Carolyn Court

Location

Toronto, Canada

Year

2000s

Carolyn Court is a residential apartment complex located at 980 Lawrence Avenue East & 1122 Don Mills Road in the Don Mills area of Toronto. This property consists of a 6-story rental apartment building originally built in the late 1950s, which has since been extensively renovated and managed by NIOT Investment Holdings. Set on a 2.5-acre site at the northwest corner of Don Mills Road and Lawrence Avenue, Carolyn Court offers a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rental suites. The building is characterized by its mid-century modern design – a long, rectangular form with balconies – now complemented by updated amenities and contemporary interior finishes. NIOT undertook a complete transformation of Carolyn Court in the 2000s, revitalizing the structure while preserving its solid fundamentals. Today, Carolyn Court features beautifully landscaped grounds, a dedicated on-site management office, and conveniences for residents such as surface and underground parking, laundry facilities on each floor, and even some ground-floor commercial services for added convenience. The complex’s location is directly across from the Shops at Don Mills and adjacent to public transit, making it highly desirable for those seeking rental accommodations in a prime area. In essence, Carolyn Court stands as an example of NIOT’s commitment to rejuvenating residential assets – turning an aging apartment building into a modern, attractive home for the community.

Project Overview

Carolyn Court is a 6-storey apartment building at 980 Lawrence Avenue East and 1122 Don Mills Road. Originally built in 1958 and fully revitalized by NIOT in the early 2000s, the property features over 100 residential units and serves as NIOT’s on-site management base.

Historical Significance or Background

Part of the original Don Mills rental housing stock, Carolyn Court was acquired and upgraded by NIOT as part of a strategic plan to improve mid-century rental housing in Toronto. The property is emblematic of NIOT’s ethos of value-add revitalization.

Role of NIOT and Key Individuals

Simon Benattar oversaw the transformation project, with Cecilia Benattar’s long-term vision for community-focused real estate serving as the foundation. NIOT conducted extensive renovations while maintaining full tenancy.

Architectural Design and Features

Concrete mid-century slab building with balconies, now updated with new cladding, modern windows, interiors, and common areas. Commercial tenants (e.g., dental office) integrated on ground floor.

Project Timeline and Milestones

Late 1990s: Acquisition
2000–2004: Full renovation completed
2010s: Modernizations and upgrades
2020s: Upgrades

Partnerships or Tenants

Residential tenants, with commercial uses on the ground floor. Crossbridge manages building operations with NIOT oversight. Longstanding relationship with Tim Hortons and medical tenants.

Community Impact and Redevelopment Value

Revitalized a dated asset, improved the streetscape, and added valuable services at ground level. Continues to provide stable, high-quality rental housing in a rapidly intensifying neighborhood.

Maps and Location Context

Prime corner at Lawrence Avenue East and Don Mills Road. Near TTC hub, Shops at Don Mills, and multiple NIOT-owned sites.