Parkdale Hub

A transformational city-building initiative that will deliver wide-ranging social, cultural and economic benefits

Located at the intersection of Queen Street West and Cowan Avenue, the Parkdale Hub site has been the focal point of civic and community life since Parkdale’s early settlement. This project is a unique opportunity to reimagine this important cluster of City-owned facilities to support this vibrant community.

The mixed-use development proposal for Parkdale Hub includes affordable housing, replacement rental units for Artscape, a new Community and Recreation Centre, and a new Toronto Public Library.

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Client

CreateTO

Rendering of Parkdale Hub, proposed view of Queen Street West & Cowan Avenue

The project was initiated through a motion to City Council brought forward by the local Councillor to develop a coordinated area-wide plan that would deliver affordable housing and the highest possible public benefit within an inclusive, complete community. By bringing together multiple City divisions, agencies, the non-profit sector, as well as the broader community, the design vision guides future development by illustrating key design objectives and planning principles.

After completing the preliminary feasibility study and obtaining the endorsement of City Council, DTAH has been selected by CreateTO to be the lead Architect to develop a detailed design concept for the Parkdale Community Hub.

Rendering of Parkdale Hub, view of Queen Street West streetscape looking west
Rendering of Parkdale Hub

The built form strategy is fully aligned with heritage and municipal guidelines, that respects and enhances the historic built environment. The project advocates for the conservation of the existing heritage elements that tell the site’s history, while allowing for the integration of new construction to support continued and expanded community uses, which provide an incredibly valuable foundation upon which to build a future vision for revitalization.

The Community Hub will be a reflection of Parkdale’s unique character, supporting a diverse community that represents all cultures, languages and perspectives. The new Hub will preserve and celebrate this diversity and will be a place where everyone is welcome.

The Parkdale Hub project is a unique City-building initiative whose scale and diversity of benefits to the community provide a real opportunity to improve the lives of Parkdale residents through improved programming, the creation of new affordable housing and stronger community supports for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Councillor Gord Perks
(Parkdale-High Park)