Development of the Parkdale Hub in three blocks:
The East Block; a six storeys residential building for new non-profit affordable rental housing with grade level additional community space. The current library branch will be relocated and integrated into the new Parkdale Branch Public Library and Community Centre in the Centre Block, that joins the three heritage buildings into one volume. The site will also include a four-storey addition with a rooftop track, and a striking indoor basketball court repurposing the Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre building.
The West Block will be 10 storeys residential building with community uses at grade level. Looking at the preliminary elevation drawings, we can see that the massing seeks to limit the impact of the building's height through setbacks towards the south, situating the tallest volumes as far from the Queen Street frontage as possible.
The Centre Block includes upgrades to heritage buildings, and construction of built additions. The exteriors are to be fully retained while the interiors will see some updates to facilitate the activation of the new programming.
comprises the following properties;
Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre and Masaryk Park (220 Cowan Avenue)
Parkdale Library (1303 Queen Street West)
Parkdale Arts and Culture Centre (1313 Queen Street West)
Public Laneway at rear of Library
Toronto Parking Authority lot (1325 Queen Street West)
Toronto Community Housing residential apartment building (245 Dunn Avenue) TIMELINE:
In 2019 an interdivisional team of staff coordinated through the City-wide Real Estate Model has now completed the first phase of a feasibility study, which included due diligence investigations, vision development with stakeholder groups, community engagement and a high-level design study to identify possible approaches to redeveloping these properties.
In January 2020 CreateTO was directed by City Council to initiate the Phase 2 feasibility work to advance the schematic design for the Parkdale Community Hub project. As of early 2023 Parkdale Hub proposal is currently its way working through the third phase of its activation plan, which will conclude with a decision on the application for rezoning expected spring 2024.
The fourth and final phase of the process will see a finalized design before permits are sought to allow construction to begin. The tentative target for completion is 2029.
The city of Toronto Housing Secretariat will put out a competitive call looking for a development partner when the zoning approvals are in place.
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