March 2014
Skyview on Yonge, which opened in 1985 and is now 29 years old, improves with age. Those drawn to newer and smaller condos don’t know what they are missing.
Skyview on Yonge was built for those who consider today’s newer condos to be unmanageably small for comfortable living. It offers 1 and 2 bedroom units up to 3600 square feet with the majority of units exceeding 1600 square feet. Parking is more than adequate to accommodate all residents.
Yet big open spaces are not limited to individual condo units.
Common amenities include the typical such as guest suites, party room with full kitchen, library, billiard room, exercise room, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna. Less common are both squash and racquetball courts and a conversation pit complete with fireplace. Rare among condos in the Yonge North Corridor are their outdoor amenities which include two outdoor tennis courts and an outdoor pool with lounge seating.
Indoor amenities are housed in an open area designed to encourage interaction. There are large open spaces and large windows. Amenities are not relegated to dark areas that are hard to access, cramped, stuffy or dreary.
Outdoor amenities abound. There are two separate garden areas. One is a large outside garden in a park setting with gazebo, three BBQs and seating. This is a private area popular with residents. An outdoor elevated garden and seating is also available. New amenities are planned for these areas in the coming year.
Skyview on Yonge has experienced an increasing number of families attracted to their condo building because of the larger living spaces and extensive amenities which are heavily utilized by adults and children. To encourage increased use, amenities are being reviewed to identify how best to accommodate the trend to younger residents. One of the indoor courts may soon be converted so that it is more suitable for badminton, basketball, volleyball and floor hockey.
Skyview on Yonge has an enviable number of, and turnout for, social events. There are evening concerts in the park, bingos, breakfasts, bridge groups, wine & cheese socials, movie nights, programming for children and a speaker series. Each quarter Skyview on Yonge holds a Battle of the Bagels Breakfast where residents taste and rate local offerings. Event turnout can be as high as 50%.
Fitness and recreational programs are also popular. The Recreation and Fitness Committee organizes programs such as bridge and aqua fitness.
To keep residents informed, Skyview on Yonge is migrating to an electronic communications system. This system is expected to save money, improve operations and provide residents with more information in a timely manner.
Maintaining modern amenities, improving energy and environmental performance and accommodating the needs of residents is important at Skyview. Currently they are looking into how to accommodate a growing demand for storage space.
