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This past Saturday marked the official start of construction for The Winslow, a new project by Devron Developments set to rise on Yonge Street in Toronto’s Lawrence Park neighbourhood. The event was held at the project site at 2781 Yonge Street, where early stages of demolition are now clearing the slate for the 9-storey, Rafael + Bigauskas Architects and ERA Architects-designed condominium development.
The event was attended by Pouyan Safapour, President of Devron Developments, Philippa French of the The STEPS Initiative and Patch Project, artist Erica Brisson, and David Winterton of ERA Architects. "This site may have more of a story than usual, but it's always a fun journey getting to this point," said Devron's Pouyan Safapour, continuing to reflect on the long challenge in navigating the planning process and working with the neighbourhood to develop a building that fit in with the community.
David Winterton of ERA Architects spoke of the building's design, stating "contextualism, scale, and a sense of home, a real residential character was what we were striving for in The Winslow's architectural identity. We wanted The Winslow to be a good and attractive neighbour, taking cues from nearby buildings and neighbourhood rhythms. So, as with everything in life, it comes down to the details. Simple elegant details and shadow lines, warm solid materials and a range of relatable architectural scales. With that we've feel like we've hit the right notes."
During the event, Devron unveiled plans for a new collaboration with Toronto-based arts organization and social enterprise the Patch Project, who are working to bring an art installation to the project’s perimeter hoarding, to remain in place throughout the project’s construction. Artist Erica Brisson was on hand during Saturday's event, taking stories submitted from neighbourhood locals in attendance that will shape the design of the hoarding art as part of a public consultation process.
After brief remarks, the crowd moved outside for the ground breaking photo op, where project principals gathered for a ceremonial sod turning to mark the occasion.
Meanwhile, the earliest stages of work are unfolding just south of the still-active presentation centre. Crews from Delsan demolition and Michael Bros excavation have mobilized at the site of the four-storey apartment building that occupies the southern portion of The Winslow's footprint.
The project will bring 61 family-sized condominium suites ranging from 1,000 ft² to over 4,000 ft² to the area, as well as 28 replacement units for the existing rentals in the building now being prepped for removal. At street level, new retail space will anchor the homes above to the surrounding shops and restaurants of Yonge Street.
Additional information and images can be found in our Database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment below.
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| Related Companies: | Devron Developments, II BY IV DESIGN, Isotherm Engineering Ltd., RDS, Snaile Inc. |
