elitere | Oct. 28, 2025
Downtown Kitchener has changed dramatically in the last decade — evolving from an industrial hub into a walkable, creative core driven by innovation and culture. At the centre of that transformation stands Charlie West Condos, a 31-storey glass tower that captures the best of modern city living. With its prime location at 60 Charles Street West, the building combines architecture, lifestyle, and convenience in a way that feels perfectly suited to how people want to live today.
Momentum Developments has been shaping downtown Kitchener’s skyline for over a decade, and Charlie West represents one of their most ambitious projects yet. The building includes more than 300 residential suites, with layouts ranging from efficient studios to spacious 2-bedroom + den designs.
It’s also home to the Scott McGillivray Collection — a curated selection of upper-level suites designed in partnership with HGTV personality Scott McGillivray. These units feature 10-foot ceilings, open layouts, and upgraded finishes selected for style, quality, and function. The collection gives the top floors of the tower a unique edge, blending urban sophistication with practical design.
Inside, Charlie West carries the same modern, approachable feel as its exterior. Suites are bright and open, designed with large windows that draw in natural light and layouts that make the space feel functional and relaxed. Many include private balconies with views of downtown or Victoria Park, adding a genuine connection to the city outside.
Kitchens are finished in a clean, contemporary style — sleek cabinetry, stylish tile backsplashes, and stainless-steel appliances that complement the overall design. The flooring throughout the main living spaces is modern and durable, tying everything together in a way that feels cohesive and practical. On the upper floors, the Scott McGillivray Collection introduces higher ceilings, upgraded finishes, and a more curated interior palette that gives those suites an elevated edge.
The building’s amenities make downtown living easy. There’s a bright, well-equipped fitness centre, a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, and a community BBQ area that brings residents together in the warmer months. Pet owners will also appreciate the outdoor pet area, a thoughtful addition that makes the building even more livable for downtown dog owners.
A daytime concierge is on-site Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — coordinating day-to-day building support and knowing most residents by name. It’s a small detail, but one that adds a personal, community feel to city living.
What makes Charlie West stand out isn’t just what’s inside — it’s how the building connects to the downtown landscape around it.
Just outside the building, Tasty Deli and 271 West bring local flavour to the streetscape. Tasty Deli is a European delicatessen known for fresh sandwiches, cured meats, and imported goods, while 271 West is an Italian restaurant with handmade pasta, a curated wine list, and a welcoming patio that comes alive in the summer. Both add to the vibrancy of the block and give residents a taste of downtown right at their doorstep.
Directly across the street sits the Gaukel Block, a pedestrian-only corridor that’s become one of Kitchener’s most creative public spaces. Since its official opening in 2023, it’s hosted local markets, pop-up art installations, and community events in a vibrant setting of repurposed kiosks and flexible seating. At the heart of the block is the Hangout Heart — a bright, climbable sculpture designed to be both playful and eye-catching, perfectly visible from the building’s front windows.
Out front, Charlie West’s own streetscape extends the same energy. The entrance blends decorative paving, planters, and bench seating with a striking mural on the exterior wall. Every detail contributes to what makes Charlie West work so well downtown. It feels like part of the neighbourhood, not just another high-rise on the skyline.
Living at Charlie West means being part of Kitchener’s Innovation District, where some of the region’s most prominent tech companies have set down roots. Within minutes, you can walk to Google Canada’s headquarters, D2L (Desire2Learn), Vidyard, Communitech, and Deloitte. The mix of global firms and fast-growing startups has made this part of the city a hub for professionals drawn to the area’s blend of opportunity and livability.
Commuting is also effortless. The ION LRT stops just outside the building, connecting residents to Uptown Waterloo, the University District, and beyond. The GO Train station is a short walk away, providing direct service to Toronto — ideal for hybrid commuters. Major roadways like Highway 7/8 and the Conestoga Parkway are easily accessible, offering quick routes across the region.
This kind of connectivity is what continues to attract both buyers and investors to downtown condos. Whether you’re walking to work, grabbing a coffee on your way to the train, or meeting friends at a local restaurant, everything here is designed around convenience.
Within a few blocks of Charlie West, you’ll find some of Kitchener’s most recognized local spots, from boutique groceries to Michelin-recommended dining.
Odd Duck Wine & Provisions, recently listed in the Michelin Guide, serves refined small plates and thoughtfully chosen wines in a laid-back setting that perfectly fits the downtown vibe. Grand Surf Lounge brings West Coast energy to the city with colourful cocktails and a coastal-inspired menu, while TWH Social — tucked beneath the Walper Hotel — delivers a moody, speakeasy-style experience for dinner or drinks.
For daily errands, Marche Leo’s offers a boutique grocery experience with curated produce, artisanal snacks, and ready-to-go meals. Legacy Greens, another local staple, focuses on fresh Ontario-grown produce and small-batch pantry items. And for coffee lovers, Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters is just a short walk away — a local favourite for everything from morning espresso to weekend pastries.
Downtown Kitchener is also home to Apollo Cinema, an independent theatre that screens cult classics, new releases, and community events, and the Berlin Tower ARTSPACE, which showcases rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists. Just down the street, Carl Zehr Square hosts seasonal festivals like the Christkindl Market, and Victoria Park offers green space, walking trails, and scenic water views — all within minutes of your front door.
Here, urban living doesn’t mean sacrificing calm. It’s everything you love about the city, grounded in a neighbourhood that feels connected and walkable.
Charlie West continues to draw attention from both end-users and investors. Its proximity to major employers, public transit, and growing downtown amenities keeps demand steady. The combination of architecture, community design, and walkability gives it staying power — a key factor for long-term value.
Momentum Developments has proven itself as a consistent presence in the city’s urban growth story. Projects like One Victoria and Garment Street set the tone for what downtown Kitchener could become — and Charlie West built on that vision.
Charlie West isn’t just about convenience — it’s about being part of a city that’s still growing and redefining itself. Living here means being steps from your favourite restaurant, walking to work at a global tech firm, catching the train without stress, and ending the day with a view of the sunset over Victoria Park.
It’s the kind of downtown living that balances energy with ease — modern, walkable, and built around community.
