The Year of the Master-Plan
By Lucas on Dec 16, 2013
We hardly ever see a residential tower proposed without commercial space and retail at street level. The days of planning a residential-only building in the downtown core are behind us, but that’s not even what we want to talk about today. Toronto is taking it one step further than a mixed-use building, we’re developing mixed-use communities. We call them master-plans.
First off, what exactly is a master-planned community? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a master-plan is “a plan giving overall guidance.” Now, apply that simple definition to an entire community. A master-plan takes into consideration everything that a community would need. The beauty is planners, architects, developers, and designers are all working together to create a cohesive community from scratch.
We’re calling 2013 the year of the master-plan because many were announced and many made tremendous progress. Listed below are a few that everyone should be excited about:
The Canary District by Dundee Kilmer (image above)
This master-plan needs no introduction. Dundee Kilmer is developing the Canary District in preparation of the Pan/Parapan American Games. Once the games are over, it will be completed as one of Toronto’s most highly anticipated communities.
In November, we visited Canary District to celebrate the topping off of Canary Park Condos, where we learned that the entire master-plan is operating on budget and on time. With about 700 workers onsite, they are progressing at roughly $1 million a day in labour and materials. Also, Corktown Common, the 18-acre public park in the community opened this year!
Bayside Toronto by Tridel and Hines
Bayside Toronto is an expansive master-plan for the East Bayfront area of Toronto, which spans from Lower Jarvis to Parliament along Lake Ontario. Tridel and Hines are working together to bring 2 million square feet of residential, commercial, retail, and cultural space to the 13-acre site. Aqualina at Bayside, the first residential phase, launched to the public last September.
Regent Park by The Daniels Corporation and Toronto Community Housing
The revitalization of Regent Park has been an ongoing process for a number of years now. One Park Place Condos phases 1 and 2 are the most recent residential phases. One of this year’s highlights for the Regent Park master-plan was Mitchell Cohen’s (president of Daniels) original theatrical production, which brought the community’s history and future to the stage. It was performed at Daniels Spectrum and starred Canadian jazz veteran Jackie Richardson, as well as members of the Regent Park community.
Alexandra Park by Tridel, Atkinson Housing Co-operative, Toronto Community Housing
Alexandra Park is an ambitious 15-year, two-phase master-plan. Located at the corner of Spadina and Queen Street West, the revitalization process includes the demolition and replacement of 333 townhomes and apartments, the refurbishment of 473 apartment units, and the development of 1,540 new market condo units and townhomes.
Tridel launched the first residential phase this year. Dubbed SQ, the project boasts a unique design by Teeple Architects.
Emerald City is another master-plan that has been turning dirt for a few years now. There are three residential towers under construction at the moment, and the fourth, Biyu Condos, launched this year. Another highlight of 2013 for Emerald City was the groundbreaking of the 50,000 square foot Parkway Forest Community Centre at Don Mills and Sheppard. This is the first new community centre to hit the neighbourhood in 20 years! With four residential buildings and a community centre underway, you’d think Emerald City was nearing completion...but there is much more to come!
Grand Harwood Place by Windcorp Developments
Grand Harwood Place is a master-plan for a plaza redevelopment at Harwood Avenue and Kings Crescent in Ajax. This isn’t the largest master-plan announced this year, but for Ajax, it’s a pretty big deal! The first phase is separated into two subphases: The first features a 10-storey condo and the second will bring 28 stacked townhomes. There will also be about 33,000 square feet of office space, and 31,000 square feet of street level retail. Another 84 stacked townhomes will be developed in a later phase. This master-plan is significant to Ajax because it is basically the rebirth of their downtown; it will open doors to more development opportunities.
Honourable Mentions:
1 Yonge by Pinnacle International
Parkside Village by Amacon (absolutely massive master-plan in Mississauga. Released The Towns this year).
With all these master-plans in the works, the Greater Toronto Area is on course to become one of the most comprehensive, well-planned regions of the world. We are really looking forward to see what these master-plans bring us in 2014!
