Forest Hill Tidbit

New Condo to Replace Restaurant

Forest Hill in Toronto is not immune to development.  China House, a restaurant that has been a part of the  local landscape at 925 Eglington Avenue West, just west of Bathurst Street has been a local haunt since 1958.  Times change, and even though the restaurant has changed ownership over the years, this institution was filled to capacity on weekends with family outings. Authentic Cantonese cuisine was the mainstay along with the Chinese aesthetic interior. Sometimes, just walking into the front area, one was transported to China of years gone by. Paintings featured women with umbrellas, men fighting tigers.  Yellow, orange and red chinese lanterms hung from the limbs of a faux bonsai tree, provided the ambiance that was a huge draw for families and guests.  Susan Macarz, Broker, Re/Max Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage, used to frequent this restaurant with her family while she was growing up.  It was always a treat that became a special destination especially for birthdays.

Times progress and as of July 18th, 2011 the restaurant will only do take out and delivery until they can find a new location.  The present location along with the parking lot beside it, will be the future home of a new condo that is rumoured to be about 9 stories tall.  BSAR Group of Companies is the developer/builder of the condo. They will use the front end of the restaurant to build a presentation centre for the condominium.  The back kitchen will still be operating, albeit temporarily.

Change is a difficult thing at any time.  Many local residents and retail establishments have not yet been totally informed as to the new condominium, however, according to the local councillor, Councillor Mihevc, since he saw the plans, and even though BSAR hasn’t put in their application, his opinion was that the building doesn’t look like it will contravene zoning by-laws, and so, it’s development will likely go ahead.

Part of the plans will include public underground parking to give local business’ the necessary ability to bring in retail shoppers.

So, Forest Hill, and the Upper Village will be getting a new street look and perhaps the start of a new trend to build other condominiums in the area.  Is this a good thing? or Not?? Time will tell.  A part of the local establishment is soon to disappear down memory lane and forgotten.

If you would like more information about the Forest Hill Village Neighbourhood and presently available properties for sale/lease, click here or call me at 416-219-7583 (client line) or 416-487-5131 (office) or send me an email to susan@susanmacarz.com. Please specify "Forest Hill Village Neighbourhood" in the subject heading and include specifically what you are looking for (Type & style, # of bedrooms,# of baths, parking, sale or lease, price range, time frame, etc.), this will allow me to provide you with the proper information that you are seeking.