House of the week: 60 Melbourne Avenue

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One of the more intriguing residential projects of the last little while in Toronto, the twin duplexes at 60 and 62 Melbourne Avenue in Parkdale are situated on what was once a double lot with only a single rundown residence (and a huge driveway).

Designed to offer a novel solution to Toronto's intensifying urban population and limited detached housing stock, each home is divided into two separate units. Now, four families could theoretically occupy the various spaces.

60 Melbourne Ave Toronto The small-scale development, which is known as "Double Duplex," is the work of The Mada Group and Batay-Csorba Architects. It received a Canadian Architect award of merit for its sophisticated facade (which features a fir privacy screen) and approach to in-fill development.

Each building is sold separately, and they ain't cheap. 60 Melbourne is on the market for $3,388,000. The idea is that a prospective buyer could occupy one of the units (presumably the top one) and rent the other out or use it as a work space.

It all sounds amazing, if only the price tag was a bit more attainable.

Specs

Address: 60 Melbourne Ave.
Price: $3,388,000
Lot Size: 21 x 150 feet
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6
Parking: Street parking
Walk Score: 88
Transit Score: 93
Listing agent: C. Helene Baguley
Listing ID: W3678251

Noteworthy Features

Scavolini kitchens
Caesarstone counters
Fisher+Paykel gas appliances
Oak flooring

Good For

A family that can put together a big down payment, but could use some help with the mortgage. Renting one of the units will command a hefty monthly sum, and three bedrooms is a decent living space to occupy.

Move on if

You need more bedrooms. This could be an awkward setup for a large family with young kids who can't really be left on their own in a separate unit. The lack of parking will also prove irksome for some, though a street permit is an obvious option.
60 Melbourne Ave Toronto