Scarborough is growing up. The once-underdog district, located east of Toronto’s core, is set for a major transformation – one that will see its public spaces revitalized, new retail added, and no shortage of shiny new places to live.
And, underpinning the entire region will be a refreshed sense of community.
A buzzed-about project proposed for 1774 Ellesmere Road embodies the area's community-focused future. The mixed-use development is poised to sit at the edge of a renewing Scarborough Centre, where planned density surrounds new parkland and the incoming Scarborough subway extension (which is currently under construction).
“In response to the upcoming transit, there is a revitalization happening in the area with city planning and developers”, says Joe Svec, Partner at SvecGroup, who are the development managers on behalf of the owner. “There is a fresh, community-focused energy in this node; it’s exciting to be a part of it”.
With an emphasis on greenery, the development will feature two towers, 34- and 42-storeys tall. It will connect 886 units of mixed affordable and market-rate housing to transit (both subway and bus), and will provide community-centred services on site.
With architecture by Toronto’s celebrated Giannone Petricone architects and landscaping by Seferian Design Group, the proposed model will perfectly harmonize with neighbouring projects currently underway by developers Tridel and Greenwin. Ultimately, the series of builds will create a community of mixed-use development along the re-imagined streetscape.
“The site offers the opportunity to create a positive urban public realm, where Ellesmere Road is supported and animated by grade-related uses,” says architect Ralph Giannone. “This public experience ties into a compelling north-south public realm connection, which knits the development into a cohesive and exciting pedestrian experience.”
From an aesthetic perspective too, 1774 Ellesmere will blend harmoniously into its evolving community. “The podium and towers are modulated and positioned to ensure appropriate height transition from the adjacent neighbourhoods, while care is given to the intimate pedestrian scale at grade,” Giannone explains. “Exciting tapestry-like facades capture east-west light for residents, and at the same time augment the texture of the changing skyline in this part of the city.”
A "Reversed" Community-First Approach
The landowners have deep roots in the community, and are celebrating a potential partnership on the development with United Way Greater Toronto Area. The collaboration's goal is to provide supplemental community services, determined according to a needs-based assessment (which is currently underway).
Since 1956, when leaders from business, labour, and community organizations in Toronto joined forces to establish the United Way's charitable fundraising efforts, the organization has adapted its initiatives to address the needs of the city's vulnerable populations. Notably, United Way has moved into the provision of social purpose real estate, with the aim of providing accessible and affordable space for nonprofits, charities, and communities.
Community is, after all, at the heart of United Way and its programming. It’s also key to creating thriving places to live.
“Community space in Toronto is a critical part of creating liveable and vibrant neighbourhoods,” says Ruth Crammond, United Way GTA. “United Way Greater Toronto's community real estate initiative focuses on opportunities to secure sustainable space for community services like early years programming, services to promote the well-being of children and youth, and activities to help seniors stay healthy and active.”
Crammond notes that, in today's volatile real estate market, these important spaces are at risk. “We have to think about intentionally creating space for these services, as neighbourhoods are changing and densifying,” says Crammond. “This partnership is a forward-thinking example of ways in which development can partner with community non-profits like United Way Greater Toronto to ensure that we are creating the kind of neighbourhoods we all want to live in.”
The partnership marks a reversal of typical processes, the landowner says. “More often than not, the community benefits are not present at the start. Usually, a developer proposes a built-form, and it’s not until the very end that they contribute to a fund or find a partner. Right out the gate, we are explaining what our community vision is, and that’s very rare with development proposals.”
As for the City of Toronto, the municipality's on board. “I'm pleased about the United Way's partnership with the upcoming new development proposal at 1774 Ellesmere Road,” says Toronto City Councillor Paul Ainslie. “It's an opportunity to bring much-needed services to our community. United Way has committed to working hand-in-hand with our local partners to ensure this project truly reflects the needs of our residents and maximizes its positive impact."
A Showcase Of Seasoned Experience
Svec has been making moves in the development industry for over 15 years. Two years ago he opened SvecGroup to help landowners realize the full potential of their lands. The SvecGroup provides first-rate development management services for projects by aligning economic, market, and planning factors, so that a project can successfully adapt to a changing market.
His impressive career has included roles as the Vice President of Development and Planning for Canada’s Largest REIT Choice Properties, and Director of Development for a JV between Freed and AlmaDev — the latter of which saw him lead the redevelopment of Galleria Mall in Toronto.
Svec is also no stranger to working with the City of Toronto on its planning initiatives. He spent over half a decade at CreateTo (formerly Build Toronto) redeveloping the City’s portfolio of mixed-use, transit-oriented sites with private sector partners. In short, he knows a thing or two about the intricacies of modern urban living — and planning for its complex future.
“The development proposal will be a catalyst in reimagining a transit-rich area,” he says, “with a history of community focus.”
Backed by a team rich with experience, strong in their vision, and seeped in the importance of community, there's no denying 1774 Ellesmere represents the best of what's in store for the future of Scarborough.
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This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
