St Lawrence Market

Average sold price freehold: N/A

Average sold price condo (2009): $298,249; (2010): $312,852; (2011):$317,816; (2012): $399,837

Boundaries: King St E to Gardiner Expressway; Parliament St — Yonge St

Subway Stations: King St and Union

What the neighbourhood is commonly known for is the St Lawrence Market — where people from all corners of the city hurry down on a Saturday morning to buy an assortment of imported cheeses, meats and fresh locally grown produce. It’s not the only historical landmark; however, the area is also famous for the Flatiron building at the corner of Church and Wellington.  Much of the old industrial buildings have been torn down though, and replaced with dozens of condos — where many of the financial district’s yuppies call home.

Real Estate: You’ll find a number of older condos of the 1990s along The Esplanade and Front St, but you’ll also find a few lofts along King St E. The St Lawrence Market Lofts, once used as a warehouse, are now converted into units any foodie would die for — with exposed brick, wooden beams and hardwood flooring throughout.

Parks: St James Park, located next to St James Cathedral, is a quiet little green space with a few sculptures here and there, well kept gardens and a gazebo in the centre. It’s mostly used by yuppies walking their dogs before and after work, the occasional homeless person lying around, and wedded couples posing for photos in June.

Hot Spots:

Sony Centre for the Performing Arts — 1 Front St E
Currently undergoing extensive renovations, the Sony Centre is set to reopen October 2010. Through innovative programming on the stage and the use of state-of-the art technologies throughout the venue, the Sony Centre will entice and engage the community as a Theatre of the 21st Century.

Origin – 107 King Street East
A newly opened Tapas restaurant at the corner  of King St E and Church, Origin is the latest endeavor by Claudio Aprile (of Colborne Lane). It has gorgeous décor and a full flavor menu, it’s place you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Pravda – 44 Wellington Street East
Toronto’s original vodka cellar which houses Pravda’s extensive vodka selection. It caters to an older crowd, but a place anyone with a liking for vodka and old Russian décor should experience. The Russian national anthem is played every hour on the hour.