Aoyuan Property Group is set to transform a dated shopping plaza and parking lot near the intersection of Yonge St. and Finch Ave. in North York into a mixed-use community. M2M Condos’ 8.6-acre master plan includes five new residential condo towers, 180,000 square feet of office and retail, a daycare, community centre and new public park. This project is the Hong Kong-based developer’s largest community in Canada to date.
“M2M will become a new destination in North York – a residential community with rich retail and office space, framed by an active new public park on the east,” said Vince Santino, senior vice president – development (Eastern Canada) for Aoyuan Property Holdings (Canada) Ltd., in a press release. “With Aoyuan’s healthy lifestyle intelligence baked into the master plan, M2M Condos will bring resort-like amenities, and the convenience typical of a downtown neighbourhood to North Toronto.”
Phase I of M2M Condos will include 810 residential units, ranging from 500 to 1,400 square feet, priced from $389,900. It will also include 35,000 square feet of retail commercial space facing Yonge St. and 40,000 square feet of office space. A daycare and community centre will be integrated into Phase II. A new east-west active laneway will connect the new public park to Yonge St., allowing access for the neighbourhood. A network of smaller scaled streets will run throughout the M2M community, connecting residents to the new park, playground and retail amenities.
Aoyuan’s new corporate headquarters is planned to take up residence in the podium of the development. M2M is located 100 meters from Finch subway station, and will provide underground access to the future Yonge and Cummer subway stop.
M2M Condos’ amenities will feature a large fitness and wellness component, including a theatre, children’s play area, double-height yoga lounge and fitness studio and green spaces connecting a range of suites. Other amenities include a BBQ, party room and waterfall infinity pool.
“We are very excited about the way the building is addressing the new park to the east. We had an opportunity to design a very open and engaging façade anchored by townhomes that have direct access to the street,” said Rudy Wallman of Toronto’s Wallman Architects, the firm selected to design Phase I. “Functionality and views from the suites were another key focus of the design. Balconies face the park while light-filled living spaces take advantage of views of an internal courtyard.”
Interior spaces were designed by Toronto’s Union 31 to integrate natural elements with modern living. A two-storey residential lobby will feature natural materials infused with a blend of metallic and warm surfaces, oversize planters, a back-lit onyx reception desk, natural stone walls and wood ceilings.
Suites will feature custom kitchens with fully integrated appliances. Kitchen layouts were designed to maximize efficiency, with storage needs provided by walk-in closets in select units. Interiors will feature multiple finish options to suit diverse tastes.
“Aoyuan’s approach to creating healthy communities was central to the design, strongly influencing our use of natural materials and forms, and ensuring maximum access to natural light throughout the building,” added Kelly Cray, principal at U31 Design.
