A new project coming to the city’s vibrant Queen West neighbourhood was recently announced, and has definitely sparked our interest. Edition Richmond, developed by Curated Properties and designed by AUDAXarchitecture is re-interpreting the row house typology deeply rooted in the historic neighbourhood.

Edition Richmond, image courtesy of Curated Properties

The project is located at the western end of Richmond Street near Strachan Avenue, one block south of Trinity Bellwoods Park. Consisting of 20 townhomes of four storeys each, Curated Properties is offering a variety of options of two or three bedrooms, ranging from 1000 to 2000 square feet. The project is particularly appealing to those who are looking to maintain a downtown condominium lifestyle but want a few extra square feet that aren't usually found in conventional highrise towers.

Edition Richmond, image courtesy of Curated Properties

AUDAXarchitecture was clearly inspired by the tall-and-narrow row house vernacular found in Toronto’s older neighbourhoods, but have interpreted it in a distinctly modern way. The verticality of the townhomes is emphasized by slender and tall windows bordered by vertical architectural ornaments, drawing your eye towards the private rooftop terraces. Each terrace is outfitted with a sculptural archway echoing the windows below, providing shade during the day and illumination at night with embedded LED lights.

Edition Richmond, image courtesy of Curated Properties

The interiors have been planned by one of Toronto’s favourite design teams, Cecconi Simone. We have yet to receive interior renderings, however they’re sure to bring a level of contemporary sophistication and practicality to the project. A recent project release from Curated Properties hints at extensive millwork on the interiors, as well as one-of-a-kind integrated storage designed by Cecconi Simone.

Edition Richmond, image courtesy of Curated Properties

Curated Properties is innovatively re-using a former auto shop as the gallery space for the project; presented not as a development but rather a work of art, Cecconi Simone created a presentation gallery that juxtaposes the sophisticated interiors of Edition with the industrial nature of the repair shop in an attempt to reflect the surrounding neighbourhood. While Queen West is now more synonymous with boutique fashion stores and artisanal lattes, the project is attempting to re-connect and create a relationship with the area’s past in both form and presentation.

844-850 Richmond Street in Toronto, future site of Edition Richmond by Curated Properties. Image from google maps

It’s safe to say a trend in urban townhome development is underway in the downtown core; originally a distinctly urban housing typology, the past few decades saw the suburbanization of the townhouse, removing them from their original context. It’s reaussuring to see developers recognizing that a healthy city requires a variety of housing options at various densities.

For more information on Edition Richmond, check out our newly created dataBase page for the project, or the Projects and Construction Forum thread linked below!

Related Companies:  AUDAX, Cecconi Simone