On September 19, 2023, Windmill Developments broke ground on a mid-rise redevelopment at the site of a former gas station and auto repair shop in The Beaches neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Windmill’s Partner of Development Management, Stephen Savell, was joined by Epic Investment Services, RAW Architecture, Oben Build, Geosource, Unique Urban Homes and the owner of the Spiros & Sons garage that previously stood on the site, to kick off construction at the 8-story, 57-suite boutique community.
The project will follow the One Planet Living framework, including measurements around active transportation, health, and happiness.
“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on Courcelette, a project that offers a notable case in sustainable development that takes inspiration from its proximity to green space and Lake Ontario to meet the highest green standards,” says Jonathan Westeinde, CEO and Founder, Windmill Developments.
“In addition to becoming a case study in sustainable residential living, Courcelette’s thoughtful design encourages residents to meet and get to know one another, embracing happiness as an amenity,” he added.
The One Planet Living framework, which uses 10 guiding principles to address environmental, social, and economic sustainability, is designed to be highly localized to the needs of the community and environment around a building.
In this case, a car-centric business will transform into a bike-centric community with a design that encourages an active and social lifestyle and promotes good health and well-being.
Aligning with the One Planet Living framework, residents will have spaces for balcony gardens, communal outdoor kitchens, and at least one bike parking spot per suite to encourage active transportation.
The building is a five-minute walk to the TTC’s Queen streetcar route and bus to Victoria Park subway station. Twenty-five percent of the mid-rise’s parking spaces will feature electric vehicle chargers.
With architecture by RAW Design and interiors by TACT Design, Courcelette’s design takes cues from the neighbourhood and proximity to the lake.
On the outside, this includes masonry cladding and materials that integrate into the neighbourhood character along Kingston Road. Inside, rich, yet simple, stone- and wood-like materials create a calm and comfortable setting.
Designed with a focus on outdoor living and active transit, Courcelette is targeting LEED – Platinum Certification and Toronto Green Standard Tier 2.
The building will use 42 percent less energy and emit 65 less annual greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional building thanks in large part to geothermal heating and cooling systems.
Windmill is also using low-impact measures to protect water quality, such as removing 80 percent of total suspended solids from Courcelette’s runoff water so that it’s drinking quality when it flows into Lake Ontario.
All images courtesy of Windmill Development Group.