Photos: James Bombales
With the 594-unit Livmore now occupying and The Taylor Apartments, The Well Apartments and Mirvish Village all under construction, Toronto is experiencing a rental renaissance.
While condos are still king, new construction purpose-built rentals continue to pop up across the city, adding much-needed rental units to the market.
It’s not just the downtown area that’s seeing an uptick in purpose-built rental developments. The Parker Apartments, for example, is a new 37-storey high-rise now under construction in midtown.
Located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Redpath Avenues, The Parker Apartments replaces four two-storey dwellings with a modern 349-unit residential tower. Demolition of the original homes in 2018 was followed by shoring work and excavation in early 2019. Today, crews have completed the underground garage and the structure is now above grade level. A tower crane also looms over the site as workers pour concrete for the building’s third storey.
Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects Inc., The Parker Apartments boasts a streamlined design characterized by a grid-like facade consisting of strong vertical and horizontal precast bands. The exterior’s neutral colour palette is contrasted with dark-trimmed windows and Juliet balconies that complement the clean exterior aesthetic.
When the development is completed in 2021, tenants will benefit from a convenient location steps from all the restaurants, cafes and retail outlets along Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. The property is also well serviced by public transit, with the future Eglinton Crosstown and TTC routes including Line 1 nearby. They’ll also have condo-like private amenities, such as an outdoor rooftop pool with cabanas, fully-equipped gym, lounge areas, a party room and lobby with concierge service.
