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
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.
Here’s the reverse view.
The kitchen has Caesarstone countertops.
Both bedrooms are on the upper floor. This bedroom is being used as an office.
And here’s the main bathroom.
The master bedroom.
The master ensuite has a glass-enclosed shower.
Barbecuing is allowed, but the buyer will probably need a pretty skinny grill.