Toronto's first-ever suburban shopping plaza is poised for a major transformation after more than 70 years at the bustling intersection of Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West. A formal planning application submitted to the City of Toronto confirms the ambitious redevelopment of the historic Lawrence Plaza at 534 Lawrence Ave W.
From Retail Legacy to Mixed-Use Hub
Originally opened in 1953, Lawrence Plaza was a pioneering example of suburban retail development in Toronto. Today, its aging infrastructure and sprawling surface parking lots have become an opportunity for reinvention. Developer RioCan, in a joint venture with property owner the Milestone Group, is aiming to breathe new life into the site by reimagining it as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use community that balances modern residential needs with essential retail services.
BlogTo reports that preliminary concept plans were shared with locals at a March 4 open house at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School, followed by a full development application submitted in June 2025. The goal is to transition this auto-centric plaza into a walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhood that still honours its historic significance.
Project Overview and Scope
Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the proposal includes:
Seven residential towers ranging from 12 to 39 storeys
One mid-rise building at six storeys
Approximately 2,700 new residential units (with a potential rental component)
11,829 square metres (127,331 square feet) of retail space
A new public park measuring nearly 4,000 square metres
On-site daycare fronting the park
This master-planned community will leverage its location at the junction of two key Toronto "Avenues," Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue West, integrating high-density living with essential services and enhanced green space.
Retail Continuity and Phased Construction
Recognizing the importance of long-standing local businesses, such as United Bakers, the development team has adopted a phased construction strategy. The six-phase plan begins with the site’s northwest corner, where new retail spaces will be built before the full demolition of the existing plaza. This phased approach is intended to minimize disruption and allow businesses to remain operational throughout the transformation.
Public Realm and Urban Integration
The proposal aims to create a complete community that prioritizes walkability, green space, and connectivity. Key features include:
Generous sidewalks and pathways to promote pedestrian activity
Public gathering spaces and a large central park
Enhanced streetscapes on Bathurst and Lawrence
Transit-oriented design to reduce reliance on cars
This reimagined public realm not only contributes to citywide housing goals but also enhances the livability and vibrancy of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Workforce and Trades Involved
A redevelopment of this scale will generate significant employment opportunities across multiple construction trades. Workers likely to be involved in the project include:
Demolition Crews – for removal of existing plaza structures and surface parking
Excavation and Foundation Teams – to prepare the site for new building cores and underground services
Concrete Formers and Finishers – for podiums, towers, and structural slabs
Steelworkers – for high-rise framing and reinforcements
Crane Operators – for lifting materials during tower construction
Electricians and Plumbers – for all interior systems including retail and residential units
Glaziers and Façade Installers – for curtain walls and exterior finishes
Drywallers, Painters, and Carpenters – for interior fit-outs
Roofers and Landscapers – for rooftop amenities and parkland installation
HVAC Technicians – for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
In total, the project will offer steady, long-term employment for hundreds of tradespeople over multiple years.
Community Impact and Long-Term Vision
While the proposal still awaits final approval from the City of Toronto, it reflects a broader vision of urban renewal and intensification. Planning documents state: “It reimagines Toronto's first auto-oriented suburban retail plaza as a transit-oriented community, responding to ongoing urban change while preserving its historic role as a community gathering place.”
As Toronto continues to face challenges related to housing supply and infrastructure modernization, the Lawrence Plaza redevelopment stands as a model for how aging commercial sites can be adapted to meet contemporary needs. With a focus on density, inclusivity, walkability, and sustainability, this transformation offers both a nod to the past and a bold step into the future for Toronto's built environment.