The Sheppard subway line in North York has been noted as the primary catalyst for the increasing number of redevelopment projects built along its path. While high-rise and mid-rise developments have been the primary players around this part of the GTA, the Sheppard line is also spurring smaller scaled projects on stretches adjacent to low-rise communities. In this case, it's the north side of Sheppard Avenue at Bessarion Station where a unique mix of uses is rising on deep lot: a few doors east of the station entrance, construction is in full swing for a Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) store fronting Sheppard with a 50-unit townhome development set behind it.

Mountain Equipment Coop and Park Towns viewed from the south on Sheppard, image by Craig White

The 44,000-square-foot commercial component at the south end of the site is being constructed with reinforced concrete, while the 50-unit Park Towns at Bayview and Sheppard townhome component is being constructed with timber above a concrete below-grade parking garage. The 4-storey homes, developed by Broccolini and Park Towns Development Inc., are scaled to provide a transition between the MEC location and the single-family homes found north of the development site. Architectural design is by SMV Architects.

Mountain Equipment Coop and Park Towns viewed from the south on Sheppard, image by Craig White

The two components of the development will share design elements to establish an architectural dialogue, with nature-inspired materials playing into the outdoors-focused aesthetic of the MEC brand. The rendering of the retail component also reveals an improved pedestrian realm with the addition of street-fronting trees.

Rendering of MEC retail component, image courtesy MEC

The Park Towns will benefit from being tucked away from busy Sheppard Avenue at the quiet north end of the lot, with the units backing onto the established Bayview Village neighbourhood.

Rendering of Park Towns, image courtesy of Broccolini

Additional information can be found in the project's dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page, or visit the associated Forum threads.