Stockyard District set to be revitalized with build of new condo
The massive Canada Packers processing plant and Ontario Stockyards are long gone, but their legacy lives on in an area bounded by St. Clair Ave. W. and Keele St. Located in the northeast quadrant of the Junction, the former hub of the province’s meat-packing industry, is a district in transition. Instead of just a random group of big-box outlets where the stockyards used to be, change is taking place. Erin Millar, director of sales and marketing for Marlin Springs Development, describes the area as both “interesting and vibrant where the history helps shape and form it as a neighbourhood and really tell a story.” Both Millar and Marlin Springs have more than a passing interest. In August, the development firm and Greybrook Realty Partners broke ground on the Stockyards District Residences, a 10-storey condominium that will contain 236 units once completed in late 2021. With prices ranging from the mid-$400,000s to over a $1 million, the word is out, and it looks like this is the start of the gentrification of yet another Toronto district that is steeped in history. At press time, more than 80 percent of the 236 units have already been sold. The North Junction site, says Millar, “is an up-and-coming area where it is starting to get quite pricey. We offer a competitive price per square foot in a building that keeps in with the industrial heritage of the area. “It provides people livable spaces for something that wouldn’t be affordable just a couple of blocks to the south or a couple of blocks to the east. We like to think of it as one of the last affordable city centre pockets.” Pedro Lopes, vice-president of land development and acquisitions with Marlin Spring describes the Stockyard district as a “thriving and complete community — from great shopping, local parks and schools, easy access to public transit, and highways, you can work and play within a short walk from your new home. “Marlin Spring recognized the attributes when we purchased this site.” Graziani + Corazza Architects, designed the building’s exterior, which, according to a release, “compliments its historic industrial surroundings: Architectural highlights include black window mullions and industrial accents on the contemporary balcony/terrace glass railings. The overall look is reminiscent of New York and Chicago-style streetscapes. “Interior design by U31 complements the exterior with a variety of earthy material and textures in industrial-inspired colours. The high-ceilinged lobby features brick, wood, upholstery and leather, and is where executive concierge service will be provided.” Other amenities include a prep kitchen and barbecue station, fully equipped fitness and yoga studio, a children’s playroom, party room and ground floor retail outlets. “This is an interesting neighbourhood where unlike many others that become gentrified, the Stockyards has a mix of chain retail outlets and independently owned retail and dining,” says Millar. “The closing of Maple Leaf Foods plant in 2022 is another change coming to the area that will further impact the residential appeal of the neighbourhood.” With total square footage of the units ranging from 502 sq. ft. to 1,300 sq. feet, one-bedroom to three-bedroom plus den layouts are available.
