Artscape and the City of Toronto have announced a partnership with private developers Sorbara Group, Diamondcorp and Great Gulf in joint projects to bring affordable housing to artists. Nineteen units will be available to artists and artist-led families to access housing at below-market prices at two condominium developments now under construction. The Artscape application process is now open to qualifying artists for ownership and/or rental for No.210 Residence on Simcoe and PACE Condos.

Artist rendering of 210 Simcoe, image courtesy of the Sorbara Group

The image below shows that the condominium is topped off and approaching exterior completion. With completion targeted in mid-2015, qualifying artists can expect to be living in the building by July 2015. While receiving affordable housing, artists would also build equity in Toronto's challenging real estate market while remaining rooted in culturally vibrant areas of Toronto that are quickly changing.  

210 Simcoe, image by Craig White

The Artscape Lofts of 210 Simcoe and PACE is a product of the City of Toronto's Affordable Housing Office as well as its Home Ownership Assistance Program. Sean Gadon, Director of the Affordable Housing Office, said that "The city is pleased to support this innovative approach to creating affordable housing. Through partners like Artscape, we are pioneering new ways to meet Toronto's diverse housing needs."   

For potential owners, the price of the units are brought below-market by the Artscape Mortgage, which is an interest-free second mortgage. For renters, the units will be offered at eighty per cent of the average Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation rate for the city of Toronto.

"Artscape's vision for the Artscape Lofts at 210 Simcoe and PACE is to provide secure, stable living space for artists, and we are thrilled to have created these partnerships with private developers and the City's Affordable Housing Office in order to make this happen," said Celia Smith, Executive Vice President of Artscape and lead spokesperson for the project. "We hope to foster a vibrant and engaged community of artists, who will make these new units their home for many years thanks to the innovative financing we've created to support them."

Joe Cressy, City Councillor for Ward 20, was very welcoming towards 210 Simcoe. Cressy said "We're so glad to welcome these new affordable units to Ward 20. It's critical that as we grow our city, we do so in an equitable manner. Through forward-thinking partnerships with non-profit organizations like Artscape and private corporations such as Sorbara Group and Diamondcorp, we're able to preserve space in the city centre for artists, who contribute to the vitality of our neighbourhoods and our identity as a city."

Greg Tanzola, Vice President of the Sorbara Group, was very happy to be involved in the making of the Artscape Lofts alongside Artscape. "The Sorbara Group and Diamondcorp are excited to be involved in this partnership with Artscape and the City of Toronto to provide affordable home ownership and rental opportunities at 210 Simcoe," said Tanzola. "In providing these five units to artists, we are pleased to be a part of an initiative that nurtures the creative talent in Toronto, ensuring a high quality of life for the artists, tenants and surrounding neighbourhood. The location of 210 Simcoe celebrates the tremendous cultural legacy of Toronto and we are pleased to be a part to be involved in a partnership that facilitates and strengthens it." 

Pace Condominiums, image courtesy of Great Gulf

PACE Condos, located at the southeast corner of Dundas Street East and Jarvis Street, is the other condo project. Being led by Great Gulf, it too has units available at below-market price. 

Christopher Wein, President, Great Gulf Residential said, "Great Gulf is delighted to participate in this innovative partnership with Artscape to support the art community by providing 14 Artscape Lofts at PACE to artists and artist-led families. We are deeply aligned with this community through our passion for the arts and Great Gulf's commitment to create the best architecturally designed buildings that bring life to neighbourhoods. The artists and our exciting condominium PACE, are a great fit for revitalizing and bringing energy to an area east of Yonge-Dundas Square." 

In the image below, PACE is coming along nicely, but has many floors still to rise. Move-in here is anticipated for early 2016.   

Pace Condominiums, image by UT Forum contributor Kotsy

City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 27, was excited about the partnership between Artscape and Great Gulf for the PACE Condos. Wong-Tam said "When we were considering a non-profit partner for Great Gulf's PACE condominium, Artscape quickly emerged as an obvious choice. Creating new affordable housing has been an on-going priority for the City of Toronto. By connecting the Downtown East neighbourhood with cultural producers living and working in the fourteen new units of Artscape housing within PACE, we've created a multiple-bottom-line win. I am very proud to continue supporting these dynamic and innovative partnerships in Toronto."  

The application process is now open to qualifying artists, with a deadline of January 30, 2015. Complete information including the Call for Proposals is available at artscapelofts.ca.

If you have any thoughts on this initiative, you can leave them in the space provided for comments at the bottom of this page, or join in on the conversation in the Forum threads for each project, linked below.

Related Companies:  Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Cecconi Simone, Diamond Corp, Diamond Schmitt Architects, Ferris + Associates Inc., Great Gulf, II BY IV DESIGN, Isotherm Engineering Ltd., Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, Milborne Group, RJC Engineers, TUCKER HIRISE Construction