SmartLiving, SmartCentres REIT's residential sub brand is proposing a new high-rise tower adjacent to Yorkgate Mall, just steps away from the future Jane-Finch LRT station.
Urban Toronto states that Toronto is embarking on the largest transit expansion campaign in North America currently and with new transit lines comes a significant amount of transit-oriented development. The next major transit addition in the pipeline is the Finch West LRT, and development activity along Finch is picking up steam.
The high-rise represents the first significant new rental building proposed for the Jane-Finch neighbourhood in nearly four decades. Designed by Petroff Partnership Architects, the proposed tower is located in the northwest corner of the site along York Gate Boulevard and will replace an under-utilized portion of the surface parking lot. This will not affect the existing mall itself which will be enhanced by the new development.
SmartLiving recognizes the importance of the Yorkgate Mall among the local community and emphasized that the shopping centre will remain for the foreseeable future.
The new tower will include the following:
- Rise 22 storeys
- 294 rental units
- Range from studios to two-bedroom units
- Roughly 457 to 800 ft.
- Cater to seniors, singles, couples and small families
- In-unit laundry
- Dishwashers
- Multi-purpose room
- Co-working space
- Lounge and party room
- Kids' playroom
- 24-hour security
- Concierge
- Landscaped outdoor amenities
- Children's outdoor play area
- Barbecues
- Covered outdoor seating
- Public art component
The tower offers plenty of retail options including No Frills, LCBO, and Planet Fitness and is also located next to the Finch Recreation Trail which provides access to a park and green space.
The development is directly across the street from the proposed Jane-Finch Community Hub and Centre for the Arts, a new theatre and community centre that will be on land that was acquired by the City in a deal with Metrolinx to provide community benefits next to their Maintenance and Storage Facility for the Finch West LRT.
The Yorkgate proposal is currently seeking rezoning and site plan approval from the City.
Toronto Storeys reports that the Jane-Finch neighborhood is having a major transformation and will become home to an innovative community hub and arts centre, a convenient new transit line, new condo and rental development, fresh community infrastructure and many new local businesses.
"With new transit investment in infrastructure, the Jane and Finch area will see big positive changes. We need more people (density) to be located in proximity to that expensive infrastructure. The biggest positive of the new transit line is that it will facilitate a 15-minute neighbourhood. The 15-minute neighbourhood concept allows us to create walkable communities where all our daily needs are met in less than a 15-minute walk from the place we live. This is one of the benefits of building near transit. It also brings more people to support local businesses."
Architect & Urban planner at Smart Density/Toronto | Naama Blonder
Mayor Tory has stated that the City is actively involved in the transformation of the neighbourhood. He added that with the new LRT project and knowing that this will bring growth and density to the area, the City is working on addressing these challenges. His plans include exploring new community and cycling infrastructure, investing in the neighbourhood to ensure that those who live there now and in the future are receiving the proper support and services from the City.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 1 York Gate Boulevard Apartment Building North York - Toronto (0062040122)