[Northern Light]

I don't think I posted this one previously, if I did, I can't find it!

So, First Capital REIT (FCR), is lobbying in respect of the above address, a large strip plaza, anchored by Freshco, at the north-east corner of Lawrence and Midland.

Site as it is:

Aerial:

Site Size: ~2.6ha

Comments:

Site is well leased with solid tenants for the most part. I can't imagine they are rushed on this one, but the area density precedents that exist or are proposed give them a solid framework from which to deliver good pro-forma here.

Potential density would depend, in part on transit upgrades along Lawrence here, and also whether a park of any site is provided in-situ.

That said there is ample room here for 4 towers, and possibly more depending on the site plan and any new public roads dividing the block.

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Further note, FCR has quite the pipeline, we've seen a lot from them lately; and more is coming.

 

[canarob]

Potential density would depend, in part on transit upgrades along Lawrence here, and also whether a park of any site is provided in-situ.

This is only about 1.5 KM from the future Lawrence East subway station and 2.5 KM from Kennedy, so this is a great spot for density.

 

[Northern Light]

As previewed by yours truly.............

The submission to the City is in:

Development Applications

City Planning COA Application Information Center

app.toronto.ca

Architect is Diamond Schmitt

From the Docs:

Site Plan - full lands:

South tower shows ground floor retail against Lawrence:

North tower shows residential, lobby and amenity functions at-grade:

Comments:

Not exactly what I was expecting. Aside from the 'cool' colour palate I don't mind the proposed buildings, a bit dull, but solid density and largely inoffensive.

I'm not surprised to see grocery remain on-site, but I am surprised to see it retained in the form of the existing store building with surface parking. I would call that disappointing.

I would have like to see the store shifted into the base of the new towers, and the parking moved underground.

 

[Undead]

Can't say I agree with the parkland dedication. There's a ravine and plenty of local parks which could be expanded.

 

[Northern Light]

Can't say I agree with the parkland dedication. There's a ravine and plenty of local parks which could be expanded.

As proposed, it's pretty useless. That's, of course, partly a function of its small size, which is in turn related to the decision to only partially develop the site. If there is no intention to pursue further development, it would strike me that as you suggest, an off-site acquisition expanding a nearby park would probably make more sense.

If there were a plan for further development, I'd be open to hearing about re-siting an enlarged park.

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That said, I believe we also have this small space because it's partially within the regulatory floodplain of nearby Highland Creek.