Mid-Rise Development Proposed for Leslieville

TAS Design Build has proposed a redevelopment along Eastern Avenue in Leslieville. They recently submitted a Zoning By-Law Amendment application to the City of Toronto for a 12 storey mixed-use building comprised of purpose-built rental housing and community-oriented commercial space.

An article in Urban Toronto states that the site is located at 880 Eastern Avenue on the northwest corner with Knox Avenue. It is currently occupied by a one-storey automotive body repair shop, a two-storey industrial printing facility, and a surface parking lot.

SvN Architects + Planners designed the building and aimed at responding to the distinct character of the bordering streets which are industrial and residential.

The proposal consists of:

 

 - 12-storey building fronting on Eastern Avenue and then stepping down to 8 storeys at the site's interior and 4 storeys at the rear

 - A 3-storey podium wraps the facades

 - Upper-level units organized around a central courtyard which is the heart of the development

 - Step-backs provide location for a variety of outdoor areas for residents and visitors to gather

 - Sunken courtyard surrounded by exterior circulation corridors

 - Green roof for on-site food production

 - Upper level roof terraces

 

The proposal provides 12,844 m2 of Gross Floor Area (GFA) which will be comprised of the following:

 

 - 363 m2 non-residential GFA 

 - 12,481 m2 residential GFA

 - Integrated live/work units that will front Knox Avenue

 - Stacked townhouses will front Sears Street

 - Grade level commercial space on Eastern Avenue to serve community needs

 - Residential entrance is located at the southeast corner

 - Vehicular and servicing access provided from a private laneway along western edge of property

 - 157 dwelling units 

 - 82 one-bedrooms

 - 59 two-bedrooms

 - 16 three-bedrooms

 - Two levels of parking underground with space for 120 vehicles

 - Parking for 181 bicycles provided

 

Over half of the units in the development will have two facades with operable windows providing both daylight and natural ventilation. In over 38% of the units, the residents can walk outdoors directly from their unit without needing to use an elevator or a lobby like typical developments.