The tower cladding is quickly creeping upward at One Park Place, and the exterior treatment is a refreshing change from the glass highrises that dot the city's skyline. The condominium complex is amongst those making up the second of five phases in the ongoing renewal of what was Canada’s largest public housing project, Regent Park. Developer The Daniels Corporation has undertaken the reworking of the site in partnership with Toronto Community Housing.

One Park Place, photo by UT forum member someMidTowner

Located at 581 Dundas Street East, this 600,000 sq.ft. mixed-use residential project occupies a full city block, a definitive landmark and focal point anchoring the corner of the new Regent Park Boulevard. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects with Cecconi Simone on the interior design, the 25-storey condo tower rises above an extensive podium that combines retail, offices and residential uses.

One Park Place, photo by UT forum member ChesterCopperpot

As depicted in its north facing elevation (photo above), the building's separate components are expressed, each use having its own distinct architectural language. Ground floor double-height retail space is defined on the exterior by slender precast fins that will frame the large windows facing the street activity on Dundas. The layer directly above houses offices and its more closely-spaced precast fins will, once the glazing is installed, provide a continuous horizontal band of glass to reflect the intimate scale of the work spaces within. Several floors of residential units above are clad in red brick which recalls the materiality of traditional residential neighbourhoods in Toronto.

Northwest corner of One Park Place, photo by David Porter

Alternatively, the tower's skin reads as a white screen, composed of spandrel glass and deep mullions, which is interrupted on each façade and at the corners by balconies. The mullion elements extend past the roof in order to conceal the mechanical penthouse and provide the structure with a distinctive tower cap.

One Park Place, photo by UT forum member drum118

The developer is fully committed to environmental stewardship and, like the neighbouring Daniels Spectrum, the facility is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. Unlike conventional glass towers, this building incorporates over 50% solid surfaces, increasing energy efficiency by minimizing the amount of thermal transference resulting from clear glazing. In addition, several landscaped spaces and green roofs serve as both a visual and physical amenity for residents while helping to mitigate urban heat island effect.

One Park Place, image courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

Both the Daniels Spectrum and One Park Place have frontages on Regent Park Boulevard, a space also referred to as 'The Urban Mews.' Modeled after wide European streets, it is envisioned to be an active and inviting, largely pedestrian way that will connect residents to local amenities. On this westerly side of One Park Place, the red brick engages the street and frames the lower levels of commercial space, where restaurants spill out onto the boulevard. Urban design elements—such as a double row of trees, bench seating, distinctive paving materials and patterns, and infrastructure to support special events in the outdoor performance courtyard across the street—will be provided in order to enhance the quality of this public realm and create a sense of community.

Regent Park Boulevard, image courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

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