Concord Adex's Concord Park Place community in North York is already home to its first eight condominium buildings, while two more towers ascend into the mix, another two are about to, a pit is being dug for yet another, and plans are progressing for more along the northern edge of the site. The master-planned community on Sheppard Avenue East between Bessarion and Leslie subway stations also recently welcomed a a new City park, while another important community amenity is now on the way at the northwest corner of the community, immediately adjacent to Bessarion station.

Looking north to Bessarion Community Centre, image by Edward Skira

Construction activity on the Bessarion Community Centre was first spotted in September, 2018, with the arrival of shoring rigs marking the start of the MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects-designed, four-storey facility. Excavation followed into early 2019, carving out space for a new Toronto Parking Authority underground lot, with a crane in place by May of that year and a second crane following soon after. By mid-2020, forming had reached grade, the speed of construction having been affected by COVID-19 public health-related work restrictions and stoppages.

Looking northwest to Bessarion Community Centre, image by Edward Skira

The building had reached structural completion by the start of this year along the yet-to-open Woodsy Park Lane, and the tower cranes were finally removed in March and April with heavy lifting wrapped up. Sections of the hybrid steel and concrete structure are now being bricked in with cinderblocks, as weatherproof backings are applied in advance of the upcoming cladding installation.

A view into the Bessarion Community Centre to the feature staircase, image by UT Forum contributor drum118

Upon completion, the 218,400 ft² facility is to contain a 27,000 ft² aquatic centre with a six-lane lap pool, leisure pool, spectator viewing area and change rooms, as well as a 38,000 ft² rec centre with a double gym, fitness centre, indoor running track, multi-purpose community and meeting rooms, a youth room, games room, community kitchen, administrative spaces, and outdoor spaces. A new Toronto Public Library branch will occupy 13,000 ft², while a 6,400 ft² childcare facility will further serve the community with a 52-child capacity. 

Bessarion Community Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

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:  Blackwell, CFMS Consulting Inc., Doka Canada Ltd./Ltee, Eastern Construction, Trillium Architectural Products