The transformation of Toronto's Entertainment District into a high-density mixed-use district continues with the construction of new residential and commercial space, filling in the few remaining gaps in the urban fabric. Back in 2006, the great building boom was still off on the horizon, and this area of warehouses converted to office spaces was known more for its ample surface parking lots and clubs than it was for big city density.

In the image below, captured on May 1, 2006, we are facing east on Nelson Street towards Simcoe from just east of Duncan. The north and south sides of the street were occupied by large surface parking lots, though the lot to the south was already primed for redevelopment: an advertisement for Boutique Condos can be seen on the south side of Nelson Street, while the sales centre for the project is visible in the background at the east end of the lot.

Facing east on Nelson Street towards Simcoe from east of Duncan, May 1, 2006, image by Edward Skira

Nine years later, Boutique Condos is complete on the south side of the street, while the north side is currently being redeveloped with Studio and Studio2 on Richmond, the south podium part of which is visible on the left hand side of the image below. The two developments have forever changed Nelson Street from desolate to densely built, forming urban street walls on each side. Barely visible at the east end of Nelson, below, is some of the podium of the recently completed Living Shangri-La, another major recent addition to the area.

Facing east on Nelson Street towards Simcoe from east of Duncan, March 2015, image by Jack Landau

We will return next week with another look at the changing face of Toronto!