With a skyline full of cranes and rising towers, the intimate neighborhoods that make Toronto what it is don't tend to get the same attention as the newest and tallest skyscrapers. Yet, while frenetic construction activity transforms the city around us, some current developments look more towards channeling and growing the unique character of their neighborhoods than asserting themselves on the skyline.

While Zinc Developments' 35 Wabash does not rise high above the Ronscevalles streetscape, the four-storey, RAW Design development seeks to encapsulate, rather than transform, the character of its neighborhood. The boutique residential project brings some new density to the area, yet does so in a way that remains cohesive with the built form around it. 

A rendering of 35 Wabash, image courtesy of Zinc Developments

With a brick exterior and a townhome configuration, 35 Wabash combines the amenities of condominium life—including interiors appointed by The Design Agency—with the established neighborly presence of the area. Zinc's Ken Zuckerman explains that the project seeks to "maintain the ambiance that makes Roncy special" while introducing new density to the area.

An aerial rendering of the project, image courtesy of Zinc Developments

Besides the project's carefully scaled, four-storey height, the building's brick exterior and wood accents serve as a delicate nod to the area's past, which is coloured by an architectural heritage of century-old homes and historic industrial buildings. Despite the 62 units that the project will bring to the area, a sense of street-level community is maintained through a series of entrances that come out directly onto the street.

Rendering showing a ground-level patio area, image courtesy of Zinc Developments

"The townhome configuration helps to preserve the character of the area, while the units above are conveniently connected with an elevator and a central hallway, avoiding the narrow and inaccessible staircases that often come with stacked townhouse units," Zuckerman tells us, describing the development as a sensitive hybrid of condo living and Roncesvalles' traditional low-rise housing. 

A night-time aerial showing the project, image courtesy of Zinc Developments

A focus on outdoor space is also evident throughout the building's units. While the ground floor units feature traditional front and back yards, the upper-level units—marketed as "Sky Towns"—feature private rooftop terraces. Nearby Sorauren Park also provides ample green space, as well as a range of child-friendly amenities, helping to make the area popular for families.

The site in late August, image retrieved from Google Maps

The area is also well-known for its vibrant character and eclectic, locally oriented retail environment, boasting a wealth of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. 35 Wabash's amenities, meanwhile, are profiled in a walk-through video, courtesy of Zinc Developments:

We will keep you updated as construction begins on the project. Additional information and renderings can be found in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.