New, higher density projects around important transportation nodes is a key feature of transit-oriented development. Though most Toronto development continues to be centred in and around Downtown, a number of new condominium projects are rising in close proximity to suburban subway stations. The massive, multi-phase development of Emerald City is no exception, a brand new community which hugs Don Mills subway station at Sheppard on Line 4, and seen as complete several years from now in the rendering below. 

Overview of the three Emerald City blocks, image courtesy of ELAD Canada

To the south of the first Emerald City buildings, shoring and excavation for the latest tower, the 13-storey Colours of Emerald City, has recently been completed. Developed by ELAD Canada and designed by WZMH Architects, the building will join the three existing towers and a batch of townhomes located at Don Mills and Sheppard. 

Colours of Emerald City, image courtesy of ELAD Canada

With shoring and excavation done, the site will soon see installation of the crane. According to Ron Weinstock, Vice President of Development and Construction at Emerald City Developments, the crane should arrive and begin operation in the next two to three weeks. 

The pit for Colours of Emerald City, image by Marcus Mitanis

Digging has been focused at the west end of the site, where Colours is set to rise. On the same plot of land, two more towers will rise, one to the east, and one to the south. With suites now available for sale, the 24-storey Fifth on the Park will begin groundwork in the next couple months, with Colours set to be above grade by March. 

Excavation is complete at the site, image by Marcus Mitanis

Renderings for a third tower at the northeast quadrant of the property have not yet been released, but this final development of Block B will be the tallest of the three at a planned 33 storeys. Another set of towers further to the south, Block C, will include retail along Don Mills Road: local residents have been expressing a desire for more small-scale retail, and ELAD has promised to provide the space. 

Looking northwest towards Don Mills and Sheppard, image by Marcus Mitanis

Colours of Emerald City and Fifth on the Park will have shared amenity spaces for the residents to enjoy, with interiors by II BY IV DESIGN. When Colours is completed in summer 2017, it will boast a fitness room, pool, screening room, games room and outdoor dining space. The following year, when Fifth on the Park comes online, a set of complementary amenities will be added to the growing community to make a whole suite. 

The existing Emerald City towers over the Colours site, image by Marcus Mitanis

Though the array of interior amenities will surely keep residents busy, a new facility for the entire neighbourhood can now be enjoyed just across the street. Opened in September, Parkway Forest Community Centre was made possible through a Section 37 contribution between ELAD Canada and the City of Toronto. It joins a number of other landmarks in the area, including Fairview Mall and Don Mills subway station. 

The recently opened Parkway Forest Community Centre, image by Craig White

We'll continue to follow the progress of Emerald City and you can check out the dataBase files listed below for more information and images. Want to get involved in the discussion? Visit the associated Forum threads or a leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Related Companies:  Almadev, Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Blackwell, BVGlazing Systems, Diamond Schmitt Architects, II BY IV DESIGN, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, McIntosh Perry, Unilux HVAC Industries Inc., Urban Art & Metal Works Inc., Wilkinson Construction Services Inc., WZMH Architects