Since the Daniels Corporation's redevelopment of Toronto's Regent Park began, UrbanToronto has been following the revitalization progress, as landmark projects like Daniels Spectrum and the Regent Park Aquatic Centre have gradually introduced a renewed vitality to the area. Now, with the two-tower One Park Place completed, we take a look at how far the area has already come, while previewing the further projects that are now underway.

One Park Place and Daniels Spectrum viewed from the southeast, image by Jack Landau

Located at the intersection of Dundas and the pedestrian-oriented Regent Park Boulevard, One Park Place—which features interiors appointed by Cecconi Simone and landscaping by NAK Design Strategies—rises directly alongside Artscape's new cultural hub at Daniels Spectrum, with the new Aquatic Centre and eponymous park located immediately to the north. 

Looking up Regent Park Boulevard, Artscape Daniels Spectrum and One Park Place (right), image by UT forum contributor salsa

Across Regent Park Boulevard to the southwest, meanwhile, a 9-storey Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) is now in the early stages of construction, while Daniels own The Bartholomew has progressed above grade slightly further to the west. 

The Bartholomew under construction in early December, image courtesy of UT Forum contributor salsa

To the east, work is now beginning on Phase 3 of the revitalization plan, which will see the reborn neighbourhood further expanded with new residences and amenities—including the Regent Park Athletic Grounds. While maintaining the affordable housing stock of the previous community, the new Regent Park has become more diverse in income, while welcoming new cultural and social amenities, removing the social stigma that once surrounded the area. 

A rendering of One Park Place to the west of the future Athletic Grounds

To the south of One Park Place, the extensively renovated Nelson Mandela Public School forms a terminating vista down Regent Park Boulevard (below), with the new Regent Park South Community Centre—now in the closing stages of construction—directly adjoining the school. 

Looking south toward Nelson Mandela Public School, with TCHC construction site at right, image by UT forum contributor salsa

One Park Place has already proven a notable addition to the neighbourhood, bringing more new retail—including a recently opened Shoppers Drug Mart—to what had long been a commercially isolated community. The project's eye-catching Hariri Pontarini design also features townhouses along the podium's southern and eastern frontages, bringing a more intimate ambiance to the street level.

A One Park Place residential entrance on Regent Park Boulevard Entrance, image by UT Forum contributor salsa

As perhaps the most aesthetically conspicuous addition to Regent Park so far, One Park Place stands as a de facto symbol of the revitalized neighbourhood, which has dramatically transformed in the span of less than a decade. Speaking to Daniels' Dominic Tompa last month, the changing face of the neighbourhood was evidenced by the way condo sales have changed in recent years. "Around 2008, we were selling the revitalized neighbourhood of the future. Now, I just tell people to put their coats on and come see what's already there."

We will keep you updated with the re-development of Regent Park as the neighbourhood's various projects continue to progress. Want to know more about Regent Park? UrbanToronto's Projects and Construction section has threads covering each phase of work. You will find the Phase 1 thread here, Phase 2 here, and Phase 3 here. For more information about current market condos in Regent Park, click on our dataBase file, linked below. Want to talk about the neighbourhood? Leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

Related Companies:  BDP Quadrangle, Cecconi Simone, Counterpoint Engineering, Diamond Schmitt Architects, Hariri Pontarini Architects, NAK Design Strategies, RJC Engineers, U31