I came across this project when I was passing through York University on Wednesday, and I didn't see a thread for it. It's the first phase of a student residence development being built over the parking lot at Sentinel and The Pond Rd.
The Quad student housing community will consist of two mid-rise student residences along the south side of The Pond Road east of Sentinel Road, featuring retail frontage at ground level.
Compared to other institutions, York University has proportionately fewer on-campus student housing beds for its student population. In addition, a significant proportion of the area surrounding York University is dominated by industrial and commercial land uses, constraining the supply of appropriate and attractive off-campus housing options.
The Quad is projected to be completed and open for the Fall semester of 2017. Two buildings will deliver 812 beds of privately developed and managed student housing in the ‘suite-style’ accommodations preferred by students. The Quad is to be located on the surface parking lots at the southeast corner of The Pond and Sentinel Roads. Street-level shops, restaurants and wide sidewalks will contribute to the ‘urban village’ atmosphere.
The Quad will be a new and attractive housing option for the thousands of York students who currently live off-campus in the Jane, Steeles and Finch areas including upper-year undergraduate, graduate and international students. Residential occupancy of The Quad is restricted to York University and Seneca@York students.
York community members who currently reside near The Quad development will also benefit from this project through the addition of the new retail stores, restaurants and services in their neighbourhood, and the replacement of a surface parking lot with a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly urban community.
Key features of The Quad student housing community project include:
1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom suites in which each resident typically has a private bedroom and each suite typically contains a shared kitchen. This student housing style is in keeping with current trends and matches student expectations as defined by the York University Housing Strategy.
Monitored access control and security surveillance will foster a safe and secure environment.
One senior staff member residing on-site at all times, plus additional staff on 24/7 alert call.
On-site support to enhance the student life experience through a Community Assistant (CA) program. The CA, a peer to the residents, is the first point of contact for safety, questions and mentorship.
Indoor amenities such as study spaces, lounges, business centres, a fitness facility and games room
Large outdoor courtyards (quads) for each residential building
Forum Campus Suites (FCS) was selected through a competitive bidding process as the preferred group to develop and manage the project. FCS consists of:
Campus Suites
Canadian, privately owned company specializing in the development of campus edge communities
Developed over 11,500 beds in housing projects across 11 different universities
Forum Equity Partners Inc.
Canadian, privately owned real estate development company specializing in Public Private Partnership transactions
Manages over 800,000 sf
In collaboration with ARK Design and Urban Strategies, YUDC and Forum Campus Suites (FCS) co-operatively submitted a Precinct Plan for approval from the City of Toronto as required under the York University Secondary Plan. A public meeting was held in January 2015 to gain community feedback on upcoming development for this area. To learn more about this project and the Southwest Precinct Plan, download the project team’s Open House Presentation.
In late 2015, The Quad has received municipal planning approvals from the City of Toronto. Construction began in December 2015, and the project will be open for student occupancy for the Fall 2017 academic semester.
The spadina subway extension really is going to make York university a much more accessible part of the city - I can see Campus quality of life really improving
It could prove to be transformational for this side of the city. Especially if Downsview airport ever gets redeveloped into something more suitable for its location.
The spadina subway extension really is going to make York university a much more accessible part of the city - I can see Campus quality of life really improving
In what sense ? That folks will want to live in NYCC because it feels more connected ?
I think NYCC will suffer the most from the VCC extension; From an office market point of view at the very least and maybe a little bit residential project wise.
You got it backwards. Fewer students may choose to live way out in North York Centre should the subway improve the quality of life around campus. Students make up an every increasing proportion of the condo market the closer you get to Finch.
