I have one more note to share this week about Junction House and then I promise we’ll be back to regular scheduled programming. Below is a copy of the press release that went out yesterday afternoon. It includes a few more renderings for the project.
————————————
October 11, 2018 (TORONTO) – After unveiling plans for a Studio Gang-designed tower at Yonge and St. Clair earlier in the summer, Slate Asset Management enters the fall market with a new mid-rise condo offering in the Junction. Designed by acclaimed Canadian architects, superkül, and emerging local interior design firm, Dialogue 38, Junction House further solidifies Slate’s approach of leading with design and city building when it comes to residential development.
“We invest in designers because we believe in design innovation,” says Brandon Donnelly, VP of Development for Slate Asset Management. “For us, good design moves beyond aesthetics and actually solves problems and creates value for people. We want to empower each of our collaborators to come up with bold ideas, as well as think beyond our individual projects and consider the broader community.“
Sited at 2720 Dundas St W, just as the road begins to bend, Junction House is conceived as a new gateway into one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The ambitious design brief challenged superkül and Dialogue 38 to define a Canadian brand of minimalism that at the same time reflects the historic material palette and creative energy of the Junction community.
“One of our inspirations was picking up on Scandinavian and Japanese approaches to minimalism, but through the lens of the Junction. What would that look like? How could we make sure our homegrown brand of minimalism is seen as approachable and in keeping with the neighbourhood?” says Donnelly. “We also really wanted to look at multi-storey suites – which eventually became The House Collection – and explore how we could replicate the single-family experience in a boutique mid-rise format,” he adds, citing the influx of families into the Junction and the need for new residential options in the city more broadly.
“The building was designed from the inside out,” says Andre D’Elia, Principal at superkül. “We focused on the suites because, ultimately, that is where people are going to live and spend most of their time. We didn’t just design a nine-storey building, we designed 144 homes that occupy the same built form.”
When it came to the exterior cladding, D’Elia says the focus was on reflecting the immediate context, while elaborating on the details. “We immediately thought of red brick, which is prevalent in the neighbourhood, and ended up cladding the first five storeys of the building with it. In order to add a sense of movement we staggered and angled the brick columns to play with light and shadow. We’re also introducing some old-world brick-coursing to add visual interest and mirror the local context.”
Dialogue 38 was tapped for the interiors after Donnelly visited a café designed by the firm in the east end of downtown. “Their work is what motivated us to reach out, because it seemed to get the Canadian minimalist sensibility we were after,” explains Donnelly.
Bennett Lo, Founder of Dialogue 38, says his approach was to focus on delivering design that would last. “We’re all influenced by trends and lifestyle, but our designs need to stand up against time. How do you produce something that is going to have immediate appeal and provide its own kind of interest, without feeling dated in a few years? The idea was to strip the design back and focus on the essentials, while at the same time incorporating aspects of the area. The suites and common areas will have smooth concrete ceilings and warm touches of wood throughout – and the lines are clean and open.”
The nine-storey building will also feature an expansive lobby that doubles as a co-working space, as well as a gym that draws on the warm materials of the suites and common areas. Lo says the design of the amenity space is optimized to encourage active use. “We focused on the amenities that we know people use, and spent our energy crafting spaces that embody the spirit of the building. The benefit of a boutique mid-rise is the opportunity to extend your living space in to the amenity spaces, and provide moments of social engagement in the building.”
“We’re a short walk to the UP Express station at Bloor, which can take you downtown in less than 10 minutes. That proximity gives us an opportunity to have a dialogue between the Junction and the rest of the city. The proposed sign marks the Junction’s location and lets you know where you’re going, but also, where you should be,” says Donnelly.
Junction House offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites, as well as its signature House Collection, ranging from 500 sq. ft. to over 1,500 sq. ft. and starting from the $400s. To register visit: JunctionHouse.ca
Press Contact:
Vakis Boutsalis, kg&a
Vakis@kga-inc.com / 416 537 0954 / 416 578 1741
About Slate Asset Management L.P.
Slate Asset Management L.P. is a leading real estate investment platform with over $6.0 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly-traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm’s careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a proven ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.
This past July, Soho House Amsterdam opened up in the storied Bungehuis building. Not really news, other than the fact that FT just published this article talking about the building’s history and some of the project’s hurdles, which I of course found interesting.
Completed in 1934, the Bungehuis originally served as the offices for a prominent trading company. The architect was ADN van Gendt. When he died during the building’s construction, Willem Jacob Klok took over.
Also noteworthy about the building’s construction is that, according to Wikipedia, twenty houses had to be demolished in order for it to be constructed.
This underscores a point that I have made before on the blog. Cities are not static. Most of us probably look at the Bungehuis and consider it to be quite a handsome piece of architecture. Some of us may even go so far as to say that we don’t make buildings like they used to.
Soho House is on record saying that they were “not very budget-conscious” during the renovation because of the sense of responsibility that they felt around the building and its history.
I just finished listening to this podcast about venture capital and consumer products. One of the underlying questions is whether we are currently in a “consumer downturn.” Rebecca Kaden of Union Square Ventures (USV) talks about the importance of “platform shifts” for venture returns. These are moments where a new technology hits the marketplace and there’s a corresponding mass consumer adoption. When and where will that next shift occur? Maybe it’ll be in real estate.
I like the discussions at 10:00 and 13:50. The first deals with the importance of non-paid customer acquisition strategies for consumer products. Rather than relying on bought attention, you really need organic growth strategies, which is often an indication that people are passionate about your product. This is arguably more important when you’re fundamentally reliant on massive growth/scale, but whether we’re talking about software or a home, I still believe it’s paramount. Create things people love.
The second point is about commerce, Amazon, and how USV avoids investing in companies that are unlikely to ever win against Bezos. Kaden’s position is that Amazon’s advantage is and has been more executional than structural. They are simply really good at doing things better. But Amazon wins at logistics, speed, and value. They are not as focused on experience, entertainment, and discovery. And people still want that.
I’ll stop there. If you can’t see the podcast below, click here.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/507691569" params="color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%" height="300" iframe="true" /]
I have one more note to share this week about Junction House and then I promise we’ll be back to regular scheduled programming. Below is a copy of the press release that went out yesterday afternoon. It includes a few more renderings for the project.
————————————
October 11, 2018 (TORONTO) – After unveiling plans for a Studio Gang-designed tower at Yonge and St. Clair earlier in the summer, Slate Asset Management enters the fall market with a new mid-rise condo offering in the Junction. Designed by acclaimed Canadian architects, superkül, and emerging local interior design firm, Dialogue 38, Junction House further solidifies Slate’s approach of leading with design and city building when it comes to residential development.
“We invest in designers because we believe in design innovation,” says Brandon Donnelly, VP of Development for Slate Asset Management. “For us, good design moves beyond aesthetics and actually solves problems and creates value for people. We want to empower each of our collaborators to come up with bold ideas, as well as think beyond our individual projects and consider the broader community.“
Sited at 2720 Dundas St W, just as the road begins to bend, Junction House is conceived as a new gateway into one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The ambitious design brief challenged superkül and Dialogue 38 to define a Canadian brand of minimalism that at the same time reflects the historic material palette and creative energy of the Junction community.
“One of our inspirations was picking up on Scandinavian and Japanese approaches to minimalism, but through the lens of the Junction. What would that look like? How could we make sure our homegrown brand of minimalism is seen as approachable and in keeping with the neighbourhood?” says Donnelly. “We also really wanted to look at multi-storey suites – which eventually became The House Collection – and explore how we could replicate the single-family experience in a boutique mid-rise format,” he adds, citing the influx of families into the Junction and the need for new residential options in the city more broadly.
“The building was designed from the inside out,” says Andre D’Elia, Principal at superkül. “We focused on the suites because, ultimately, that is where people are going to live and spend most of their time. We didn’t just design a nine-storey building, we designed 144 homes that occupy the same built form.”
When it came to the exterior cladding, D’Elia says the focus was on reflecting the immediate context, while elaborating on the details. “We immediately thought of red brick, which is prevalent in the neighbourhood, and ended up cladding the first five storeys of the building with it. In order to add a sense of movement we staggered and angled the brick columns to play with light and shadow. We’re also introducing some old-world brick-coursing to add visual interest and mirror the local context.”
Dialogue 38 was tapped for the interiors after Donnelly visited a café designed by the firm in the east end of downtown. “Their work is what motivated us to reach out, because it seemed to get the Canadian minimalist sensibility we were after,” explains Donnelly.
Bennett Lo, Founder of Dialogue 38, says his approach was to focus on delivering design that would last. “We’re all influenced by trends and lifestyle, but our designs need to stand up against time. How do you produce something that is going to have immediate appeal and provide its own kind of interest, without feeling dated in a few years? The idea was to strip the design back and focus on the essentials, while at the same time incorporating aspects of the area. The suites and common areas will have smooth concrete ceilings and warm touches of wood throughout – and the lines are clean and open.”
The nine-storey building will also feature an expansive lobby that doubles as a co-working space, as well as a gym that draws on the warm materials of the suites and common areas. Lo says the design of the amenity space is optimized to encourage active use. “We focused on the amenities that we know people use, and spent our energy crafting spaces that embody the spirit of the building. The benefit of a boutique mid-rise is the opportunity to extend your living space in to the amenity spaces, and provide moments of social engagement in the building.”
“We’re a short walk to the UP Express station at Bloor, which can take you downtown in less than 10 minutes. That proximity gives us an opportunity to have a dialogue between the Junction and the rest of the city. The proposed sign marks the Junction’s location and lets you know where you’re going, but also, where you should be,” says Donnelly.
Junction House offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites, as well as its signature House Collection, ranging from 500 sq. ft. to over 1,500 sq. ft. and starting from the $400s. To register visit: JunctionHouse.ca
Press Contact:
Vakis Boutsalis, kg&a
Vakis@kga-inc.com / 416 537 0954 / 416 578 1741
About Slate Asset Management L.P.
Slate Asset Management L.P. is a leading real estate investment platform with over $6.0 billion in assets under management. Slate is a value-oriented manager and a significant sponsor of all of its private and publicly-traded investment vehicles, which are tailored to the unique goals and objectives of its investors. The firm’s careful and selective investment approach creates long-term value with an emphasis on capital preservation and outsized returns. Slate is supported by exceptional people, flexible capital and a proven ability to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more.
This past July, Soho House Amsterdam opened up in the storied Bungehuis building. Not really news, other than the fact that FT just published this article talking about the building’s history and some of the project’s hurdles, which I of course found interesting.
Completed in 1934, the Bungehuis originally served as the offices for a prominent trading company. The architect was ADN van Gendt. When he died during the building’s construction, Willem Jacob Klok took over.
Also noteworthy about the building’s construction is that, according to Wikipedia, twenty houses had to be demolished in order for it to be constructed.
This underscores a point that I have made before on the blog. Cities are not static. Most of us probably look at the Bungehuis and consider it to be quite a handsome piece of architecture. Some of us may even go so far as to say that we don’t make buildings like they used to.
Soho House is on record saying that they were “not very budget-conscious” during the renovation because of the sense of responsibility that they felt around the building and its history.
I just finished listening to this podcast about venture capital and consumer products. One of the underlying questions is whether we are currently in a “consumer downturn.” Rebecca Kaden of Union Square Ventures (USV) talks about the importance of “platform shifts” for venture returns. These are moments where a new technology hits the marketplace and there’s a corresponding mass consumer adoption. When and where will that next shift occur? Maybe it’ll be in real estate.
I like the discussions at 10:00 and 13:50. The first deals with the importance of non-paid customer acquisition strategies for consumer products. Rather than relying on bought attention, you really need organic growth strategies, which is often an indication that people are passionate about your product. This is arguably more important when you’re fundamentally reliant on massive growth/scale, but whether we’re talking about software or a home, I still believe it’s paramount. Create things people love.
The second point is about commerce, Amazon, and how USV avoids investing in companies that are unlikely to ever win against Bezos. Kaden’s position is that Amazon’s advantage is and has been more executional than structural. They are simply really good at doing things better. But Amazon wins at logistics, speed, and value. They are not as focused on experience, entertainment, and discovery. And people still want that.
I’ll stop there. If you can’t see the podcast below, click here.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/507691569" params="color=#ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true" width="100%" height="300" iframe="true" /]
But I think it’s important to note that this building was initially built for a for-profit company and things had to be demolished in order for it to come to fruition.
I can’t say for sure whether this development was opposed in the 1930s, but it may have been. Cities and buildings have a way of ingratiating themselves over time.
In any event, starting in the 1970s, the building became home to the arts faculty at the University of Amsterdam. And as recent as 2015, it became home to the Bungehuis occupations – a protest occupation started by students and staff of the University who were opposed to a slew of academic cuts.
Then in a state of poor repair, the building was ultimately sold to Aedes Real Estate, who now leases it to the Soho House Group for their private club and 79 room hotel. Above is a picture of the club’s rooftop pool and lounge.
The big hurdle, or at least one of them, was the fact that Amsterdam currently has a moratorium on new hotels – as a way to try and mitigate “overtourism” – unless it can be demonstrated that it will represent “an extraordinary addition to the existing stock.”
Since Soho House Amsterdam opened in July, I guess we know the answer to that test. But it sounds like it may have been a battle. That wouldn’t be a first for this building.
Images: Soho House Group
But I think it’s important to note that this building was initially built for a for-profit company and things had to be demolished in order for it to come to fruition.
I can’t say for sure whether this development was opposed in the 1930s, but it may have been. Cities and buildings have a way of ingratiating themselves over time.
In any event, starting in the 1970s, the building became home to the arts faculty at the University of Amsterdam. And as recent as 2015, it became home to the Bungehuis occupations – a protest occupation started by students and staff of the University who were opposed to a slew of academic cuts.
Then in a state of poor repair, the building was ultimately sold to Aedes Real Estate, who now leases it to the Soho House Group for their private club and 79 room hotel. Above is a picture of the club’s rooftop pool and lounge.
The big hurdle, or at least one of them, was the fact that Amsterdam currently has a moratorium on new hotels – as a way to try and mitigate “overtourism” – unless it can be demonstrated that it will represent “an extraordinary addition to the existing stock.”
Since Soho House Amsterdam opened in July, I guess we know the answer to that test. But it sounds like it may have been a battle. That wouldn’t be a first for this building.
Images: Soho House Group
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