The Summit: The King West Condo That Doesn’t Quite Fit—And That’s What Makes It Great

Walk down King West today, and you’ll see a sleek parade of glass towers, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants. It’s the heart of downtown’s entertainment and business culture, where new developments rise higher and denser each year. But then, there’s The Summit—a trio of buildings that look like they belong in a different era, almost out of place among the modern skyline. With its brick and concrete façade, terraced balconies, and sprawling layout, The Summit stands in stark contrast to the compact, ultra-modern condos that surround it. And yet, for those who know, The Summit isn’t just another old building—it’s one of the best places to live in King West.

The Origins of The Summit

The Summit was built in the mid-1980s, during a time when King West was still transitioning from a hub of manufacturing and warehouses into a mixed-use neighborhood. At the time, the idea of condominium living in this part of the city was relatively new, and The Summit was one of the early pioneers in bringing residential life to King West.

Designed to offer a blend of comfort and convenience, The Summit’s three buildings—701, 705, and 725 King Street West—stood out with their distinct architecture and emphasis on livability. Unlike many of today’s condo developments that prioritize density over space, The Summit was built with generously sized units, thoughtful layouts, and a strong sense of community in mind.

The Summit’s Storied Past

Beyond its architectural appeal, The Summit also has a rich history of notable residents. In its earlier years, members of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays frequently stayed at the building, adding a touch of sports legacy to its reputation. Players such as Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour of the Leafs, as well as Blue Jays legends like Joe Carter and Dave Stieb, were known to have called The Summit home at various points. It wasn’t uncommon to spot athletes in the hallways or at the on-site amenities, making it a favorite among fans and residents alike.

King West itself was a different world back then—less polished and more industrial, with warehouses and factories still lining the streets. The nightlife and dining scene were only just starting to take shape, and The Summit stood as a beacon of change, signaling the neighborhood’s shift toward a vibrant urban destination.

A Neighborhood in Transition

In the years following The Summit’s development, King West began to change. The old factories and warehouses started giving way to loft conversions, trendy restaurants, and a burgeoning nightlife scene. By the early 2000s, the area had become a hotspot for professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs looking to be close to the downtown core without sacrificing charm or character.

Despite this rapid transformation, The Summit remained a highly sought-after residence. Its amenities—including a rare-for-the-area outdoor pool, a large indoor pool, a squash court, and even a private theatre—offered a lifestyle that newer buildings struggled to match. While many newer condos focused on compact, efficient layouts, The Summit’s spacious units became an increasingly rare find in the city.

The Summit Today: A Blend of Space and Lifestyle

Fast forward to today, and The Summit continues to attract buyers and renters who appreciate its mix of old-school charm and modern convenience. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers something more valuable—space to breathe, a real sense of community, and a location that puts you at the center of everything without making you feel boxed in. It’s the kind of place where you can actually have a dinner party without squeezing guests between a kitchen island and your couch.

So, is The Summit for you? If you’re looking for a home that doesn’t just check the usual “King West condo” boxes but instead offers a rare blend of character, history, and livability, you might want to take a closer look. A unit like 725 King St W #213 could be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.

See It for Yourself

King West has changed, but The Summit has remained a constant—an anchor in a neighborhood that never stops evolving. It has seen the rise of trendy restaurants, the transformation of industrial spaces into lofts, and the shift from a quiet stretch of King Street into one of Toronto’s most vibrant districts. Through it all, The Summit has kept its identity: spacious, inviting, and full of character.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll find longtime residents who wouldn’t dream of leaving, mingling with newcomers who can’t believe their luck at discovering it. A building that’s witnessed the city’s transformation yet stayed true to itself. A piece of King West history that—just like the neighborhood—only gets better with time.