As we enter the last weeks of December, it is clear looking back that 2023 marked a fruitful year for Amexon Development Corporation's ambitious project, The Residences at Central Park. Designed by Core Architects and situated at the prime location of 1200 Sheppard Avenue East in Toronto, this 12-acre master-planned community aims to fuse urban living with the serenity of nature.

The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonLooking northeast at the complete design for the 12-acre Residences at Central Park community, image courtesy of Amexon

Embracing Nature and Urbanity

Central Park, nestled in the Bayview Village neighbourhood, offers a unique location at Leslie subway station on Sheppard Line 4, Oriole GO station, and a myriad of urban amenities. Coupled with its direct access to the East Don parklands, the location positions it as a nexus between city life and natural retreats. Amexon looks to offer residents a lifestyle that integrates the vibrancy of Toronto with the tranquility of forested ravines and extensive walking and cycling trails.

Public skating rink, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonPublic skating rink at The Residences at Central Park, image courtesy of Amexon

 Protecting the East Don Ravine

Sustainable energy and the environment go hand in hand, and protecting the East Don ravine was a key concern in the construction plan for The Residences at Central Park. The developers implemented a detailed plan to minimize the impact on the surrounding natural habitats and ecosystems.

Tree protection zone plan, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonTree protection zone plan for the Central Park site, image from Construction Management Report

The initial phases of construction focused on establishing infrastructure to prevent erosion and pollution, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. The strategic approach to construction underscores the project's dedication to harmoniously integrating urban development with the natural beauty of the East Don parklands.

The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonLooking east towards the East Don Parkland, image from UrbanToronto Drone Video

Construction Milestones

UrbanToronto has been providing regular updates on the construction journey of The Residences at Central Park throughout 2023. Construction began with grading work to level the site, needed to ensure safe navigation of shoring rigs. UrbanToronto was able to track this progress not only via photos, but also via our drone.

The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonHeavy machinery awaits start of construction in May 2023, image from UrbanToronto Drone Video

As the year progressed, the focus shifted to excavation of the underground garage space, a significant task considering the project includes four levels of parking. The arrival of shoring rigs indicated the commencement of the 31-storey Tower One.

The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonLooking east to the ongoing construction as of November 2023, image by Jesse James

Sustainability at the Forefront

Sustainability has been a cornerstone of The Residences at Central Park, with Amexon committing to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for all of the more than 1,500 parking spots, positioning the development as a leader in Canada for EV readiness as we switch away from internal combustion engines.

EV charging station, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonElectric vehicle charging station, image courtesy of Amexon

Collaborative efforts with electrical engineers and Toronto Hydro, along with intricate load calculations and innovative payment solutions, underpin this ambitious project. This forward-thinking approach not only aligns with the eco-friendly trend but also offers practical benefits for residents, visitors, and commercial tenants alike.

Community and Amenities

Central Park is a community-centric project. The Park Club is set to offer an impressive 55,000 ft² of amenity space, with design work by II BY IV DESIGN. These amenities include expansive fitness facilities with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Park Spa with massage studios, steam rooms, and saunas, and a lounge space featuring wood finishes designed to accentuate the room's arched windows, all aiming to foster a strong sense of community among residents.

Park Club, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonLarge arched windows of the Park Club, image courtesy of Amexon

Award Recognition

In recognition of its innovative design and sustainable initiatives, The Residences at Central Park earned five OHBA (Ontario Home Builders' Association) nominations in 2023. The project was nominated in the categories of Project of the Year (high or mid-rise), the prestige OHBA People’s Choice Award, High-Rise Building, New Home Sales Office, and the Design/Decor Centre.

Tower One, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonTower One, image courtesy of Amexon

Receiving such notice from a prestigious industry body highlights the development's status as a benchmark in modern urban living, blending aesthetics, functionality, and ecological responsibility.

Central Park Common, The Residences at Central Park, mixed-use master-planned community located on the edge of the East Don Parkland designed by Core Architects for AmexonCentral Park Common, image courtesy of Amexon

Looking Ahead to 2024

As 2023 comes to a close, Amexon’s vision is materializing into a reality that promises a blend of convenience, luxury, and ecological responsibility. The upcoming year is poised to be another landmark period, as the project moves further into construction, on its way to providing 1,478 new residential units to the Bayview Village neighbourhood.

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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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

Related Companies:  Amexon Development Corporation, Core Architects, II BY IV DESIGN, Kramer Design Associates Limited, Peter McCann Architectural Models Inc., Platinum Condo Deals, Sigmund Soudack & Associates