Where are the best condos in UpTown Waterloo?

buying from the builder

It wasn’t that long ago when we didn’t have any condominiums in UpTown Waterloo. Now we have lots and lots more on the way. I thought it was about time to make a list. Where are the best condos in Uptown Waterloo?

 

bauer loftThe Bauer Lofts

The Bauer Lofts are one of the most popular condominiums in UpTown Waterloo, not only due to it’s convenient location, just south of the Waterloo Town Square, but also because it is a small community onto itself with fabulous dining and shopping right next door at the Bauer Kitchen, Vincencos and a host of other great and high-end retailers.

About the building

The Bauer Lofts is located at 191 King Street South, Waterloo, just south of the Waterloo Town Square. The building is a sleek 15 storeys, with 157 units ranging in size from 673 to 2715 square feet. The building was completed in 2009.

Likes

I like the high ceilings and the large master bedrooms in this building. You have to use a security key for the elevator between floors and to get into the underground parking. The party room is nice and opens to a large outdoor terrace with barbecues. The units have large balconies big enough for four people to lounge comfortably. From the upper floors the views are stunning. However with the construction of 144 Park and 155 Carolina the west side of the building will be blocked.

It’s will be on the LRT line about equidistant between the Grand River Hospital stop and the Uptown stop.

Neutrals

Some people like the exposed ductwork and unpainted concrete walls. Those features give it an urban feel.

Dislikes

I find that there are cramped entranceways to some units. The units are small and with large bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies, the living room and kitchens tend to be a little cramped. The building’s fitness room is quite small and does not have a lot of equipment for a building of it’s size. Of course parking for guests is an issue.

 

144 park144 Park Uptown Waterloo

Located at 144 Park Street, Waterloo, this is a great looking building towering above UpTown Waterloo with 19 Storeys. 144 Park has 142 units ranging in size from about 660 to 2500 square feet. There are standard and penthouse units  as well as street level town homes. Currently, still under construction it is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2014.

About the building

144 Park is the only building in Waterloo to have an on site concierge, guest suites for overnight visitors and a theatre! This building will be the home to the urban chic looking for cool comfort in a luxurious cosmopolitain lifestyle. Besides being just south of UpTown Waterloo, and on the future LRT line, the shops at the Bauer Marketplace are just steps away.

The underground parking has a car wash bay. The large outdoor terrace is a few levels above street level and will connect with 155 Caroline when completed. Of course, there will be barbecues, patio furniture.

 

155One Fifty Five Uptown Waterloo

Much like it’s sister building at 144 Park, One Fifty Five Uptown Waterloo located at 155 Caroline Street, Waterloo will be 19 storeys high. Currently under construction, this second phase of the development is slated to complete in 2016. The building will have 184 Units. Because of popular demand, the units in this building are more expensive than 144 Park.

If you have money to burn, go for the brownstone townhouse units at the base of these buildings. They are going to be awesome.

 

Red Condominium

There was a lot of excitement when the Red Condominium project was announced. Like many other projects in UpTown Waterloo, it’s pre-construction phase sold out virtually overnight. In the same neighbourhood as the Bauer Lofts and 144 Park and 155 Carolina, it’s location is excellent for shopping, the LRT and UpTown amenities.

redAbout the building

The Red Condominiums are located at 188 King Street South in Waterloo. The building is a comfortable 6 storeys high with 63 Units ranging in size from 524 to 1640 square feet. The building is currently just finishing up construction and will be completed later this year (2014).

Observations

Last week I visited a bright and sunny unit on the third floor. It was southern facing and had a wall of windows letting in lots and lots of sunlight. The kitchen was very large, but the bedrooms were puny and the main living area would be tough to furnish. The overall finish was not as good as expected – we noticed the drywall taping wasn’t done very well.

The party room overlooks backyards and roof tops of the Mary Alan neighbourhood, which is interesting but the fitness room is accessed through party room, which means that if you are hosting a party, there may be people wandering in to have a look on the way to their work out.

The Red Condominium has a very different feel than it’s neighbouring buildings. It’s quieter and less trendy.

 

seagramThe Seagram Lofts

Ever since they were completed in 1999, the Seagram Lofts are the place to be in UpTown Waterloo. With floor to ceiling windows, exposed brick and the best location in terms of proximity to shopping, the future LRT, nightlife and other amenities such as the Waterloo Public Library and Waterloo Park, this project is a once in a lifetime, one of a kind lifestyle experience.

Located at #3 and #5 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo both buildings comprise a number of two-level spaces with live/work options on the ground floor level. In all, there are 103 units in the two buildings of five storeys each.

The Seagram Lofts are the buildings that kicked off our condo craze. They represent true loft living.  The units are much larger than the average condo unit in UpTown ranging from 1115 to 2435 square feet.

About the buildings

The buildings have a real urban factory feel. The hallways are tall and stark and wide. The doors are heavy. The units open up to 17 feet high ceilings, windows all the way. The kitchens tend to be quite large – great for entertaining.

Unlike most of the other buildings in UpTown Waterloo, the garages are individual ground level units.

 

the @lexThe Alex

Like the Seagram Lofts, the Alex was completed in 1999. And also like the Seagram Lofts the Alex features high ceilings and big windows and a fabulous location in the heart of UpTown Waterloo. This converted school has lots of personality with wide hallways and stairs. It even has the old chalkboards!

The Alex is a three storey all brick building housing 22 units, ranging in size from 608 to 1400 square feet.

It is located at 35 Alexander Avenue, Waterloo. There is lots of parking for residents.

 

keatswayKeats Way on the Park

Keats Way on the Park is located at 255 Keats Way, Waterloo. This 13 Storey building was completed in 2003. There are 104 Units.

Not really in UpTown, it’s location in Beechwood and proximity to University of Waterloo make it a favourite to those who want to be in this neighbourhood.

Keats Way on the Park is an upscale building with bright airy units featuring open concept design. There are spectacular views from the upper floor balconies. There is a party/games room, a fitness room and indoor parking.

The units range in size from one bedroom 1259 square feet to three bedrooms at about 2500 square feet.

There is a special assessment pending. There is a problem with the stucco and perhaps the balconies.

42

 

THE 42 – Eco Chic Loft Living

THE 42 is a six storey condominium building conveniently located near the heart of UpTown Waterloo. This building, completed in 2011 has a stylish modern design, with big windows and glass balconies. It is really unique for its attention to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The 42 has a real upscale and luxurious feel and features a really nice fitness room, lounge and lobby.

The 42 is located at 42 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo. It has 6 storeys and 54 units ranging from 630 to 1605 square feet. The 10 foot ceilings and large windows give the units a nice airy feel.

The parking is underground. I hope you have a small car or are a much better parker than I am.

 

bprBPR Lofts at Bridgeport and Regina

If you thought The Alex is quaint with four storeys and 18 units, you’ll love the BPR Lofts at 36 Regina Street South, Waterloo. It is a boutique condo loft building with 4 storeys and only 18 units, ranging in size from 672 to 857 square feet. The units are small but comprise either one bedroom and a den or two bedrooms. Again, like most of our condos, the 10 foot ceilings and large windows give the units a warm, comfortable feel.

Completed in 2010, it is really in the core of urban UpTown Waterloo.

This building feels a lot like the 42, but smaller.

silver thread

 

Silver Thread Lofts

Tucked away at 15 Devitt Avenue South, Waterloo, the Silver Thread Lofts is another boutique loft project within an easy walking distance to UpTown Waterloo. The former Silver Thread Sauerkraut factory has 15 Units of 653 to 1135 square feet over three floors. It fits in snugly and nicely on the fringes of the very popular Mary Allan neighbourhood.

Completed in 2011, the units have an industrial chic feel with exposed ceilings and ductwork. There are bachelor, one bedroom, one bedroom plus den and two bedroom units in the building.

Silver Thread Lofts has a fitness room with a rock climbing wall. The parking is underground.

 

waterpark placeWaterpark Place

Build in 1990, Waterpark Place is one of the oldest condominiums in UpTown Waterloo. It is located at 4 & 6 Willow Street, Waterloo, just a short walk from UpTown.

The building has 176 Units ranging in size from 940 to 2815 square feet in 23 Stories.

Waterpark Place amenities include an indoor pool with skylights, sauna, a party room with library, an exercise room, billiards, workshop, guest suite all situated on gorgeous grounds with water features

Observations

How do I say this politely? There are a lot of really old people living in this building. It is a really nice building in a great location and perhaps 20 years ago many of them downsized, moved in and have not left since.

I really like the large room sizes including the balconies.

The condo fees are a little on the high side.

 

westmount grandWestmount Grand

Located on the corner of Westmount and Erb at 233 Erb Street West, Waterloo the Westmount Grand is a beauty. It offers stylish luxury with nine foot ceilings, engineered wood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

The Westmount Grand towers over the neighbourhood with 11 Storeys providing commanding views of the Westmount Golf and Country Club, to the south, UpTown Waterloo to the east and the University of Waterloo to the north.

There are 72 Units ranging in size from 946 to 2491 square feet, a library, a roof top study, a party room and roof top patio. The small fitness centre has a steam room!

Completed in 2011, there is everything from one bedroom to three bedrooms with den units. The building has underground parking.

I wrote about the Westmount Grand here.

 

k2K2

Wilfred Laurier is just a five minute walk away. University of Waterloo is a five minute bus ride.  Located at 158 King Street North, K2 is just north of UpTown Waterloo.

When completed, K2 will have 185 units in two towers – a 21 storey tower and an 11 storey tower.

 

IvyTowns

ivy townsJust announced, IvyTowns is a four storey boutique townhouse project comprising 68 units. Like the K2 project, this development focuses on the university student housing investment market. But unlike K2, Ivytowns is aimed at University of Waterloo students. There is higher demand for UW student housing as the University of Waterloo is not near a lot of student housing opportunities, at least not near as many as WLU.

Observations

I’m a little suspicious of the math in this video. 

 

Reflections at Laurelwood 

Not really in UpTown Waterloo, I wrote about Reflections at Laurelwood here. Personally, it is too remote for me. If I’m going to live out in the boonies, I at least need a townhouse. Reflections at Laurelwood has all of the disadvantages of condominium living without any of the advantages. When I was speaking with the marketing guy, he stressed a couple of times that this was the cheapest per square foot condo purchase on the market. He didn’t mention that the furnace-A/C unit is rented adding monthly expense on top of condo fee to the bills.

 

Park House

Caroline St NBuild in 1976, Park House is often overlooked as an Uptown Condo. We forget about it because there are only 11 units in the building and one will only come onto the market every two or three years.

The typical unit has two bedrooms and two bathrooms of a layout typical for the 1970’s (smallish kitchen, small bathrooms) and about 1350 square feet. The building is located at 43 Caroline Street North.

Likes and dislikes

The best thing about the building is the location. The building backs onto Waterloo Park with views of Silver Lake, the Perimeter Institute and the Barrel Yards. It is near the library, the Princess Cinemas and Waterloo Town Square.

The building is showing its age. The hallways are narrow and the decor is “simply charming darling”. The building has baseboard electric heating and high condo fees which include all utilities.

 

The Barrel Yards

I wrote about the Barrel Yards here. It is coming soon, not soon enough for a lot of people. I get an inquiry weekly asking about floor plans and prices.

 

Call to action

I’ve lived and worked in UpTown Waterloo for more than a decade. I love it here. If you want to chat about your options, please contact me. I know the prices and the condo fees, the amenities and the outlook for the condos in UpTown Waterloo. I will help you find the best home in your price range.

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9 Comments

  1. says: GB PROUD

    Hello Keith Marshal.
    I am considering buying a condo near downtown Waterloo.
    It would be a second home so I am under no pressure to purchase.
    I am hopeful you can keep me apprised of the market from time to time.
    I do like your comments regarding various properties.
    I note 144 Park is in some difficulty and wonder if you saw it coming…

    1. says: Keith Marshall

      No I did not see that coming. I was under the impression that the builders and developers were doing very well. I guess not as well as it appears

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