On the map: A family-centred condo community comes with its own daycare

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A decade ago, raising a family in a condominium — grandparents, and all — would have sounded preposterous to some. But that mindset has changed, says Fan Yang, general manager, Canada, of Aoyuan International.

Designed by Wallman Architects, the developer’s five-tower master-planned community M2M, located at Yonge and Finch in North York, is geared to multi-generation families. At full build-out, the 8.6-acre site will include 1,750 units spread out over five buildings and an amenities program that includes a safari-walled children’s play area that opens to an outdoor mini-putt.

Not to mention the commute-free daycare option. Here, it’s a zip down the elevator to the two-level childcare facilities at the base of the condo, encompassing 11,000 square feet of indoor space..

The daycare is adjacent to a 46,000-square-foot community centre with a double-height gym, basketball court, running track and activity rooms.

“In the past, families looked to suburban areas and only investors, students or single young people chose an urban lifestyle,” says Yang. “We wanted to create a true family community in an urban part of the city.”

North York, Yang says, is a good place to do that: “Lots of newcomers are drawn to this part of the city because of the strong sense of community.”

There are also several good schools nearby, he point outs: Alpha High School, Newtonbrook Secondary, Yorktown Montessori, Lillian Public School and RJ Lang Elementary and Middle School.

 When the first two towers, connected by an eight-storey podium, launched in June 2018, “it was one of the fastest-selling projects in the GTA,” says Yang, pointing to the 300 units that sold out in a couple of weeks, as did the remaining batch that followed.

The condo presentation centre saw an influx of families. Groups with “parents, children and grandparents” gravitated to the three-bedroom units, spread out over 1,000 square feet, Yang says. “These have two ensuites that offer privacy for the grandparents who could have their own bathrooms.”

With the launch of M2M Squared – that’s Phase 2 – Yang expects to see the same interest from families. Suites across two 40- and 34-storey towers are linked by an eight-storey podium; a later release of townhomes is also planned. The suites range from one to three bedrooms, with prices starting in the $500s. Occupancy is set for 2026.

Kitchens will have wood-grain cabinetry and porcelain countertops and backsplashes – not fancy but functional, down to the streamlined hidden garbage system, which is handy if you’re continuously cooking for a crew. Ditto the pull-out spice rack beside the oven that frees up counter space. Units are also equipped with USB charging outlets, an uncommon feature in a regular condo kitchen, according to Yang.

The interiors are by Figure3, while NAK Design Strategies are taking care of the exterior spaces.

Select frills onsite include two co-working lounges equipped with Zoom rooms and a document station with full-size printer and scanner, a fitness centre, a yoga/dance studio, a hobby room and an entertainment lounge.

Another feature of the towers is the connection to green space. “Our philosophy is about building a healthy lifestyle,” says Yang, who says “a vertical park” is integrated throughout the building. The outdoor, leisure-based amenities are on three levels: the third, sixth and 10^th floors.

“On the sixth floor, we have a tea garden looking down into the public park,” says Yang, noting also the outdoor pool with the shallow wading section and playful pebble seating for kids, the barbecue lounge and rooftop gym.

Additional outdoor amenities include a bocce ball court, yoga deck and — because every parent needs one — a place to sit and swing in a hammock.

Suites at M2M Squared range from one to three bedrooms; two-storey townhomes are being released at a later date. Prices start in the $500s. For more information, visit M2MCondos.com

 Three things

 Popular Sansotei Ramen is one of several soup joints at Yonge and Finch. Best bets: Tonkotsu black ramen, tomato with Hokkaido scallop, and gyoza with ginger and green onion. Finish off with mango cheesecake. 13 Byng Ave.

 The no-nonsense Centerpoint Mall, a five-minute walk away, has more than 144 stores, including Canadian Tire, Best Buy and The Pickle Barrel. Upscale Bayview Mall is a 10-minute drive away. 6464 Yonge St.

Central Montessori School offers experiential learning and mixed-age-and-skill classrooms. There’s also French immersion up to Grade 6. 181 Maplehurst Ave.