Condo of the Week: $600,000 for a two-bedroom suite in a once-controversial Queen West building

Condo of the Week: $600,000 for a two-bedroom suite in a once-controversial Queen West building

Address: 1169 Queen West, PH 720
Neighbourhood: Little Portugal
Agent: Alexander James Wilson, Re/Max Condos Plus Corp., Brokerage
Price: $600,000

The place: A two-bedroom, two-storey penthouse in a five-year-old building.

The history: A decade ago, developers dubbed this project the Bohemian Embassy, in a bid to take advantage of Queen West’s resurgent hipness. Local artist Michael Toke nicknamed the place the “Bohemian Embarrassment.” The name stuck. Sensing a deal, real estate agent Alex Wilson grabbed a penthouse in the building. Now he’s moving on to a bigger space in the same neighbourhood.

Big selling point: The asking price is reasonable for a two-bedroom place in such a sought-after area. Two-bedroom units of similar size in other buildings go for well into the $700,000s.

Possible deal breaker: The lower price is partly offset by the maintenance fees, which are over $700 a month. Wilson points out that the money does, at least, contribute to a healthy reserve fund. It also covers some fun amenities, including party areas, an arts and crafts room and bike storage.

By the numbers:

• $600,000
• 1,010 square feet
• $722 in monthly maintenance fees
• 100-square-foot terrace
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• 1 parking space

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The living areas are on the main floor. The owner carved out a small “office nook” with built-in shelving, visible just behind the dining table.

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Here’s the reverse view.

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The kitchen has Caesarstone countertops.

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Both bedrooms are on the upper floor. This bedroom is being used as an office.

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And here’s the main bathroom.

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The master bedroom.

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The master ensuite has a glass-enclosed shower.

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Barbecuing is allowed, but the buyer will probably need a pretty skinny grill.

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