New in homes: More low-rise housing comes to Willowdale 

Early buyer interest in 180 Towns has come from condo owners looking for more space.  Photo by Dash Developments

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Since 180 Towns launched sales in Willowdale in early May, says Jonathan Yoken, a partner at Dash Developments, “we’ve noticed a renewed sense of cautious optimism among buyers.” 

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“People are now looking for a place to live that has value, not just a place to park money and rent it out,” he says, referring to the glut of investor-owned inventory.  

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That informs the thinking behind the collection of 45 townhomes by Dash and Icon Homes. In a market shaped by soft demand and caution, the project on Drewry Avenue near Yonge and Finch is being positioned as an alternative for end users: new low-rise housing with roomy layouts and parking, transit, parks and schools within walking distance and, in some cases, private backyards. 

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“This has that perfect balance between the urban hubbub — the life and amenities you get from being near the Yonge Street strip, with restaurants, entertainment and transit — and neighbourhood living,” Yoken says. “We’re in a beautiful North York neighbourhood in Willowdale. We actually have three schools almost adjacent to us.” 

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The three-level homes at 180 Towns range from roughly 1,350 to 2,000 square feet, with a slab-on-grade design. The Garden Series includes front gardens and two-car parking, with one space in the garage and one on the driveway. The Carriage Series uses rear-lane access with tandem garage parking, while the Classic Series features a traditional front-garage format and rear yard space. The project also includes land on the southeast corner of the site that has been dedicated for a future City of Toronto park.  

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The three-level homes at 180 Towns range from 1,350 to 2,000 square feet. Photo by Dash Developments

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Early interest has come from downsizers, first-time buyers and current condo owners looking for more space, Yoken says. “We’ve had a whole bunch of downsizers who may have additional equity they want to tap into. They want a little less maintenance or maybe they want to spend a few months out of the country during the winter.” 

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The project has also attracted buyers who want to remain close to transit and family but who are looking for a low-rise option. “We’ve seen upsizers, too — people who live in condos, own them and are ready to move up to low-rise. This is a really good next step.” 

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Inside, the homes offer flexible layouts, nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, private balconies, kitchen islands where applicable, stone countertops and designer cabinetry. Bathroom features include porcelain or ceramic tile and, in applicable plans, framed glass showers in primary ensuites. 

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180 Towns’ design approach is meant to avoid a look that feels too trend-driven, Yoken says. “They’re not super edgy or super modern. We’re trying to make them as beautifully transitional as we can, with great materials and a look that won’t be dated in 10 years.” 

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Some of the primary ensuites have framed glass showers. Photo by Dash Developments

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For Dash and Icon, the project’s role in the neighbourhood is tied to the introduction of new ownership housing in an area where low-rise options are often older resale homes. According to Yoken, buyers in the surrounding market may otherwise be looking at aging bungalows that require significant maintenance or renovation. “This is a special and unique opportunity at these price points to get brand-new housing. We think this is going to provide value to the owners and the community for a very long time.”