Menkes Developments is bringing a modern 19-storey condominium tower to the corner of Pears Avenue and Avenue Road, just north of Davenport. Pears On The Avenue sports a sleek, contemporary glass and steel exterior by Page and Steele / IBI Group Architects, while sophisticated interiors are the work of internationally sought-after designers Munge Leung. Pears On The Avenue's most prominent exterior features will be white metal steel frames on the north, south, and east sides of the building.

The detailed frames will give striking definition to the glass walls and balconies while maintaining the minimalist cool of the design. UrbanToronto likes this simple yet elegant articulation. Also impressive is the dramatic yet restrained double-height retail space facing Avenue Road.

Rendering of Pears on the Avenue

As well has having designed building's common area and amenity interiors, Munge Leung are responsible for the enticing sales office and the chic two-bedroom 1,335 sq ft model suite. Munge Leung custom-designed some of the furnishings, and many others were sourced from suppliers around the city, including locally from shops on Designers Walk. “There is a fairly modern eclectic feel to the suite, with both contemporary and European furniture. And in keeping with Menkes’ flair for including art in surroundings and the fact that many purchasers have art collections, we kept furnishings low and understated to allow the powerful works of art to pop. Many great artisans are represented in this décor.” These include the Russell Broyer cathedral triptych in the den and the cool green Robert Redpath image in the chic living room. The inspiration from art continues in the dining room, where the table from Avenue Road and the screen behind it by Moss and Lamb are like works of art. “The dining room light fixture is sculptural and clean and has great movement,” Alessandro Munge says. “We spent a lot of time making sure each detail was just right.”

Model dining room at Pears on the Avenue

The kitchen was custom-designed for Pears by Munge Leung with an antique brown countertop in stone with an embossed texture and European veneers on the cabinetry. “The uppers are done in back-painted glass,” Munge explains. “With exquisite details like this, the kitchen becomes part of the main living area like a piece of furniture.”

Model Kitchen at Pears on the Avenue

The second bedroom is decorated as a den to illustrate flexibility of space usage. “The floor-to-ceiling wood paneling gives this room the feel of a contemporary library,” Munge says, yet if a younger couple owned this suite and then had a child, they could move the television into the living room and make this into a nursery.”

Model Den at Pears on the Avenue

Suite features include 9-foot ceilings, engineered wood flooring in the main living areas, Munge Leung-designed kitchens with a Miele appliance package, and more. The one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den, two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-den suites range from 525 to 1,974 sq ft in size and are priced from the mid-$400,000s. Occupancy is slated for June 2013. Among the amenities at Pears is the three-storey lobby with a dramatic spiral stairway as well as a landscaped courtyard terrace atop the podium. Residents will enjoy 24 hour concierge service, a spa-inspired indoor pool and whirlpool, equipped gym and outdoor yoga/meditation deck, and party room with catering kitchen, wet bar and terrace walkout. There will also be a guest suite, boardroom and screening room. With a 50-year history of creating quality living spaces through innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship, Menkes is also the builder of the very prestigious Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, Toronto.