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.
Looking 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 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 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.
Looking 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.
Heavy 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.
Looking 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.
Electric 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.
Large 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, 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, 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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