Changes are coming to the area around Toronto's Woodbine Subway Station. Choice Properties REIT, the real estate arm of Loblaws, is proposing to redevelop their Valu-Mart location at 985 Woodbine into a mixed-use complex consisting of two mid-rise residential towers with retail at grade.

An aerial overview of the site, image courtesy of Choice Properties REIT

Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the buildings rise 8 and 14 storeys, the taller of the two progressively stepping back on almost every level to achieve a 45-degree angular plane minimizing shadow and overlook on the low-rise neighbourhood to the north. White, black and grey-tinted cladding is used to break up and differentiate the stepped back volumes. Balconies are treated differently depending on the designed form of each section, alternating between inset, continuous rows and projecting forms. The unique floor plate is shaped to work around the main entrance and bus bay of Woodbine Station, as well as a number of two storey retail buildings typical of this part of the Danforth. As this is a re-zoning and official plan amendment application and not a site plan application yet, material selection has not yet been included.

Southern elevation on Strathmore Blvd, image courtesy of Choice Properties REIT

In terms of unit mix, the buildings' 402 condo units are comprised of 58 bachelor, 223 one bedroom, 107 two bedroom and 14 three bedroom suites. Additionally, 14 rental units are provided as replacement for the existing onsite units lost in demolition. The City of Toronto’s rental replacement policy requires that these units be of the same bedroom type and roughly the same size as the units currently found onsite. On the Strathmore Boulevard frontage, 6 two-storey town homes will be constructed. 

Northern elevation along Danforth Ave, image courtesy of Choice Properties REIT

At the corner of Danforth and Woodbine, a 2,098 square metre retail space has been designated as a replacement grocery store for the neighbourhood (there is currently a Valu-Mart grocery store beside the subway station entrance). An additional 240 square metre space lies just west of this to articulate the building's frontage on the Danforth.

We will keep you updated as this project progresses through the planning process. In the meantime, check out the associated database file and Forum thread to learn more.

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