The architectural design of Fifth on the Park in Emerald City

Last month, we had the opportunity to meet up with ELAD CANADA’s Ron Weinstock, Executive VP Business Development & Construction, at the Emerald City community in North York. The fourth and fifth towers are currently under construction. This week, we got the opportunity to take a closer look at the architectural design of Fifth on the Park.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the master-planned condo community, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the current development. The overall plan has been divided into three phases, each with three condo towers. The first phase is complete and occupied. The Colours of Emerald City is the fourth tower and the first tower in the second phase. Fifth on the Park will rise next to Colours, and is the fifth tower in the community.

“Fifth on the Park is situated on the new curved street that connects Parkway Forest to Don Mills Road in the master plan,” explains Len Abelman, a principal at WZMH Architects. “Rather than totally individual buildings, we have designed unique exteriors from a similar palette of materials that relate to each other. They vary in heights to form a gateway from Don Mills. In this section of the community, the first condominium, The Colours of Emerald City, is approximately 13 storeys. Fifth on the Park will be approximately 24 storeys, rising from a currently proposed three-storey podium.”

There are four levels of underground parking that these two tower will share, and there will also be a third tower on the site, which will rise approximately 33 storeys. The third tower hasn’t launched yet, but it is currently being designed, so you can bet we’re keeping a close eye on that!

An interesting aspect of Fifth on the Park’s design is that the lobby area is one floor higher than Don Mills Road because of the land’s grade. “The lower level links to The Colours of Emerald City shared amenities and is still infused with some natural light because it is still slightly above the adjacent street level,” says Abelman. The podium is designed to have as little impact as possible on the streetscape so it is not an overwhelming presence for pedestrians and residents.   

“We divided the large form of the tower into multiple planes by using two shades of glass on the building facade,” says Abelman. One of the important things to note about Emerald City is that it will eventually be a condo community of nine towers of various heights, so it is very important for the exterior designs of each one to complement the next. When people drive by or arrive at the community, it should be obvious that this is a cohesive master-plan, and so far, things are looking good!

“There will be retail along the podium edge as well,” Abelman points out. “Combined with trees, plantings, signage and storefronts, this building will animate the streetscape and surrounding community.”

During our site visit last month, Weinstock mentioned that when ELAD held their community meetings for these towers, many of the locals made it clear that more retail space was a must. There is a little bit of retail in each phase of Emerald City, and it looks like phase 3 will probably have the most.

Visit Emerald City today

As of mid-October, The Colours of Emerald City was 80% sold. For Fifth on the Park, there is a preview opening event coming up on November 14th, where you can take advantage of preview pricing, special bonuses, and cashback opportunities. For an invite to the preview opening, register here!

The presentation centre is located onsite at the corner of Don Mills and Sheppard, so while you’re visiting, we recommend taking the opportunity to walk around the completed first phase, stroll by the construction of phase 2, and check out the recently completed Parkway Forest Community Centre, which is across the street from phase 2.