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The Scarborough intersection of Midland and Lawrence Avenue East could be set for a major infusion of new density, with an Arsandco Investments-led plan in the works to add nine new residential buildings to the Toronto suburb. Designed by Quadrangle Architects, the large-scale infill development is located just east of the Scarborough RT's Lawrence East Station, where a possible GO RER Station could improve transit connectivity in years to come.
The proposed development would occupy four separate blocks of vacant land west of Midland Avenue and south of Lawrence. Filling in the large pockets of empty land, the nine new buildings—ranging in height from 8 to 27 storeys—would join the three 1980s-built 16-storey slab towers (Blocks A, E, and F, above) that dot the landscape.
The tallest towers of he infill development are planned to front Lawrence and Midland Avenues, with Blocks D, G, and H featuring 27, 25, 24, 23, and 21-storey point towers. Fronting Lawrence, Block D (below) is also set to feature a pair of 8-storey buildings, both of which would be situated directly south of their 27 and 24 storey neighbours, and away from the street. Meanwhile, the corner of Lawrence and Midland itself is not included in the plans, with the existing Burger King restaurant, owned by others, set to be maintained.
West of Blocks D, G, and H, Block B would bring an additional two buildings to the site. Located immediately north of Arsandco Park, the Block B plan includes a 21-storey tower fronting Prudential Drive, with another 8-storey residential building rounding out the project to the west (seen below). The three 8-storey buildings (Blocks D and B) are also each fronted by a number of three-storey townhomes, with 20 of the three-bedroom residences planned in total.
As proposed, the project would add 1,752 residential units to the area, with a total floor area of 152,425 m², of which the majority—140,005 m²—is set to be residential space. Blocks D and G (below) would also feature 9,039 m² of office space, while 3,381 m² of retail space would be spread out across the development's ground level fronting Midland and Lawrence.
The proposed unit breakdown lists 1,214 one-bedroom (69%), 345 two-bedroom (20%), and 193 three-bedroom suites (11%). The plans also call for 1,779 parking spots and 1,527 bicycle spaces, with the latter number falling somewhat short of the City's mandated 1/1 ratio of bicycle spaces to units.
Although the development would add a significant influx of new density to the area, the project follows a planning framework set out in the 1980s. At the time, the construction of the Scarborough RT—which opened in 1985—sparked intensification throughout parts of Scarborough, including the project site. Alongside the three slab towers that were built out, two similar buildings were begun on blocks B and D, though construction was halted at an early stage.
The restarting of plans for the site is coming at the same time that changes to the area's rapid transit service has been a constant topic in the news. While the Scarborough RT is set to be replaced—with the latest transit plans calling for a one-stop subway extension to Scarborough Town Centre that would bypass this area—a potential GO RER/SmartTrack station could continue to provide quick access via transit to the rest of the city from this site.
At ground level, the project would introduce new greenscaping, with architectural plans showing new trees planted throughout the site. The channelized West Highland Creek that runs north-south through site could also be integrated into the landscaping plans as a more prominent natural amenity, though more specific details of the plans are forthcoming.
We will keep you updated as the early plans continue to develop and more information—including the first renderings—becomes available. While a re-zoning application was submitted to the City in late January, elements of the proposal could change substantially as the planning process unfolds. Want to share your thoughts about the proposal? Feel free to leave a comment in the space below this page, or to join in the discussion in our dedicated Forum thread.
