What are we proposing?
Through the introduction of residential units and open space, and the reintroduction of retail and commercial space, this mixed-use proposal hopes to become a gateway corner into the Upper Avenue Community. Improving the public realm is a must for this project and First Capital looks forward to making this site a pedestrian friendly place to shop, live, and work. A resubmission of the application was made in August 2022 and December 2023. Changes to the proposal are reflected below and can be viewed in more detail on the Application Materials page.
Public Realm
This project has a significant opportunity to improve the walkability of Avenue and Lawrence, and create an experience that makes it a destination for the community. Through the redevelopment of the site there will be:
- Wider sidewalks, doubling size in some areas
- Places to sit and art to enjoy
- A reduced number of curb cuts
- A new public street
Green & Open Space
Providing much needed green and open space in the Avenue and Lawrence neighbourhood, by providing:
- A 1,088 square metre public park, with frontage onto Avenue Road, Douglas Avenue, and the new public street. This park was first introduced to the plan as part of the July 2022 resubmission of the application
- Additional public open spaces along all street frontages including the new public street
- Landscaping that will introduce more green to all edges of the site
Retail Space
Providing a boost and injection of vibrancy into the retail landscape along the Avenue Corridor, by providing:
- 4,038 square metres of retail space
- Retail at street level in "Building A" and "Building B"
- Continuous retail frontages along Avenue and Lawrence
- 71 retail underground parking spaces
Built Form
The size of this site allows for a unique opportunity in the Upper Avenue area. This proposal responds to the site context in providing two mixed-use residential buildings with heights of 12 and 14 storeys. The addition of 272 Lawrence and 1549 Avenue to the property allowed for a variety of updates to be made to the site layout.
There will be a total of 665 units, including 15 rental replacement units. Parking for cars and bikes will be provided underground, with 632 parking spaces and 500 bicycle parking spaces.