Unionville in Markham has a long history that dates back to its establishment by settlers in 1794. This age-old village, known for its captivating historic center, attracts residents and tourists alike. Today, however, Unionville is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Merely a kilometer south of its time-honored heritage buildings, UnionCity South is taking shape, a beacon of progress that underscores the village's readiness to embrace the future.
UnionCity South, a mixed-use development project, is located just northwest of Kennedy Road and Hwy 407. The site is specifically south of Enterprise Boulevard at the intersection of University and YMCA boulevards. The project consists of:
- Six residential towers
- Six-story podiums
- Five towers will emerge from a shared podium
- Sixth tower stands independently in the center
- Range from 35 to 49 stories
- Corresponding to a height of 109.90m to 159.55m
- Include 2,608 residential units
This project breathes new life into a site that previously held high-rise residential planning permissions in 2014. After the initial plans fell through, the property was acquired by Enterprise Boulevard Inc. This expansive site, covering about 23,900m², is currently vacant. However, soon it will host 2,608 residential units, slightly downsized from the original proposal of 3,520 units. Each tower will house four elevators, servicing the units that are spread across four distinct phases of development.
UnionCity South also promises an array of commercial spaces such as:
- Retail establishments
- Offices
- Daycare centers
- Total gross floor area (GFA) of the development will sum up to 204,680m²
- Non-residential area of 10,000m²
Urban Toronto states that the location also facilitates easy access to public transportation with a VIVA bus entrance and its proximity to Unionville GO station, less than 300m to the east. The GO Station has been upgraded and is accessible with new pedestrian tunnels and an elevator on the north side. Designated pedestrian paths through the parking lot and newly constructed ramps have replaced the stairs between the parking lot and platforms. The parking lot was regraded and paved to create a level surface.
Addressing the need for parking, UnionCity South incorporates 1,707 spaces, broken down into 1,304 for residents, 261 for visitors, and 142 for office and retail use. In an ode to green living, the project also incorporates 1,504 long-term and 376 short-term bicycle spaces.
UnionCity South is not an isolated project; it’s a part of a larger vision that aims to seamlessly blend the past and the future of Unionville. The overall plan includes other significant developments such as the original UnionCity, which boasts three mixed-use condominium buildings, and the York University/Seneca College Markham Centre Campus. The vision is to transform the southern extension, once farmland, into a dense, vibrant, future-oriented community, while still preserving the heritage north of Highway 7.
The transformational potential of UnionCity South is undeniably significant. It represents a delicate and thoughtful balance between honoring the historical charm of Unionville and injecting it with a vibrant, future-ready energy. We, at DataBid, will continue to provide updates on the progress of this development.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Union City Mixed Use Condominium Development - Markham (0065072022)
