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Rising land values are unlocking new development potential in several areas around Toronto, bringing new opportunities for urban intensification in areas that allow developers to pass on savings to buyers for comparatively affordable homes. A short walk north of Finch Avenue West and the soon-to-be-built Finch West LRT, Terranata Developments aims to add 111 units to a transitional stretch of Islington Avenue, with a 5-storey condominium development that will serve as a buffer between the mid-rise rental apartments to the south and the low-rise housing to the north and east.
The project would replace two 2-storey semi-detached homes and the site of a former one-storey home—now occupied by the project's presentation centre—at 2849-2857 Islington Avenue. In place of the current properties, The Step Condos would live up to its name by acting as a transitional staircase between the contrasting densities of the neighbourhood.
Most of the massing is pushed towards Islington Avenue, with the 5 residential floors and mechanical penthouse level rising on the west side without any stepbacks, maintaining the streetwall created by the 9-storey slab apartment buildings to the south. At the north end of the building, three stepbacks bring the massing down to a 3-storey height, bridging the density of the condo development with the adjacent homes to the north. The east side features a series of terraces that conform to the City's 45 degree angular plane requirements, while creating ample outdoor space for residents.
Renderings of the Jonathan Weizel Architect-designed development depict an exterior consisting largely of alternating light and dark brick, creating visual continuity with the surrounding architecture. The completed development will include a number of residential amenities, including a backyard patio, a lobby with lounge space, a party room, a screening room, and a fitness studio.
Additional information and renderings can be found in the project's dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.
