A month or so ago Streetcar Developments launched its second Lesliveille project, The Taylor, at Dundas and Carlaw. The seven storey, 96 unit condominium and townhome complex is being crafted by TACT Architects and Seven Haus Design, the same team responsible for its sister building and neighbour, The Carlaw. The sibling structures have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the newly emerging face of this up-and-coming East End neighbourhood while paying tribute to its historic roots.

The Taylor and The Carlaw have highly articulated facades with multiple volumes; the eastern most of the Taylor's kneels down to match the height of the older homes surrounding it, which allows The Taylor to blend in while still adding new density and life to the area. Another way in which The Taylor accomplishes this elegant balance between old a new is through its incorporation of Öko Skin for its cladding. Öko Skin is an advanced concrete product the width of brick, but the appearance and warmth of wood.

Rendering of The Taylor, image courtesy of TACT Architects

As much as the Taylor draws eyes to Leslieville, the old real estate proverb, "location, location, location" is very much at play here and works to train Leslieville-looking glances on The Taylor as well. The neighbourhood was first established as a small village in the 1850s, growing up around the Toronto Nurseries owned by the area's namesake, George Leslie. As time passed Leslieville transformed into a preferred area for industry heavy with many factories on Toronto's eastern edge, connected to the city via Eastern Avenue. By the end of the 1900s however, many of the industrial buildings had been abandoned, and some people were seeing the possibilities of renewing the area. Since then Leslieville has undergone a rapid transformation that has brought more families, entrepreneurs, and creative types to the area. Along with the influx of this new demographic came cafes, theatres, galleries, and even sizeable film studios, forming the Leslieville most of us are familiar with now.

Now there are a lot of choices for the potential Taylor resident and Leslieviller. An afternoon of exploration might begin with stepping out to visit one of the new Queen Street East galleries to check out the newest exhibition and to browse for potential home decor. This could be followed up with a quick drink at one of the local cafes or bars, for some refreshment and to enjoy the ambiance. After this, there might be a quick rush home to prepare for the night's festivities which could include a show at the Crow's Theatre at The Carlaw—soon to be the largest performing arts space east of the DVP—or a relaxing night out at one of many nearby restaurants. 

Invite your friends to meet at your place: it would be easy given the closeness of the Queen and Carlton streetcars, the Pape 92, and the quick access to the DVP. Everyone could convene at the striking double-height entrance of The Taylor, signposted on the exterior with a bold vertical lighting feature which transitions to a horizontal canopy over the doors and then becomes the lobby's ceiling. 

Rendering of the lobby in The Taylor, image courtesy of TACT Architects

The variety of convenient options for entertainment and luxury living that Taylor provides both inside and outsde its walls are noteworthy and will likely draw residents to its location and locale. For more information on this project visit our database file, linked below. Join in on the conversation in one of the associated Forum threads, linked beneath this article, or leave a comment in the space provided below.