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National Post

On the map: A chance to own at Yonge and Sheppard

For Mitchell Cohen, developing a GTA condo project in today's sluggish market means taking the long view. 'The market is cyclical,' the chief operating officer of Westdale Construction says. 'Like NFL football, it always comes back strong. Right now, the tide is out. But we know it will return.' Article content Cohen is currently bringing that confidence to a new Westdale project, a 16-storey development rising at 53 Sheppard Ave. W., near the Sheppard-Yonge subway interchange and Highway 401. Article content Article content The development, a joint venture between Westdale and Fieldgate Urban, is 92 percent sold as construction reaches the fourth floor. Occupancy of the 352 suites, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, is slated for 2027. Article content NorthCore's location is one of its draws, Cohen says. As well as being surrounded by urban amenities — more than 200 restaurants, three major shopping malls and dozens of coffee shops are within walking distance — it's connected to Albert Standing Park via a parkland dedication of more than 5,000 square feet on the southeast corner of NorthCore's site. Article content 'You won't be looking into another tower here,' Cohen says. 'You'll be looking out over low-rise neighbourhoods and treetops. That means sunset views, light-filled interiors, and a genuine sense of breathing room.' Article content Article content Most NorthCore buyers, he continues, are young professionals drawn to the location, transit access and an amenity package he describes as 'tailored to modern urban life.' The building includes more than 8,000 square feet of indoor amenity space and almost as much outdoors. The former includes a 3,700-square-foot fitness centre with yoga rooms, cardio zones, saunas and a boxing space; a 1,450-square-foot co-working lounge with private Zoom rooms and meeting facilities; a 1,150-square-foot Creative Hub with green screen production spaces, editing suites and a soundproof music room; and a 1,350-square-foot social lounge and private dining area with a catering kitchen. Outdoors, a ground-floor terrace designed for fire-pit gatherings and al fresco dining links to picturesque Albert Standing Park, which is home to a decorative fountain, picnic tables and sitting areas, and paved walking paths. The building will also include 2,000 square feet of ground-level retail facing the park. Article content NorthCore is modest in scale compared to the towers that cluster around Yonge Street, and Cohen sees that as a strength: 'You're not lost in a sea of 500 or 600 units. With half as many homes, the building will have a real sense of community.' Article content Standard unit finishes include nine-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Buyers can then personalize their units with upgrade options like panelled appliances, all-stone surfaces and custom cabinetry. Article content Despite broader market fluctuations, Cohen remains optimistic that the project will sell out soon. 'The fundamentals haven't changed,' he says. 'We're still facing a housing shortage in the GTHA. People still want and need good places to live where everything they need is either in the building or a short walk away.' Article content Article content Three things Article content The Cactus Club Cafe opened its third Toronto location at the Yonge Sheppard Centre in 2024. The 14,000-square-foot restaurant features a lounge, dining room and an all-season patio, seating more than 350 guests. Menu highlights include Thai red curry, frozen margaritas, and signature dishes like butternut squash ravioli with prawns. 4841 Yonge St. Article content Metrolinx is developing an Initial Business Case to extend Toronto's Sheppard subway line east to Scarborough and west to Sheppard West Station. Public consultations are ongoing, with the project's feasibility and transit mode — subway or LRT — still under evaluation. Article content Toronto's Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre offers winter sports enthusiasts a convenient urban option. Facilities include a beginner hill with rope tow, main hill with two runs, a race hill accessed via a four-person chairlift, and an accessible ski chalet. 4169 Bathurst St.