A historic Toronto neighbourhood welcomes the new, the chic, the contemporary

From The Condo Guide

One of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods is quickly becoming the hub of a major revitalization. Established in the early 1800s by pioneering Irish emigrants, the east-end Toronto neighbourhood known as Corktown is once again home to a pioneering group intent on creating a vibrant and dynamic sense of community along this significant stretch of King Street East.

Now releasing in the neighbourhood is Phase 2 of Corktown District, one of Toronto’s most successful developments in the lower east side. The preview opening is planned for early fall, just four and a half months after the launch of Phase 1, which is now 85 per cent sold.

Located west of the Don River and bordered by Shuter Street, Lakeshore Boulevard and Berkeley Street, the Corktown neighbourhood is one of Toronto’s most historic enclaves. However, in an ironic twist, this historic community is fast becoming home to some of the city’s most contemporary and cutting-edge new developments.

Alie Warren, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Streetcar Developments, expects that buyers attracted to Corktown District will be knowledgeable of the popularity the lower east side is gaining as it continues to grow. The development will neighbour the city’s waterfront revitalization in the West Don Lands, where residents will benefit from 23 acres of parks and public spaces. Also swaying prospective purchasers’ decision to move to Corktown is the strong commercial corridor, which includes the trendy shops and unique restaurants developing along Queen Street East and in the Distillery District.

“With the amazing success of our first phase of Corktown District, which is already 85 per cent sold after only launching this past spring, I see this as a strong indicator for the public’s thirst to be a part of this exciting new area of Toronto,” comments Warren.

Says Les Mallins, President of Streetcar Developments, “The reason that we moved here, first with Queen City Vinegar Co. Lofts, and now with Phase 2 of Corktown District, is the potential of the area.” Of course, Mallins is referring to the major revitalization of the surrounding areas – the West Don Lands to the south, the Distillery District to the south-west, the King-Parliament area to the west, the Regent Park revitalization to the north, and excitement is mounting about all the activity in Riverside. “It seems to me that [Corktown District] is at the centre of all of these trends. Our objective when we moved here almost two years ago continues to be our objective today – to revitalize Corktown simultaneously as all these adjacent areas that are currently being developed.”

At the heart of the Corktown District development is integrating the old and the new, the comfortable and the environmentally conscious, the fashionable and the functionable.

The combination of the old and the new is something that required a lot of thought and attention. “In Corktown, all of the properties that we acquired in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 were former light-industrial warehouse buildings – that’s the history of Corktown,” says Mallins of this tightly knit community that integrates historic, 120-year-old row houses and industrial buildings. “We felt that it would be wrong to ignore the history of that integration and come forward with a building that didn’t respect that mix, so that’s where we come up with the warehouse-inspired design.” Phase 2, located at 510 King St. E., will be an eight-storey, 185-unit, mid-rise building featuring a solid charcoal brick base, with upper portions of the structure featuring spans of glass, to keep the scale and style appropriate to the neighbourhood.

“Because the architecture is inspired by warehouses, there are certain features of the authentic buildings that people really take to,” comments Mallins. “As part of our project, which ties in with our Green program and LEED certification, instead of demolishing the existing buildings on the site and shipping them to a waste yard, our objective is to reclaim the brick and big timber columns, and integrate them as architectural features in most of the units of Corktown Phase 2.” To dispose of materials that lack redeeming aesthetic qualities, Streetcar Developments is implementing an extensive recycling program. “Fifty per cent of the existing buildings will be re-used, recycled or donated to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, so that unnecessary waste is not put in our landfills. As well, our team will follow specific construction best-practices detailed in LEED certification. We feel it’s the responsible thing to do.”

Adding to the distinctive warehouse loft appeal of the exposed brick walls and wooden columns, interiors will boast ceilings ranging from 10 to 12 ft., and an ultra-hip floor of polished concrete that all hint at Corktown‘s industrial activity, only with a more refined twist. Contemporary Italian kitchens feature stone counters and stainless steel appliances. Large warehouse-style windows let natural light flood your living space, and most suites include a balcony or terrace, to bring the outdoors in.

Building amenities will include a car-share program, bicycle storage, and a Green roof that’s designed to limit the heat island effect, minimize storm-water run-off into city systems, and while being environmentally friendly, the Green roof will offer a lovely landscaped area for residents to enjoy. Additional building amenities include a lounge and fitness centre.

“Corktown District is a unique opportunity for buyers to benefit from modern living while being a part of a community which is rarely found in new loft development,” says Warren. “For those who want to be close to downtown and have access to all the amenities the city has to offer but don’t want to live in a cookie-cutter high-rise, Corktown District is the best alternative.”

The Condo Guide Magazine is an excellent source of housing information for those looking for information on new condos in Ontario, Canada. We offer the most up-to-date information on new condominiums across the greater Toronto area.

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Contact Laurin Jeffrey for more information – 416-388-1960