Brownstones on Wallace

The Brownstones on Wallace townhouses on Wallace Ave., west of Perth Ave. are now being developed. Use this forum to discuss this development site.

Editor's Note: This development was completed several years ago, units are occupied, etc. Further discussion about internal condo policies, etc., should probably be done in a private place. For that, there's a Facebook group (link below). Comments are now closed on this forum.

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Looking for an underground parking spot

Looking to rent a parking spot. So if anyone has one they're not using please contact me at rach@victoryvolleyball.com

Thanks!

Looking for parking

I'm looking for a parking spot at the BOW. Just wondering if anyone has a spot they would like to rent out.

please email me at tyler@marinemagnetics.com

There are some bike racks in

There are some bike racks in the parking garage against the very back wall. There is also going to be a bike room but we don't have access to that yet. I don't believe there are any lockers. We talked to Robert about this when we picked up our keys and he said they would not be putting any in. Unless that has changed in the last few months. We just wound up renting a storage locker at tower storage down the street. It would be nicer if it was on the property but that is still pretty close. Good luck with your move.

My husband and I had our

My husband and I had our bikes stolen from the garage a couple of months ago. They were chained to a post (this was before the bike racks were installed) - the chain was cut. I am not sure how the bike racks work, but make sure you use a good lock or keep them inside your unit!

That is seriously

That is seriously disappointing. I'm sorry to hear about this and appauled that we have neighbours who would steal bicycles.

Storage and bikes

We are moving in on Saturday 22nd January. we heard that there are storage lockers. Does anyone have one to sell or rent to us. Or provide some advise on how or where to store things like Christmas tree and tools ?

Also, we have 2 bikes any advise on how to store them? Would it be ok to hand them at the back of our parking spot .. or is there a communal bike rack?

Cheers can't wait to move in.

We heard that there are no

We heard that there are no storage lockers available. I was intending to use a closet in the apartment. Would definitely like to know if there are storage lockers available.

paint

Does anyone know the make and exact color of paint that was used in these units? It looks like a primer, an off-white/cream color. We would like to do touch ups and it would be useful to us to know. Thank you. ;o)

You should have recieved

You should have recieved small jars of touch up paint from the builder (in both the wall colour and the trim colour). If you didn't get them ask the builder.

Looking to Buy or Sell your home?

I am a Sales Representative and have purchased a unit for myself within the Brownstones Developments. I have already moved into my unit and am currently residing within the community. I am very familiar with the area and surrounding neighborhoods. If anyone is interested in purchasing or selling a unit, I would be pleased to help.

If you have any questions, I am more than happy to assist you in answering them. I can be reached at 647-208-9428 or you can e-mail me at nsharma@sutton.com

N. Sharma
Sutton Platinum Realty Inc. Brokerage

Looking to Sell

Hi N. Sharma,

I am looking to sell an upper unit and would like to know in your experience if I should wait until registration or sell now. Since you live within the community would you be able to provide me with an idea of what similar units are going for? Let me know when you are available to talk.

Thanks

Looking for a parking spot

I am looking to rent a parking spot. If you have one that you are not using please respond to this posting.

Thanks

I have a parking spot

I have a parking spot available at BOW if you're interested in renting month to month. Please email me at sportshighlight@gmail.com

Did you check with the

Did you check with the builder? They put a post on the http://brownstonesonwallace.wordpress.com/ blog about parking spaces for sale or lease. I do not know what they are charging to rent a spot.

Good Luck

We had a similar noise

We had a similar noise problem with a neighbor. We brought it up in a very non confrontational way and he has been great about it ever since. I think alot of people expected it to be more soundproof be cause of the concrete walls and likely don't realize how much you can hear. I would bring it up with the neighbor first and you can try to smooth it out by asking if they can hear you or your television and go from there. If they are renters and not the owners and you talk with them and the problem does not stop I would contact the landlord and speak to them about it.

Good advice, thank you. :o)

Good advice, thank you. :o)

How to deal with noisy neighbor?

Anyone have any ideas on how to deal with a noisy neighbor (loud in middle of night, waking up baby and us...) Should I speak directly to person(s)? Advice anyone?

garbage and recycling

Hi!
Does anyone know when our garbage and recycling will be working? I noticed they finally cleaned up the pile that was accumulating... but the "dispenser" buttons still do not work... any news? Thx.

We haven't heard when the

We haven't heard when the site will have proper garbage pick-up. In the meantime, put your garbage in the dumpsters at the back of the site (at the end of Elsie Lane, on the right), don't try to use the garbage shutes.

Thank you! ;o)

Thank you! ;o)

Lost Keys

Hi everyone,

I have lost a set of keys at Brownstones on Wallace, around the little "parkette" area. If you find them, could you please contact me at croissantdelune@rocketmail.com.

Thank you!

Hydro & Gas Bills

Hi there!

Has any one received their hydro or gas bill yet? I got my keys in October and have yet to see anything come my way. I would hate to have something cut off or have collections come after me because I'm missing my bills.

Thanks.

I haven't either! Claudia at

I haven't either! Claudia at the office has said we are not paying until it is registered? I don't know if that is true or not and am hoping I don't get a large bill one month. I called in today to get some verification and no one is answering.

Anyone have any insight?

Brownstones On Wallace Registration Date

Has anyone received a definite date from the builder for the registration date for brownstones on wallace.

I have heard in February 2010 is this correct?

Thanks

reg date

Hi

I haven't heard anything for sure and when I email Robert I get the same answer of "I do not have any additional information with respect to final registration at this time."

I have been in contact with the city planner, Jamaica Hewston, and she has indicated that there are some zoning issues that need to be resolved before draft approval can be provided. I followed up again with her yesterday as last I had heard from her was mid-December so I can update with what I find out. I would hope it would be completed by months end, but at the rate things are going, Feb 2010 seems more likely...

Cheers

Blinds and Curtains - Costs

From my understanding, curtains/blinds must be installed before the end of January. For those who have already installed, how much did it cost for all window coverings? Just want to get some idea of what to budget for! Thanks!

curtains and blinds

Where did you hear curtains and blinds must be installed by January? Is this some kind of condo rule?

Also, people are still leaving bikes outside attached to railings, this looks terrible! As well, why are people parking in the visitor's spots? Do these people not have spots downstairs? This is an issue that needs to addressed!!!! Also people with dogs, Please Please Please!!!!!! Pick up after them!!!!!! It is disgusting to see poo everywhere!!!!!!!! Something needs to be done about people who are not picking up after their animals! Wake up people and be responsible!!!! Some of us are owners here, and I refuse to put up with this!!!!! Also, there are people parking underground who do not have spots!!! This needs to stop!!!!! It's unfortunate that this has to be addressed!

Underground parking by those who do not have spots!!

I'm in total agreement with the points made. After putting a polite note to not park in my spot in the underground garage, what do you know? the same culprit parked their silver Hyundai car in my spot again!!?! So I put another note on their windshield to kindly not park in the spot again. I reported this to TAFT Property Mgmt cc'ing the builder. TAFT PM told me that since I told them twice (first time allowing for ignorance), the next time I have the legal right to call the tow company to tow the illegally parked car away. This sounds quite harsh, and i think TAFT themselves should call for the towing....but perhaps such a harsh measure would finally force the parking spot hijacker to finally get the msg! It's not the most neighbourly solution, but so is not parking in ppl's paid spots for free and having that person being stuck without a spot or being forced to resort to take another person's spot underground or street park further down Wallace with the chance of getting a city parking ticket!! This is just not right!!

Blinds and Curtains - Costs

I got mine at Blinds to Go. I got seven pieces, which outfitted all 3 bedrooms, the front door and a dining room window. I got vinyl black-out roller blinds for the bedrooms and mesh roller blinds for the rest. Total cost was $1200. When I got them they had a promo for saving the HST for purchases over $1000. I plan on putting drapes on the living room sliding doors. So far, I've been pretty happy with the blinds and they were fairly easy to put up.

BLinds

Hi,

After some research and getting some information from other purchasers we ended up getting 2 inch white horizontal faux wood blinds for each of our windows from a store called Bouclair. They cut the widths based on your measurements. The blinds for the big windows would be about $100.00 each and about $35.00 each for the narrow ones. This was almost 1/3 the cost we were quoted at blinds to go . The cost would depend on the number and size of windows you have. They are very easy to install, just make sure you have the correct mounting hardware.

We will most likely use drapes for the sliding doors

Hope thi helps

Parking Spot available at Brownstones on Wallace

I have a parking spot available for rent at BOW. Please reply to this message if you're interested. Thanks

parking spot @ brownstones on wallace

I am trying to find available parking at the BOW. Is your spot still available for rent? If so, how much are you willing to rent it for, and what is the location of the spot?

cheers,

Tyler

Hot Water Heater and Air Vents

Hi,

Has anyone given any thought to replacing the current hot water heater with a tankless heater? I was going to inquire with the rental company but wanted to check-in and see if anyone has already looked into this.

Also, how do you close the air vents? I have tried turning the different parts of the vent cover, but can't seem to figure it out.

Thanks for the insight re: turning down the fan to increase the temperature - I am going to try that now!

Thanks!

Air vents

There is a tool you can use to turn the inside portion of the vents (screen area). The tool (a white 2-tooth like comb) should be in the clear plastic bag that came with the manual/instructions. Just insert the tool into vent's plastic screen and turn clockwise to close.

Sometimes this does not always work that well. You can turn the entire vent and that seems to work also.

If that doesn't work, you can pull off the vent and turn the black part left in the hole.

I have no information on a tankless water heater. If you find out anything, please post it.

Interested in Brownstone - Recommend?

Hi all! This is a question for all those who have purchased and are now living in Brownstone on Wallace. Would you say overall that you are satisfied with your home and the neighbourhood? What are the top pros and cons for you? My husband and I are interested in moving into this area, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Hello, The home: So far we

Hello,

The home: So far we are very satisfied with our home. Without getting into details, there are a few issues still need to be sorted out but the issue list is getting smaller. This is typical with new construction. The people in the complex that we have met so far have been amazing!

The neighbourhood: We lived in this neighbourhood before purchasing at Brownestones on Wallace. We love the neighbourhood and it is continually transitioning for the better. The Junction is growing in popularity and is becoming a trendier neighbourhood. New small stores and restaurants have been popping up and we even have a Starbucks! Whether you like that or not is a personal preference but the property values are definitely on the rise. We are also really close to the subway, highways and other popular neighbourhoods (High Park & Roncesvales).

Before moving here we were a little concerned about the trains but honestly, we rarely hear them inside our unit. Cannot really comment about outside as we have only been here since the colder weather.... but I'm certain we will hear them more when we are on our patios...... but I doubt it will be over-bearing.

Hope this helps!

Parking space avialuble for rent

Parking space avialuble for rent .If interested call 416-9097694.

quite satisfied

I am so satisfied with my Broadway unit. Unfortunately I have to put it up for sales right after final closing because my workplace is Pickering. My real estate agent did market research on the approximate price and she says Broadway unit would be at least 390000 $ on the MLs.ca immedaitely after final closing, so my unit gives me very good value financially also.

sales Broadway unit 1221 SF three bedrooms+loft

Still available

Is your unit still available? If so, what's the maintenance? Also, do you have a floor plan available to look at?

Static electricity

Has anybody had problems with static electricity in their units?

Brownstones On Wallace Registration Date

Has anyone received a definite date from the builder for the registration date for brownstones on wallace

Thanks

in February at latest

Late february

I had an email conversation

I had an email conversation with the city planner and she said that she was prepared to send the Draft Approval last week. If it was done I don't know. But the draft approval means there are some things that need to be satisfied by the developer first before full approval and registration is provided. Also, once the draft approval is received the condo cannot be registered for at least 20 days. So hypothetically, if Robert received the draft approval letter on Dec 10th, completed all the requirements on Dec 11th, the earliest the condo could be registered would be Dec 30th. So I guess the long and short of it is as soon as the letter is sent by the city and received by Robert and he can make actions on any outstanding items, the sooner it will be registered. Perhaps a gentle follow-up email to Robert on the status of any actions might be warranted.

Modifications to the Unit

Hi All,

Just curious has anyone done any modifications to your units such as installing hardwood floors, adding lighting receptacles, paint, etc. during interim occupancy? If so, was permission required from the builder to do any work?

modification of unit

Hi

The bedroom on the lower floor - I installed wood floors. Went with the same company that the builder had contracted. westonhardwood.com

hope this helps

I spoke to the builder about

I spoke to the builder about this. For big modifications such as flooring it was advised to get prior approval. For approval, proof of payment (to the supplier) plus any Workmen’s Compensation certificates were required. It didn't seem that minor modifications such as painting were as big of a concern to the buildier. I went aheaded and painted.

Heat, water pressure

Hello, just curious..... Are people having issues with heating? I find the heat coming out of the vents to be warm. The unit gets to 21C but it still feels cool. I believe I set the water heater to it's highest temperature and put the fan on a higher setting.... But that gets loud. Just wondering if anyone is experiencing the same issue.

Also, how is everyone's water pressure? There was a slight improvement a week or so ago... But still nowhere near my last place.

Other than that things seem OK with our unit.

We had a problem with the our

We had a problem with the our heat as well. The sir coming out of the vents was warm but not hot. We had our thermostat set to 30 for 3 days but it never got above 23 degrees. Although I doubt the whole house was that temprature.

We had a service guy look at our furnace and it is running properly. He advised that the unit is not able to heat a house to more than around 23 degrees. If you are having low tempraturesthen try setting you fam to auto. Then go to your actual furnace and adjust the fan manually to a lower speed. (Turn the exterior knob clockwise to slow the speed.)

The reason you have to slow the speed is because the way the furnace works. The air blows past the heating element before going out to the house. If the fan is set to high speed than the air spends very little time collecting heat from the element before being distrubited. If you slow the fan speed then the air travels slower past the heating element and picks up mor eheat.

I recommend you check all your windows and doors to make sure there is no draft. We have a couple and it is causing cold air to enter our unit.

Where is the exterior knob

Where is the exterior knob for the fan speed? I want to try to turn down my fan speed, but on installation they bent up the access panel on the furnace and I can't get it off.

Has your heating situation

Has your heating situation improved?

It is better now, we also had

It is better now, we also had some drafts fixed which has helped. I will say that our loft is considerably warmer than the rest of the unit. It gets a few degrees cooler as you go down to the main level. But it is still however comfortable on the main level.

Fix Drafts

How did you fix your drafts? Did you do something yourself or did the builder do something?

Just cuirious... Are you in an end unit?

Thx

The shower in my master

The shower in my master barely had any water pressure and would only get warm - never hot even if turned to as hot as the lever will allow.

The showers have a rubber device in the pipe right behind the shower head that lowers the water pressure. I inspected mine and found that it was installed sideways. Once this problem was corrected I got a lot more water pressure, but it still isn't great.

I have some rooms that are very warm, and others that are cold. The vents are very noisy, but you can turn them to make them wide open which helps with the noise.

There is a regulator / mixer on the water heater

You should see a blue cap on where the cold / hot water mixes to go up to the shower on the second floor. Remove the blue cap and rotate the hex screw counter clockwise to increase the water temperature until it's hot enough for you.

I had the same problem.

Thanks for this info.... it

Thanks for this info.... it worked like a charm!

We are enjoying hot showers again!!!

how did you get the blue cap

how did you get the blue cap off??? I can't seem to get mine off and am having the same problem

To remove the blue cap you

To remove the blue cap you need to remove the screw in the middle of it with a small allen key.

Once the screw is off, you can pull off the cap and then turn the mechanism inside of it.

I turned mine around about three times.

I think the blue cap is more of a safety measure.

Good luck

Air filters

Has anyone tried to replace their air filter in their furnace? I'm in an upper broadway unit and it seems as if the airconditioning intake runs right in front of the filter. how I'm suposed to get a new one in is beyond me.

Any help would be appreciated.

Broadway unit 1121 SF 390000 $ upper floor

occupancy December 31 bakmu@hotmail.com

Gym in the area?

Does anyone know of a gym in the area? I looked everywhere and there doesn't seem to be anything within walking distance. Looking for a facility with work out equipment, not classes.

Local gyms

There's FITS Toronto at 300 Campbell Ave., just south of Dupont.
http://www.fitstoronto.com/

And of course Bloor St. Fitness, on Dundas just south of Bloor (across from Loblaws / Zellers / LCBO). It's the place with the big boxing gloves out front, can't miss it. :)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2295+Dundas+W...

Thanks so much. I'm going to

Thanks so much. I'm going to look into these two.

Insurance coverage

Could anyone tell me what kind of coverage you have?
How much liability do you have etc? I have a Soho.

For Sale

I am selling a three bedroom lower unit, 1000 sq ft, with parking, facing Wallace Ave. Some upgrades. Call 416-807-7488 for information.

Want to buy a 3 BR upper unit

Is anyone selling or going to sell?

One Broadway unit 1221 SF 390000 $

immediate occupancy

Thanks for the reply. Is it

Thanks for the reply. Is it possible for you to send more detail (like the layout, unit number,etc) to my email address (torontohomefinder@hotmail.com)? Do you currently work with a realtor? Thank you.

Noise levels

I'm in block E, the block which butts up against the parquette. The noise honestly isn't bad. At times it's very loud but it generally doesn't last long then you don't really hear it the rest of the day. I'm guessing the closer to Wallace you are the less of a concern it i s.

do'es anyone know when is the closing date

please if anyone knows when the closing date is, let me know thanks

January

January 2011

Noise Level

The noise isn't bad. I've been here for a month and a half, am not working at the moment so am here all day and have yet to notice the sound of a train. I do hear my neighbors bu it isn't really bad. The concrete isn't as sound proof as I had hoped but it isn't a problem either. I do hear the scrap yard. At times it is quite loud but not all day. I also didn't really hear it for the first 3 weeks then all of a sudden it was quite loud during the day. I have the feeling they are doing a bunch of clearing before the winter comes and that is why it has been louder.

Do you mind telling me what

Do you mind telling me what block your unit is in...perhaps its proximity to the scrap yard, or the entire site is affected.

THanks for the response!

THanks for the response!

Noise Levels

Can anyone comment on the noise levels within the complex?

Just wondering how loud it gets during the day/morning with the trains and stel scrap yard being beside it

Thanks,

Does anyone know what the

Does anyone know what the ocupancy rental rate includes? hydro/water etc??

Watch Out for Your Bikes

Hi there,

Just wanted to drop all of the residents of BoW a quick warning about locking your bikes in the underground garage - Ours were just stolen.

The thiefs somehow got into the garage and snipped our lock. If you can, try to find an alternate place to keep your bike, who knows if these guys will be back. We let the developer and security know.

It would be great if we could actually use the bike room...

Buying

Looking to purchase a 2 bedroom upper unit...if anyone is selling please let me know!

Hello, I'm looking to sell my

Hello,
I'm looking to sell my upper unit - its a corner 3 bedroom (option - remove the wall separating the 3rd bedroom from the living room to increase living area).
Regards,
Diana.
416-720-9735

Removing the 3rd Bedroom

We did exactly that for our end unit which I believe have different configurations for the main floor. We didn't really need the third bedroom on the main floor. By removing the wall on the main floor is completly opened up the unit and we have a "relatively" large living/dining room area.

If we sell in the future, it can be easily converted back into a 3 bedroom

how much did it cost to

how much did it cost to remove the wall/put hardwood on the former bedroom floor?

Hi, did you remove this wall

Hi, did you remove this wall yourself or did the builder do it during construction? just wondering...

During Construction

This was done during construction

Wall Removal

We requested ours to be removed but was told it was too far into the process.
At first we were really disappointed, but now we're happy we have a separate space for an office rather than sharing it with the extra bedroom :)

Maintenace Fee's

I have a couple of questions regarding the maintenance fee's, and what it covers. I know it covers Water, but I assume Gas is on the owner to pay? (Claudia has given me both answers and have no idea).
-When it snows will they clean our actual steps, or is that on us?
-How often are window's suppose to be cleaned (from the outside mine are filthy)

Phone / Internet / television???

We are finally about to get our unit.

I'm wondering what people are doing for phone, television and Internet service? Is rogers the only current option? I think I heard that Bell is not available on the site yet.

Any information on what people are doing for these services would be greatly appreciated

Thx

Rogers

Rogers is offering 3 months free of phone, television and Internet, someone should have called you by now? If not, contact the Brownstones Customer Service office perhaps and they can give you the number. I think there is an exclusive offering right now with Rogers, don't know about Bell being in the area as of yet.

price of Broadway unit

I am so confused about the future estimated price of this model. Some neighbors say it would be about 385000 $ after final closing and some say 400000 $ in January 2011 after final closing. Most owners of Broadway unit expect the price to be around at least 400000 $ right after final closing. Do you agree ?

I'm thinking 385,000 -

I'm thinking 385,000 - 400,000 is probably a fair range to consider but ultimately the market will dictate this. Given that the original purchase price would of been approx $320,000 with parking.... Not a bad return on investment. This is one of the benefits when buying off a plan.... But as we are aware, it there are cons also.(ie dealing with delays)

I also think it around 390000 $ right after final closing

I think 400000 $ would be next spring at earliest or fall 2011 at latest. I expet the price should be at least 390000 $ right after final closing and Broadway unit deserves this price.