Real Estate Today with Asif Khan: Downtown Markham - The Master Plan and More - Markham Unionville Real Estate www.AsifKhan.ca

Over 30 years ago, as I traveled up the dark and hilly two-lane road named Warden Avenue, the only sound I'd hear would be that of my tires on the road. I remember dialing "8" to get a line out, smelling the fresh manure from the farms on Major Mackenzie as I opened my front door, and I remember the trees that adorned both sides of Warden as I drove past two lights to the lone gas station at the corner of Highway 7. I remember when Markville was just a forest, and the excitment we felt as we drove to the grand opening of the only shopping centre in town besides what is now called "The Shoppes on Steeles". I thought about this today as I drove across the 407 and then up the well-lit, four lane, Warden Avenue, waiting in traffic at light after light.. Yes! Things sure felt different. There is no longer a need to dial 8 before calling out, the trees have been replaced with executive homes on both sides, we no longer have to get our water tested every six months, and the farms are pretty much dissappearing one by one. Sad, no?

No! There is excitement in the air in Markham. The building of the town's "new" Downtown is underway. A few of the residences are already occupied and more are under construction. Downtown Markham will have a mix of residential, commercial and entertainment uses and be an effective alternative to urban sprawl, making this the most dynamic of downtowns in the GTA. The limitation of vehicular traffic to the outside perimeter of Downtown Markham is a great idea. Travel through the interior will be limited to passengers and VIVA Transit. Esthetically, this is a gorgeous project. I am attaching the master plan for Downtown Markham and some artists conceptions of the various pieces that will go into making this the most magnificent downtown around. Now don't get me wrong. I still love Main Street Unionville and Main Street Markham. Those streets will always have a special place in our hearts and their heritage and sheer beauty will always drive us to frequenting them. As a Markham-Unionville boy, I'm proud to say that our Main Streets have always contributed to making Markham the best town in the GTA. Downtown Markham brings a whole new level of excitment to town. 10,000 residents and 16,000 employees will frequent this area with visitors everyday. As the work continues and the pieces all come together the anticipation continues to grow. Markham continues to set itself apart from the rest of the towns and cities in the GTA, and soon we will have a new stage to shout that from! As the Downtown Markham slogan says, "NOW THIS IS LIVING!".

Bravo Markham! Bring it on!

Master Plan Comprehensive and Cosmopolitan Downtown Markham is a high-density, compact, mixed-use and transit-supportive community that meets the needs of residents, employees, shoppers and visitors while providing an effective alternative to urban sprawl.

	Montgomery High Street Urban and Urbane Fashionable stores and inviting restaurants stand shoulder to shoulder along bustling Montgomery High Street, tempting shoppers and providing an animated backdrop for vibrant street life day and night.

	The Piazza Heart and Soul The Piazza is a European-style square in the centre of Downtown Markham. This is the place to meet friends, observe or take part in celebrations and events, or just enjoy a moment of respite by watching people pass by or the seasons change.

	The Gallery Day and Night Linking the central piazza and the downtown entertainment district, The Gallery is an extraordinary open but covered space lined with shops and overlooked by condominiums. Offering a glimpse of exciting possibilities beyond, it’s also a place to linger and enjoy all year long.

	The Commercial District Business and Pleasure The commercial district offers the best of both worlds – a productive and thriving corporate environment that is just a short walk to the central square, park, shops and restaurants of the downtown core.

	Simcoe Promenade Car Free and Care Free Anchoring the downtown’s unique pedestrian Simcoe Promenade, the entertainment district is home to restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, theatres, sporting activities…something for everybody and right in the centre of the action.

	Benchmark Refined and Relaxed Downtown Markham's classically inspired luxury townhomes offer unparalleled features and finishes -- not just a lifestyle but a way of life, this is the 'benchmark' of refined living.



	Rouge Bijou Rest and Play The exciting new Luxury Condominium Residences in the heart of Downtown Markham feature exquisitely-appointed suites, a stunning lobby entrance, exclusive amenities and a 24-hour concierge.
	Rouge Bijou Terraces
	Rouge Bijou Promenade
	Rouge Bijou Arbor



	The Verdale Green and Serene The Verdale Elegant and refined, The Verdale's luxuriously appointed suites and location offer residents the perfect home base from which to enjoy Downtown Markham's many amenities, from cafes, to shops, to parks to the stunning, 9000 sq. ft. courtyard at your doorstep.

	The Verdale II

	The Courtyard R and R A place to read a book, savour your coffee or simply enjoy a little quiet time. Welcome to the courtyard, the centre of it all, a 9000 sq. ft. paradise where you'll find trees, flowers, fountains, grass and no shortage of places to kick back and relax.