High-end developer The Gupta Group breaks ground on Yonge City Square, a sprawling condominium complex in North York

Against the backdrop of light rain and morning chill, guests trickled into a large white tent off of Yonge St. and York Mills Rd. The location — as it is now, at least — looks unassuming. There’s a paid parking lot and a trailer presentation centre for the renowned real estate developer, The Gupta Group.

But things are about to change. On Monday, December 9, guests gathered at 4050 Yonge St., to celebrate The Gupta Group’s breaking ground ceremony for Yonge City Square, Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood’s first new development in over 20 years. Attendees and members of The Gupta Group were abuzz with excitement, as construction on the luxurious complex will commence ahead of schedule this year, filling a critical need for housing in the area.

The sprawling, 66,000 square-foot property will feature two high-rise towers — at 32 and 14 storeys — that will house 700 suites, ground-level retail and commercial space. Sitting at the corner of Yonge St. and York Mills Rd., Yonge City Square backs into the Don Valley Golf Course and overlooks the Don River. Prices for the units will range from $660,000 to $4 million.

Dr. Steve Gupta launched the Easton’s Group of Hotels in 1979, a hospitality company specializing in hotel management and new residential development, including renowned brands such as Marriott, Hilton and IHG. In 2014, Dr. Gupta’s daughter Reetu Gupta launched Easton’s residential arm, The Gupta Group. Today, The Gupta Group’s residential footprint can be seen across the Greater Toronto Area, with notable construction projects like 906 Yonge Street and the Rosedale on Bloor. The Gupta Group bought the 4050 Yonge St. site for Yonge City Square almost 10 years ago to this day.

“This condominium project represents a major investment in our city’s infrastructure, creating millions of person-hours of new work and providing world-class class amenities and services to our condominium residences,” said Dr. Gupta. In his speech, he thanked the project’s partners and stakeholders, including TMG Builders, Rogers Communications, engineers, contractors and consultants.

Dr. Gupta’s wife and the developer’s executive vice-president, Rashmi Gupta, as well as two of their children, Ambassadress Reetu Gupta and Chief Investment Officer Suraj Gupta were also in attendance. Charitable giving is a core value of the Gupta family, as well as their businesses. As such, The Gupta Group announced a donation of $1 million towards the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, where Reetu sits on the Board of Directors.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford was also in attendance, delivering a speech about the impact of The Gupta Group on Ontario’s real estate sector. “We need more of these transit-oriented communities around our province, but around our city,” said Ford. Following the speeches, the premier and members of The Gupta family cut the ribbon to break ground for Yonge City Square.

When occupancy begins in 2028, Yonge City Square residents will be within a 10-minute drive of the 401, major shopping centres — such as Yorkdale Mall and CF Fairview Mall — and hospitals in the area. The complex is directly connected to the York Mills subway station, offering residents a rare combination of both convenience and opulent living. Yonge City Square is surrounded by greenery. With its wide patches of grass and large-trunked trees, the York Mills Valley Park winds through the affluent Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood. The Yonge and York Mills Dog Park is also conveniently nearby for pet owners.

An assortment of shops will contour the base of the building. On the second floor, the developer has plans for a 20,000 square foot-plaza to house medical and dental offices. Units boast ceiling heights up to 11 feet that open up the space to a serene interior. Bay windows that envelope the units on floors 18 to 24 invite natural light to create a homey, cozy feel. Select suites come with balconies and terraces. Inside, residents can choose from designer-selected flooring and finishes, options for a customized kitchen and vanities, as well as spa-inspired bathrooms.

The attention to detail shown in the complex’s renderings reflects The Gupta Group’s desire to deviate from a traditional, compact condominium blueprint. “Our design philosophy for this project is we wanted something timeless, elegant so that it doesn’t look dated 10 years from now,” said Dr. Gupta. Arcadis, a world leader in sustainable design, brought The Gupta Group’s architectural and design vision for the complex to life.

The complex also boasts 36,000 square feet of thoughtful, resort-inspired amenities. The features are a direct reflection of the Easton’s and The Gupta Group’s deep roots in the hotel industry, including high-end establishments like Revery, Curio Collection by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville. Overlooking lush green landscapes below, a lavish terrace on the ninth floor comes with a pool, resort-esque lounge chairs, private cabanas, BBQ stations, outdoor prep kitchen, firepit and dining lounge.

Similar to a luxurious hotel, residents of Yonge City Square will have access to a first-class 24-hour concierge service. Other notable features include a private movie theatre, games room, pet spa, a fireplace-equipped lounge, business centre and library. Wellness amenities can be found throughout the complex, reflecting a growing trend in condominium design to ensure residents have access to spaces that support their health goals. The building’s fitness centre, for instance, includes plans for a yoga studio, dance studio, private training, infrared sauna and salt treatment room.

“This development will be a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for me, my family and The Gupta Group,” said Dr. Gupta. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we recognize the importance of collaboration with our partners: I thank the City of Toronto, politicians, planners, and engineers who were instrumental in helping us in this process to get this project through.”