Image via Junctionra.ca

Recently, developer R.E. Millward and Associates Ltd. met with The Junction Residents Association and concerned locals to reveal preliminary designs for a potential upcoming development in the community.

A little history about The Junction

As one of Toronto’s acclaimed “up-and-coming” neighbourhoods, The Junction has seen its fair share of changes over the course of history. With the most dramatic changes having occurred in the 1990s, the unique culture that emerged was distinguished by two significant factors. First, residents voting in 1997 to end prohibition (you read that correctly). As a result, The Junction has become a popular hub for trendy restaurants and bars.

Secondly, The Junction streetscapes saw serious revival in 1999 when wires and transformers were disguised and new streetlights were installed. The changes attracted new restaurants and businesses who were enticed by the area’s affordable rent and proximity to High Park and downtown core, which in turn, attracted young families and artists.

R.E. Millward’s condo proposal

Still in the early phases, the developer is proposing an eight-storey, mixed-use building at 2978 Dundas Street West. Subject to change, the proposal includes 4,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and 51 residential units, all one- and two-bedrooms that range between 575 to 1,200 square feet, with a couple two-storey penthouse suites. Instead of offering underground parking, the developer has included “parking stackers”; trays on hydraulics that allow for up to three parking spots, stacked on top of each other, for a total of 27-parking spaces.

The controversy behind the condo proposal

Though it is obvious that most of the changes in this community have been positive, some worries stem from potential impacts that this development might have on the affordability of the neighbourhood. Others are concerned that the development is inconsistent with the fabric of the community; they worry that a mixed-use condo will overshadow the historical significance of the buildings on The Junction’s strip.

Sal D’Angelo, a real estate broker told the Globe and Mail last December that average rental prices for commercial space in The Junction have doubled in the past five years, from about $10 to $15 per square foot to $20 to $30. As for home prices, he said the average home price also doubled in the past five years, with the average starter homes now selling for around $450,000.

Architect Roland Rom Colthoff of RAW Design and senior planning associate Melanie Melnyk assured unimpressed residents that an official application has not been submitted to the City yet, and addressed many of the concerns raised by locals head on. Drawing on the Starbucks building located at the southeast corner of Dundas and Pacific as an example of a design that blends in with the existing community, Tina Leslie, a Junction Residents Association member, asked, “How do you think this building fits into the main street of The Junction?”, referring to the curve the Starbucks building takes to wrap around the corner.

As another narrow site (about 50 feet-wide) with most of the units facing Pacific Avenue, residents like Leslie feel that the development could benefit from this kind of design. In response, Colthoff pointed to one of the drawings that included a curve, saying that it is “not out of the question.”

Other criticisms made reference to the height of the building being too tall, and also suggested that designs should include more brick and less glass. In the last decade or so, The Junction has fostered a community for new families and in accordance, residents said they would like to see some three-storey units for families. With much to consider, we’re sure the team overseeing this project will have their hands full as the developer has said they expect to submit a formal application to the City in about a month and a half.