sixth floor connects the two condo towers and features a courtyard-style common area. 

Hotel services and various amenities are available on the second to the fifth floors. These include a ballroom, banquet rooms, and tastefully constructed meeting spaces. The 6th floor also has amenities for the tenants of the hotel and dwelling units, such as a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and a rooftop patio. Residents at this luxurious condo near the Entertainment District will have easy access to hotel amenities such as the hotel bars, restaurants, valet parking, cleaning services, room service, and a magnificent spa.

The size of the units authorized for residential use varies. The sizes range from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet. 

Lofts in Entertainment District

Toy Factory Lofts

Lanterra's Toy Factory Lofts are located at 43 Hanna Avenue in Toronto. Previously home to the Irwin Toy Factory in 1926, it has since then been converted into 215 lofts. II of IV Design planned the interior of Toy Factory Lofts, while Quadrangle Architects designed the exterior. Despite the redevelopment, original features of the Toy Factory include beams and exposed brick walls and concrete walls.

Residents of this Entertainment District Toronto lofts have access to various amenities such as a 24-hour concierge, high-speed internet throughout the building, changing rooms, a steam room, a fitness room, and a steam room. Other amenities include an impressive courtyard with spectacular city views, an indoor landscaped patio with many lavish trees, a peaceful rooftop terrace with a hot tub, and a unique lobby lounge among the fantastic facilities and services.

Six50 King West Lofts

Six50 King is one of the most prestigious loft buildings in the Entertainment District Toronto. The complex consists of two independent ultra-modern structures encircling downtown Toronto's northeast corner of King and Bathurst. The two buildings, 650 King Street condos and 95 Bathurst St condos, contain 210 flats with high-end designer finishes. The units range in size from 600 to 2000 square feet and come in various layouts. There are various lofts from 1 bedroom to 1 den, 2 bedrooms to 2 den, and 3 bedrooms to penthouse suites.

The sliding glass doors in the bedroom and closet are custom-made. The ceiling height in one-story apartments ranges from 9' to 10' in two-story rooms. The rooms all have upgraded hardwood floors, and the bathrooms and laundry closets have porcelain tiling. The bathrooms at 650 King have porcelain tiles throughout, and you may select between a shower with a tub and a big soaker tub. The bathroom has an ultra-modern vanity and mirror that defines a premium lifestyle. The bathroom's fixtures are entirely white, and the shower stalls are constructions of glass.

Stone counters with designer cabinets offer extra counter space in the kitchens at 650 King West and 95 Bathurst St. The worktops and backsplash are made of premium stone, and all modern stainless steel appliances are installed. The 650 King West and 95 Bathurst Street buildings are living displays. It features a concierge, vehicle parking for residents, optional storage, a gym, visitor bicycle parking, translucent glass walls, gorgeous pools, and a courtyard with black slate floors.

Attractions Near The Entertainment District

Rogers Centre

The Rogers Centre, originally known as the SkyDome, is located just outside of downtown Toronto, an excellent starting point to explore the city. The stadium has attractions around its border, such as Exhibition Place, the CN Tower, Lake Ontario's coastline, and other parks. When you arrive at the stadium, consider taking a tour to learn more about the history of the Blue Jays' home. The excursions take place on off days, so plan on arriving a day or two before your game. Visitors are also permitted to observe batting practices.

Royal Alexandra Theatre

The Royal Alexandra Theatre is a national historic landmark, the continent's oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre. It's the first truly "royal" theatre, granted official letters patent by Edward VII. He entitled it to the royal designation and was permitted to name it after his consort, Alexandra. It is a masterpiece of beaux-arts architecture that was built in 1907. Toronto's "boy millionaire" Cawthra Mulock has built it, and John M Lyle has designed it. 

Also, it is the city's first legitimately "fireproof" theatre and the first building to allow cantilevered balconies with the steel-framed structure and one of the first "air-conditioned" buildings in North America. Its proscenium stage saw about 3400 productions since its inception. Great artists such as John Gielgud, Mary Pickford, the Marx Brothers, Edith Piaf, and Paul Robeson, to name a few, have graced it. 

Princess of Wales Theatre

On May 26, 1993, this modern 2000-seat theatre held the Canadian premiere of Miss Saigon. The father and son production duo of David and Ed Mirvish had erected it. It is the stand-alone theatre first privately built in Canada in over 50 years. And the first in Canada since the historic Royal Alexandra Theater (located just one block away) opened in 1907. Architect Peter Smith designed it, the (then up-and-coming) world-renowned design firm Yabu Pushelberg's interior design, and featured the brilliant Frank Stella's artwork. Since then, the theatre has become the primary venue for classic and modern musical productions.

Steam Whistle Brewery

Steam Whistle Brewing is an independent Canadian brewery based in Toronto. The company enjoys producing the 2020 Session Lager, the 2019 Pale Ale, and Pilsner in the premium series. 

The brewery is located in bays 1-14 of Roundhouse Park's John Street Roundhouse structure. It was erected in 1929 and housed a steam locomotive maintenance facility for the Canadian Pacific Railway until May 13, 1988. The John Street Roundhouse, a National Historic Site, is owned by the City of Toronto. The annual Steam Whistle's Roundhouse Winter Craft Beer Festival was organized by the business (RHCBF). The Deep Lake Water Cooling System, a sustainable energy effort, was used for the first time by the brewery.

 

Living in the Entertainment District Toronto

The CN Tower, which defines the Toronto skyline at 553.33m (1,815 feet. 5 inches), is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon. The CN Tower is a globally famous architectural accomplishment with a modern engineering marvel. It's a world-class entertainment and eating destination and a must-see for anybody visiting Toronto. 

The world's highest 'hands-free' external stroll - EdgeWalk - is at 356m/1168ft (116 storeys) above the ground. Glass-fronted elevators with glass floor panels, SkyPod, the world-famous Glass Floor, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls provide spectacular views. One of the best dining alternatives as an elevation complimentary with prix fixe is the award-winning 360 Restaurant.

Things to Do in Entertainment District Toronto

  • Enjoy the views at the top of The CN Tower
  • Watch a big-budget musical in the Royal Alexandra or Princess of Wales theatres.
  • Explore the ocean's depths at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
  • Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre or the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
  • Tour The Roundhouse and sample artisan beer at Steam Whistle Brewing

The Entertainment District in Toronto provides something for everyone. The experienced brokers in real estate give top-notch services and reduce the gap between the people looking for homes and their ideal condo. The Toronto Condo Team can assist you in discovering the best Entertainment District Condos for renting or buying. Irrespective of whether you are looking to get your first loft or trying to gain more knowledge about living in lofts, the dedicated professionals at the Toronto Condo Team will be with you on every step of the journey.


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