This week's UTPro Instant Report turns the focus to the vicinity of 660 Main Street East in Milton, an evolving area in the growing town in the west of the Greater Toronto Area. This part of Milton has a storied history, with heritage buildings dating back to the mid-1800s while at the same time has a fair bit of commercial and industrial land close to the CP Rail tracks, some of the now disused. Our Custom Location Report, powered by data from our UrbanToronto Pro data service, provides a detailed snapshot of the recent developments within our 800m circle, with several pre-construction projects emphasizing a blend of high-rise living along with at-grade commercial spaces and pedestrian-friendly designs.

Map view of the area surrounding 660 Main Street East, image from UTPro Instant Report

The area of Milton is attractive to new development owing to its proximity to Milton GO station, and has been been designated a Major Transit Station Area (MTSA). These areas are defined as being within 500m to 800m of a transit station, with the Province intending high-density and mixed-use redevelopment of the properties within the MTSA.

With a total of 7 projects identified by our software, 6 are in pre-construction, and 1 was recently completed. Although that may appear a small number compared to clusters of projects in Toronto proper, the projects here are set to introduce a significant 3,141 new residential units to the local housing scene. The developments range from mid-rise residential buildings to ambitious high-rises, reflecting that developers are seeing potential for vertical growth.

While the low-rise neighbourhoods that surround are not being targeted for redevelopment at this point, it's the commercial and post-industrial lands closer to the tracks where we are seeing the proposals. As they come to be built with the integration of retail space in multiple projects including 155 Nipissing Road and 560 Main Street East, we see the developers' vision for creating a more vibrant, city-like atmosphere close to the GO station

The completed project in the vicinity is Jasper Condominiums, designed by Kirkor Architects Planners for developer Creating Homes. Situated at 716 Main Street East right beside the GO station's parking lots, this 2020-completed 11-storey residential development set the tone for the area's growth. With 115 units, it serves as a beacon of the region's potential and the urban transformation to come.

Looking east to the completed Jasper Condominiums, image by Ed Skira

The most notable project in the planning stage here is 130 Thompson Condominiums from developer Greenpark Homes with a design by KNYMH Inc. Greenpark says its mixed-use development, with its trio of towers reaching up to 27, 29, and 31 storeys, is not just about height, but is about holistic urban planning with an emphasis on pedestrian open spaces, landscaping, and commercial zones at the ground level. The towers are planned for the southwest corner of Thompson Road South and the oddly name 'Drew Centre.'

Looking southeast to the towers of 130 Thompson Condominiums, designed by KNYMH Inc for Greenpark Homes

The average building proposal height around 660 Main Street East is currently 46.33m, with the tallest of the 130 Thompson towers reaching 106.7m. This vertical ascent is a clear indication of developers' intent to maximize land use, create skyline peaks, and offer residents a more urban experience. With 43,870m² of residential gross floor area (GFA) from just 7 projects, the area surrounding the Milton GO station is set to experience a considerable increase in population density.

Statistics on the GFA breakdown for the area, image from UTPro Instant Report

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As UrbanToronto continues to refine its role in the GTA development industry, our data services have evolved to become one of our defining elements and we want to share those capabilities with our community. The UrbanToronto Pro Instant Reports is just one of the ways our data can be applied to provide quick and convenient insights on the development trends of any area in the GTA, with filters for Wards MLS Zones, and Custom Areas.