The successful Regent Park revitalization project has led the charge when it comes to the renewal of public housing neighbourhoods in Toronto. Next up is the 100-acre Lawrence Heights revitalization plan already underway in the city’s north side. The project by TCHC, in partner with Context Development and Metropia, is the largest revitalization project in its history and is expected to span the course of two decades. All 1,208 rent-geared-to-income units in Lawrence Heights will be replaced with new subsidized housing, while 4,902 new market-priced residential units will be added in the form of high-rises, mid-rises, and townhomes. Could this be the next up-and-coming neighbourhood to invest in? Well, judging from the already sold out first step, The Yorkdale Condominiums, located on the west side of the Allen, our guess is absolutely.
Now this trio of developers, along with TACT Architecture, are gearing up to launch the second major residential project in the revitalization plan, The New Lawrence Heights, at Renee Avenue and Flemington Road. This contemporary townhome development will be situated just east of the Yorkdale Condos Phases 1 and 2, which means it will also be east of Allen Road. The first phase of this project will cover about 25 acres with roughly 224 townhomes mixed-in with rent-geared-to-income homes-- which are illustrated as grey townhome blocks spread throughout the Overall Site Plan.
For many, this community will be a foot in the door to affluent neighbourhoods like nearby Bedford Park and Lawrence Park and a convenient living destination next to two subway stations; Lawrence West and Yorkdale. The revitalized Lawrence Heights quarter will feature new public parks and open spaces, a new community centre, a school and a large central park. Streetscapes will be improved with up to 5,000 square metres of new commercial space, and 3.5M in employment and training opportunities for residents are being provided. As this master-planned development regenerates what once was, it is becoming increasingly evident that the culture will remain rooted by family-oriented charm, highlighted by many enhanced and new amenities.
The first collection of towns will bring a standard of 3 and 4 bedroom units to the site with the option to convert layouts into a 5 bedroom plan. These homes will boast clean lines, bright windows and striking exteriors that will add a rich dimension to the aesthetics of the Lawrence Park neighbourhood. Large families and property investors know that townhomes this accommodating is a rarity and what makes this opportunity rarer is the price point-- homes in this community start from the mid $700's to the $900's.
Expect a range of floor plans that are larger, with lower prices than typically seen within 50 kilometres in North Toronto, especially for the number of bedrooms each of these towns offer. Among the layouts in the first collection of towns released are 1,400 to 2,500 square feet, Back to Back and Rear Lane Townhomes with backyards and detachable garages.
A large chunk of this development will be made up of Rear Lane Towns called “Lawrence Park”. These 72, three-storey residences, will offer 4 bedrooms at 2,000 square feet each, with the option to convert space in the basement into an additional bedroom. If you decide that 4 bedrooms are enough, the basement can be designed with a portion of it carved-out for a media room instead. The basement will also come equipped with a 3-piece bathroom as a standard. Upstairs, on the ground floor, a powder room and 9' ceilings are just two features on the long list. Not to mention, these dining/living rooms open onto a spacious deck.
Second and third floors feature standard and alternate floor plans to cater to your lifestyle or investment needs. For each bedroom, a bathroom can be included while the laundry room, which comes equipped with a washer and dryer, are found on the second level. Buyers and investors alike will enjoy a turn-key home complete with A/C, appliances and tasteful finishes throughout. Additional floor plan collections, Sherwood Park, Wanless Park, and Bedford Park, as outlined on the Overall Site Plan, present alternative and customizable units along Hooyo Terrace, Lawrence Heights Way and Turtle Island Road.
Although the revitalization of Lawrence Heights has several decades to go before it is complete, The New Lawrence Heights Towns offer an early opportunity to get into this evolving and vibrant pocket near great landmarks like the Yorkdale Shopping Centre, the region’s major highways and York University. Be sure to stay up to date on all the new and exciting projects coming down the pipeline for the Lawrence Heights community by registering with GTA-Homes, here.
