Missing Middle Housing Planned for Danforth Avenue

Toronto's housing landscape is evolving with the launch of 2720 Danforth, the first project in Collecdev-Markee Developments' "Missing Middle Portfolio." Designed to address the stark absence of medium-density, multi-unit, lower-rise housing in the city, this eight-storey, 64-unit purpose-built rental development is a bold step toward community-oriented and sustainable urban growth.

Tackling the Missing Middle Gap

The Missing Middle Portfolio includes five proposed rental buildings ranging from six to eight storeys. This first project replaces a low-rise commercial strip and surface parking lot with an innovative residential complex that blends heritage preservation, progressive planning, and cutting-edge construction techniques. The initiative is a direct response to the dominance of single-family homes and high-rises in Toronto and the urgent need for affordable, family-friendly alternatives.

Design, Materials, and Sustainability

2720 Danforth will be constructed using prefabricated modular mass timber and red brick, combining warmth and structural efficiency. Collecdev-Markee's President and CEO, Jennifer Keesmaat, emphasized the use of materials that evoke permanence and homeliness. The red brick, in particular, symbolizes stability and the idea of a long-term community residence.

Storeys reports that the building forgoes underground parking and vehicular infrastructure, aligning with Collecdev-Markee's sustainability goals and the city’s shift toward transit-oriented living. The site’s proximity to Danforth GO and Main Street subway station underscores its transit accessibility, a key feature of all five developments in the portfolio.

Preserving Heritage and Enhancing Community

At the front of the site along Danforth Avenue, an existing two-storey heritage structure will be reconstructed in white brick and serve as a maker space for small-scale, entrepreneurial retail operations. Adjacent to it will be a new four-storey section housing the residential lobby and street-facing amenity areas.

Behind these buildings, the heart of the site will feature a shared courtyard designed as a communal gathering space. Surrounded by lush landscaping, the courtyard will serve as the “backyard” for all residents. It connects the buildings via staircases and walkways, adding depth and community interaction to the complex’s layout.

Site Composition and Architecture

The development is visually and functionally divided into three key structures:

• Building A: Includes the heritage structure and adjoining four-storey section with lobby and amenities.

• Central Courtyard: A shared outdoor area offering flexible seating, greenery, and pathways.

• Building B: An eight-storey rear structure that will contain the majority of the residential units.

This composition creates a village-like setting in an urban context, providing architectural diversity and promoting social engagement.

Housing Mix and Affordability

The 64 rental units will be distributed as follows:

• 55% two-bedroom apartments

• 42% one-bedroom apartments

• 3% studio apartments

At least 10% of the units will be designated as affordable housing. This diverse unit mix is intended to accommodate a range of incomes and family sizes, helping address Toronto’s affordability crisis.

Planning and Policy Influence

Collecdev-Markee has long advocated for medium-density zoning. Years before launching the Missing Middle Portfolio, the team helped secure policy changes allowing six-storey, 60-unit buildings by right on major streets. Although this project exceeds that threshold and requires a zoning amendment, those earlier efforts streamlined the planning process and paved the way for broader citywide acceptance.

Construction and Trades Involved

The project’s modular mass timber construction method calls for a skilled and varied workforce, including:

• Timber frame assemblers

• Modular systems installers

• Bricklayers and stone masons

• Finish carpenters and millworkers

• Electricians and plumbers

• Landscape architects and horticulturists

• Accessibility consultants

• Mechanical and HVAC technicians

This type of mid-rise development offers steady employment for local trades while showcasing environmentally conscious construction.

Looking Ahead

2720 Danforth sets a precedent not only in design but in planning philosophy. With four additional proposals in the pipeline, Collecdev-Markee aims to lead the way in reshaping Toronto’s urban fabric through compact, sustainable, and inclusive housing models. Locations for the remaining sites are still under wraps as community consultations proceed, but the impact of this first project is already resonating.

Conclusion

The 2720 Danforth development embodies the future of Toronto housing: sustainable, accessible, and rooted in community. By prioritizing design quality, transit connectivity, and affordability, Collecdev-Markee's Missing Middle Portfolio offers a scalable solution to some of the city’s most pressing urban challenges. For construction professionals, urban planners, and tradespeople, this project represents not only a new job site—but a blueprint for what the next generation of housing should look like.