Here's the best case example--as you describe it--that I can think of. It's at Sentinel and Fountainhead in North York. Literally towers in a park. The grounds are beautiful, there's access to nature trails (on left), there's transit, etc.
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But look at that surface parking? You're still relying on a car to travel. Don't even think about aging in place because once you can't drive, you can't walk to anything. That beautiful park isn't so beautiful for six months of the year. How much does it cost to service those lots compared to something more compact? Unit size is a feature of the era they were built in. And you're living above the park, you're not living with the park. And these are rare. Most slabs in this city are surrounded by treeless lawns and parking.
I like walking and anytime I've lived in suburbia, I have not enjoyed it.
Plans for Sentinal. Will change significantly if built.
470 Sentinel | 125.25m | 40s | Ranee Management | Kirkor Architects
From the NY Community Council: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-25816.pdf AoD
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