One St. Thomas
Neighbourhood: Yorkville
Built: 2008
Architect: Robert A. M. Stern, in collaboration with Young and Wright
Owners: John Ruddy, president of Trinity Development Group, a commercial real estate company, and his wife, Jennifer
John and Jennifer Ruddy are based in Ottawa but needed a Toronto pied-à-terre for their regular visits here. When they chose a suite in One St. Thomas, they wanted it designed to evoke the modern-traditionalist sensibility of the building’s architect, Robert A. M. Stern, who is known for his architectural tributes to 1920s and 1930s New York, most notably at 15 Central Park West.
After purchasing the entire 28th floor of the 29-storey luxury building, the Ruddys handed the raw space over to Toronto architect and interior designer Dee Dee Taylor Hannah. She says the moneyed Manhattan apartment in A Perfect Murder (the Michael Douglas–Gwyneth Paltrow thriller) offered a starting point for her concept: the final design incorporates such decadent details as onyx-inlaid floors and nickel cornices.
The Ruddys—who had not yet moved in when this space was photographed—are also working closely with art advisor Judith Tatar; John collects abstract art, with a focus on the Painters Eleven. Taylor Hannah created a tone-on-tone sitting room that won’t compete with the large, dramatic canvases soon to come.
Polished nickel cornices—architect Taylor Hannah calls them “ceiling jewellery”—run throughout the entire apartment.
The custom sofa by A. Rudin combines Primavera Great Plains fabric with bouclé fabric from Donghia.
The drapery was sewn by Studio La Beauté.
The 1960s chrome and glass chandelier is from Residential Lighting.
The custom plaster ceiling medallion and cornices are by Empire Plaster Moulding.
The Harrison and Gil upholstered tufted chairs are from Chair Source, with fabric by Donghia. 
For the flooring, Taylor Hannah used camaru hardwood and a marble border with flecked white onyx inlay and more polished nickel edging.
The curvaceous Carrara marble fireplace, purchased from the Fireplace Shop, was chosen to add a feminine feel to the otherwise masculine space.
The wall covering is grey silk by Great Plains trimmed with grosgrain ribbon by Mokuba.
The four mirrored sconces that flank the vanity mirrors in the master bath are actually repurposed from a Niermann Weeks chandelier that Taylor Hannah dismantled.
The bathroom fixtures are from Waterworks.
The onyx and dark mahogany vanity, custom-made by Falcon Kitchens, is another nod at combining feminine and masculine.
The vanity knobs and legs are crystal glass.
(Images: Michael Graydon)
Because correctness is important, even in the Twitter age, the architect firm is Page + Steele, not Page and Steele.
June 2, 2010 at 7:13 am | by KimberleyOnce again Toronto Life has presented an article that does not reflect a “Toronto life” of someone or some couple who makes less than $3 million a year or live off some sort of extended inheritance. I think the furnishings in some of those glam condos cost more than the actual unit of my own humble downtown abode.
June 2, 2010 at 12:15 pm | by LapAll 4 condos have a very similar look,you should have featured a more eclectic mix of design styles.
June 2, 2010 at 4:16 pm | by ValI am not sure what Lap’s point is. I am retired and live on a modest fixed income but very much enjoy seeing what some of those who have much more disposable income do with it. I think we are all part of “Toronto Life” and I am sure looking a Ms Pencer’s apartment is much more interesting than looking at mine.
June 3, 2010 at 10:42 am | by Georgeboring and uninspiring apartments manufactured and assembled in a factory somewhere in toronto’s suburbs.
June 3, 2010 at 11:21 am | by bianca marijanby no means do these apartments reflect opulence, just reinstate the owner’s financial means, reconfirming the old adage that money does not, in fact, guarantee that beautiful, subtle sense of style.
also, the thrill of salivating at others’ acquisitions is gone post a pretty ugly recession, we want to see inspiring spaces we live in. we, the everyday people.
The chair featured in the “Regency” numbered 15 is not the tulip chair but the Organic chair co-designed with Charles Eames in 1940, etc., etc., (look it up). The tulip chair is actually featured at number 13.
June 3, 2010 at 11:39 am | by rubennow this one is done with taste, nothing gauche like some ostentateous/obscene display of wealth
July 22, 2010 at 4:53 pm | by justmeWow, Nancy Pencer’s apartment is absolutely stunning!!!
August 3, 2010 at 12:21 pm | by Style GuruI love it. Elegant, fresh and unique. Apparently Bianca did not read the source list – this apartment was hardly put together in the suburbs. World class design – Bravo
I don’t get the point of showing this condo.
August 3, 2010 at 9:59 pm | by hollaceSeems like an attempt to imitate the 80′s.
I always think Toronto reflects it’s own pulse, it’s own new and old sensibilities .
You wasted space that could have highlighted someone more reflective of the Community.
I must say, The Windsor Arms apartment is breathtaking.
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February 19, 2012 at 12:07 pm | by Condominiums jacksonville floridaInstead of others providing snide commentary about the Pencer apartmnetment, they should appreciate the good causes that Ms.Pencer opens her home to. Helping others is always in good taste!
March 25, 2012 at 10:28 pm | by DW