55 Charles (also known as 55C) "The Capsule Collection" luxury condominium was built by MOD Development. The condominium is located at 55 Charles Street in the heart of Bloor Yorkville, Toronto's most fashionable community, just minutes away from Yonge and Bloor Streets. The building is 52 stories high, offers 665 units and was designed by Alliance Architects. The building's exterior features striking geometric designs and contrasting materials, creating a bold, elegant and timeless architectural aesthetic. The streamlined exterior combined with the high-end modern aesthetic interior perfectly showcases the sophistication and convenience of urban life from the inside out. Supreme had the honor of interviewing Marie Girolamo, Design Director of MOD Developments, to discuss her unique insights into luxury residential design and the design concepts in the 55C project.
Award-winning combination of art and design
The suite's interior design was completed by the award-winning Toronto interior design company Cecconi Simone, and won two major awards including The BILD (Building Industry and Land Development) 2024 Best Model Suite Award and Best Innovative Suite Design Award. The overall style of the suite is calm, stylish and sophisticated. The design mainly uses natural wood, with subtle blocks of gold, sand and stone to create a modern design effect that combines nature and fashion. Nine-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a generous balcony create an open, spacious feel to the suite.
MOD Development has carefully designed two distinct show suites. The first show suite draws inspiration from the natural light that streams in from the windows, creating a bright and airy interior with a light, neutral palette accented by dark wood cabinetry and china. The second show suite offers a more calm, inviting ambience, with dark wood and porcelain accents, accented by stark gold accents and lighter wooden cabinetry. In addition, all artworks displayed in the show suite are also from amco studio + gallery to ensure the consistency and high quality of the overall artistic feel.
Living in a work of art
MOD Development has partnered with amco studio + gallery in Toronto’s trendy Junction district to launch a custom art program. Amco studio + gallery is both a boutique design and construction company and a contemporary art gallery, specializing in using art as a medium to help clients tell their different life stories through visual art effects. Clients who purchase a suite in The Capsule Collection will have the opportunity to meet gallery owner Alison Milne. Additionally, clients can commission new works of art from the gallery’s many outstanding artists, including many local Canadian artists. As the building is completed in stages, different furnishings will also debut, such as the new Zen-style paintings created by Canadian artist Chanelle Jefferson, which will be exhibited for the first time in the lobby of 55C Apartment.
The 55C project’s low-key luxury design
When talking about the design elements and directions that a luxury apartment should have, Design Director Marie Girolamo emphasized: “A luxury home is not just about high-end finishes or appliances, it’s about creating an environment that truly enhances the quality of life for residents.” She pointed out that a luxury home should provide amenities that meet the needs of comfort, efficiency and health, well-designed spaces that maximize the use of natural light and views, and truly help to enhance the quality of life. “These homes should allow residents to enjoy a resort-like experience in their own home and be part of a high-quality community.” In her view, the essence of luxury is to “create a haven that meets the unique needs and desires of residents, making daily life full of joy and satisfaction.”
Discussing the design theme of 55C, Girolamo said: “We implemented the concept of ‘understated luxury’ throughout the building and in each suite.” She explained that the design team’s goal was to create spaces that were both functional and beautiful, and that fit the residents’ lifestyles. “Understated luxury means focusing on classic elegance rather than chasing ephemeral trends,” she emphasises. In her view, by prioritising classic design elements, they create spaces that are both stylish and relevant, spaces that enhance the daily lives of their residents and that will retain their style and value over time. Girolamo further noted that as part of MOD Developments, “we believe deeply in the value and impact of art,” and therefore have incorporated a large number of art elements into the 55C project, not only displaying original works carefully curated by amco studio and gallery in public spaces such as the lobby, but also introducing a custom artwork program for homebuyers of the newly launched final occupancy suite series.
Marie Girolamo, Design Director, MOD Developments
Challenges and artistic balance in the design process
When talking about the challenges in the design process, Girolamo admitted: “Designing a building that will be built in five or even ten years is always challenging.” As a developer, they must strive to find a delicate balance in the design, both to meet contemporary aesthetics and to ensure that it is not outdated. She laughed and said: “Strike this balance is an art in itself.”
When asked about her favorite part of Apartment 55C, Girolamo said it was hard to pick a single favorite. “The millwork in the kitchens and bathrooms is particularly flexible, seamlessly combining functionality and aesthetics, allowing residents to personalize the space to suit their needs,” she noted. She also appreciated the high-end finishes that come standard in the residences, which not only add an air of luxury and elegance, but also enhance the overall living experience. She particularly mentioned that being able to customize a personal artwork for her home was also a very special opportunity, and this project deeply touched her heart as an art lover.
Finally, Girolamo stressed the importance MOD Developments places on delivering on its promises. “We take great pride in ensuring that what homebuyers see when purchasing is exactly what is delivered.” She says MOD Developments consistently delivers on their promises, from the striking lobby to the expansive facilities and even down to the individual suites. “A home is one of the biggest investments people make in their lifetime, and we want to make sure we’re protecting the value of that investment.” For the few remaining suites at 55C, Girolamo revealed that they are offering buyers the ultimate housewarming gift – the opportunity to commission a custom piece of art from an artist represented by amco studio + gallery.
kitchen
The kitchen features a functional Trevisana design with soft-closing cabinets and built-in drawer systems. The six-piece Panasonic appliance package includes a built-in refrigerator, induction cooker, stainless steel stove, built-in range hood, dishwasher and built-in microwave. Versatile solid porcelain stoneware countertops and backsplashes add elegance to your kitchen. Innovative and custom millwork with built-in seating benches, dining table and pantry enhances the practicality and beauty of the kitchen.
suite
Suites are designed by industry-leading and award-winning Cecconi Simone to enhance residents' living experience. The suite features smooth nine-foot ceilings that create a sense of spaciousness, while large floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows allow in plenty of natural light. The design also adds built-in storage space in the wardrobe, upgraded custom sunshade curtains in the living space, and blackout curtains in the bedroom, further enhancing overall comfort and privacy.
bathroom
The bathroom design perfectly embodies the perfect combination of functionality and beauty. Custom woodworking shelves and drawers provide ample storage space. Integrated Corian wash basin and vanity unit with wall mounted faucet, backlit mirror, and drawers with soft-close feature. The bathroom floor and the bathtub or shower surround are made of high-quality tiles, paired with a spa-like shower head with independent handheld extension function. The frameless glass shower and bathtub both feature stylish tile recesses to conceal storage, creating a bathing environment that is both elegant and minimalist.
Entire apartment
The entire apartment building is equipped with a four-pipe mechanical system, allowing residents to individually control heating and cooling at any time of the year. Each apartment is individually metered to allow for accurate tracking of water and electricity usage. High-speed fiber optic internet is included in the maintenance fee and WiFi is available in the lobby and all facility areas. Recessed spotlights in the hallway, bathroom and wardrobe add to the modern feel and lighting effect of the space. All parking spaces are reserved for EV charging facilities to meet future needs.
