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Amidst the dynamic transformation of Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood, Broccolini is adding The RIV to the wider area's growing list of projects. The developer is committed to community-centric development, with the 34-storey tower the latest addition to their growing portfolio in the city's downtown east.
In a recent interview with UrbanToronto, Phil Brennen, Associate Vice-President of Real-Estate Development for Broccolini, shed light on their upcoming project. "The RIV is our second building in downtown east. We are big believers in that part of the city. Our first building is nearing completion, and The RIV will be the second one within the same block." Situated just a two-minute walk east of The RIV, Broccolini is also behind the currently under-construction River & Fifth Condominiums.
Designed by Arcadis — the Amsterdam-based global firm that acquired Toronto-based IBI Group in Fall 2022 — the RIV is a 34-storey mixed-use rental and condominium building, situated at 83 River Street. Located on the northeast corner of River Street and Labatt Avenue, the development will feature 388 units and reach a height of 113m.
The design incorporates 280m² of non-residential gross floor area, complemented by a 125.8m² POPS (Privately-Owned Publicly-accessible Space) at its southern edge. Designed with families and the community in mind, The RIV offers child-friendly amenities like play areas, an art room, and stroller storage, along with dedicated relief and spa areas for pets. These additions underscore Broccolini’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community within The RIV.
Brennen noted that "River & Fifth and The RIV will share some community building benefits that we're bringing to the neighbourhood. We're putting in an extra connection down to Bayview Avenue and a new park." He also emphasized the area's potential, with its proximity to Riverdale Park and the availability of convenient transit options with streetcars on Dundas, King, and Queen.
One of the compelling features of the area, according to Brennen, is "the sense of a neighbourhood that's growing and welcoming new families." He noted that the RIV is not just a standalone project but a part of the larger tapestry of the Regent Park revitalization.
Spanning 69 acres, Regent Park is currently undergoing a substantial urban renewal transformation. The initiative, known as the Regent Park Social Development Plan, is a comprehensive strategy that not only focuses on physical redevelopment but also endeavours to uplift the community through various social and economic development programs. Organized into five phases, this redevelopment contributes to a diverse housing structure, including rent-geared-to-income (RGI) units, affordable rentals, and market-rate condominiums.
This newly reimagined neighbourhood will seamlessly incorporate residential areas with accessible retail and commercial spaces, community centres, parks, and other recreational areas, all within a short walking distance. Furthermore, the revitalization initiative is deeply committed to weaving a strong economic and social tapestry for Regent Park, introducing opportunities for employment, social engagement, education, training, and scholarships for the residents of the community.
The RIV exemplifies Broccolini's investment in Regent Park. As the area continues to grow and evolve, developments like it and River & Fifth will play a crucial role in shaping its future, offering residents a blend of urban convenience and community spirit.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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