Picasso On Richmond Destined For Iconic Status

With Picasso, Monarch Corporation and The Goldman Group are bringing a distinctive icon in the making to downtown.

A study in contrast, with a stark white, dark grey and vibrant red exterior, Picasso brings dramatic sculptural form to a soaring 35-storey tower that extends from a 10-storey base — a striking, unprecedented design worthy of the grand master’s name.

 

Located on one of the most significant sites in downtown, Picasso occupies the north side of Richmond Street at the head of Widmer Street surrounded by some of Toronto’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, including the Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Fashion District and Financial District. The Rogers Centre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, Nathan Phillips Square and the University subway line are all a pleasant walk away. Restaurants, shops, art galleries, concert venues, theatres, night clubs — there simply isn’t a more highly cultured, sophisticated environment anywhere in the city.  And with prices beginning in the mid $200s, the value is tremendous in this uber cool neighbourhood!

Governor General Award-winning Teeple Architects have created a vertical landscape of cubic forms that appear to float, accentuated by a dramatic red cut that jogs around each building face. Living space will feel like an extension of the urban surroundings, with spectacular views in every direction. The base will feature three floors of high-end retail and commercial space and fantastic 10th-floor amenities including a party room designed by Chapman Design Group under the award-winning designer Kelly Cray. The chef’s kitchen, bar, billiards, dining room and lounge space inside give way seamlessly through sliding doors to a beautifully landscaped outdoor space complete with hot tub and cabanas that carry the building’s chic design cues into the great outdoors. Third-floor amenities will include saunas and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

It fell to Chapman Design Group to live up to the project’s evocative name for the Presentation Centre as well.  Appropriate to the Centre’s vintage-loving Queen Street West location on the cusp of the Entertainment District, designers let their imaginations loose, borrowing from the white hot ‘70s retro trend and incorporating colours and finishes to emulate the sophistication of the exterior. An oxidized metal look on the large porcelain floor tiles creates an artistic runway that will lead visitors through the centre to the scale model. A darkened ceiling and suspended forms overhead recreate the feel of the suspended shapes on the residence itself. Glossy lacquer, abstract brush strokes and architectural lighting befit the project’s namesake as well as its distinctive urban position. 

One standard and one upgraded kitchen vignette will again play up the power of contrast. One light, one dark, the kitchens are European-inspired exercises in elegant simplicity. A bathroom vignette will also be featured. Amazingly, the developers have secured three Picasso sculptures for a stunning authentic touch. 

Picasso will comprise 373 suites ranging from studios to three-bedrooms. Monarch Corporation and The Goldman Group bring more than 130 years combined experience to this landmark project. Monarch Corporation is Canada’s oldest real estate company and one of its largest, most diversified and successful companies. The Goldman Group has a reputation for building on the leading edge of demographic changes just as neighbourhoods begin to realize their full potential. Register at www.monarchgroup.net for more information about Picasso.