On December 3, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Reserve Properties and Westdale Properties marked the start of construction for a large mixed-use redevelopment project, called Line 5, with a small ground breaking ceremony. It’s named after the new Line 5 of the city’s light rail system, which is currently scheduled to open in 2022.
Located at Yonge and Eglinton, a rapidly developing transit node in the city, Line 5 is the first of several projects by the redevelopment team slated for the area.
Line 5. Rendering courtesy of Reserve Properties.
“The impact of the new LRT will be transformational for Yonge and Eglinton. With rapid transit soon to be available in every direction, we see this area emerging as the new centre of Toronto,” says Shane Fenton, Chief Operating Officer, Reserve Properties. “As developers, it’s our job to respond to the moment, delivering a project that not only contributes to the changes taking place, but fosters the incredible potential of this neighbourhood.”
With $5.3 billion in capital investment and 19km of rapid transit intersecting Toronto’s main subway artery, Yonge and Eglinton is emerging as one of the most connected and important mobility hubs in the country. It is in this context, with one of the largest transit project in Canada as a backdrop, that Reserve Properties and Westdale Properties kicked off construction.
Inspired by the physical shift taking place around them, Line 5 responds directly to the modern changes in the way we all live our lives. From transit and ride sharing to the rise of online shopping and the decentralization of the workplace to the hyper-focus on health and wellness, the way people live in 2020 is rapidly changing.
“Westdale Properties is a long-time believer in Yonge and Eglinton. We were one of the first to invest in the neighborhood when we began our 88 On Broadway project in 2005,” says Mitchell Cohen, Chief Operating Officer, Westdale Properties.
“Line 5’s groundbreaking is yet another key milestone in our history in this area. Communities are defined by the people who inhabit them and Yonge and Eglinton is bursting with energy. We wanted to harness that energy and generate something truly innovative that spoke directly to the changes taking place,” he added.
The pursuit of Line 5 is to address the changes in how people live, not only through an embrace of more technology, but through the thoughtful application of space: a dedicated ride-share pick-up is intended to alleviate the impact on local traffic; oversized parcel storage takes the clutter off the concierge desk; hot and cold storage in the lobby ensures the convenience of ordering food online doesn’t come with diminishing returns.
Clad with high-contrast metal, mesh, and natural materials, Line 5’s two 36- and 33-story towers and 8-story podium aim to add a new and unexpected contrast to the existing condos at Yonge and Eglinton. Designed by architecture firm IBI Group, oscillating patterns, layers, and textures contribute to a fresh and refined architectural vernacular for the neighborhood.
Future residents will enjoy over 30,000 sq. ft. of amenity space, including an 8,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness facility with dedicated spaces for on-demand interactive training systems like PRAMA and Peloton, personal training, and yoga overlooking an outdoor Zen garden.
On the upper amenity floor, a co-working space and social club opens to a designer pool through a glass NanaWall that connects inside and out. Using the dynamic layering of rich materials, curving banquettes, and stone harvest tables, interior design firm U31 tailored the design of the flexible space to support those working remotely during the day while offering opportunities to socialize at night. Intricate design details extend to all shared spaces, including two communal kitchens, three outdoor lounges, an art studio, outdoor theatre, library, and outdoor game lounge.
Featured photo (by Geoff Fitzgerald) shows—from L to R—Shane Fenton and Sheldon Fenton of Reserve Properties with Ryan Kimel and Mitchell Cohen of Westdale Properties.