Regular Facade: Mayfair Walk, at Logan at Danforth
Ave., will front on park.
Townhouse builders go for Georgian
Two Toronto projects reflect urban architecture of 18th century England
by Bageshree Paradkar
The Toronto Star. January 29, 2000
| "Great Britain may have lost
colonial America in the late 18th century. But there's one legacy that
the era of King George III has left behind - Georgian architecture." "The legacy takes the shape of gabled roofs, classical cornices, double-hung multi-paned windows, fluted columns and panelled doors. And it's making its presence felt in downtown Toronto." "Two freehold townhouse projects, just on the market, feature Georgian elements. Yet, they manage to blend into largely Victorian neighbourhoods." "Mayfair walk [is] on Logan and Danforth Aves. The developers are Bob Mitchell, of Mitchell & Associates, lawyer Michael Vaughan and Keith Jebodhsingh. Mitchell, who will oversee the construction, was among the first to start converting unusual Toronto buildings into custom-designed lofts, and has a devoted band of followers." "Mayfair's builders preferred Georgian to any other historical era because, 'of all the various architectural eras, the Georgian wasn't monkeyed around with too many details', according to Vaughan." "Georgian style buildings - made of wood or brick - are characterized by symmetry and regularity of detail." " 'All details are very restrained, clean and crisp. People want that look', says Vaughan." "The people he refers to are young urban couples, with professional backgrounds and an interest in design. 'They should be looking for space that does things internally.' " "Sizes of Mayfair's townhouses range from 1,650 square feet to 2,100 square feet, and are priced from $369,000 to $429,0000." |
" 'People in the
Georgian era loved skylight flooding in from above. That was something
that continues to be relevant in making homes bright. We have an atrium
in each house,' says Vaughan, adding, ' The houses have high double hung
windows, and some that come very low to the floor, to allow for more
light.' " "The project will also enjoy a bit of greenspace in the form of a small TTC park over the subway. ' We've got on arborist working on retreeing the park,' says Brad Lamb, the realtor who's marketing both the Mayfair and Earl St. projects. Five of the Mayfair's nine houses, some of which are already sold, will face directly on the park, he says." " ... at Mayfair Walk, Bob Mitchell describes the plans: 'What's really special about our project is the customization.' And they're not just talking upgrades or 'choose your own carpet.' " " ' We won't compromise on the exterior facade,' he says, 'but within, they can choose the location of plumbing and sizing, we can open up ceilings, provide extra washrooms if they want.' " " 'What we're giving,' explains Keith Jebodhsingh, the third partner in the project, 'is customization of materials and customization of space.' " "Georgian architecture, says Mitchell, has stood the test of time and looks good. 'The urban intent is toward building a place that relates to the environment.' " |
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