Garrison Point Condos, a new urban-esque master community north of Fort York, is promising a new way to live for the rarely considered downtown family. The developers have produced a commercial (it's actually pretty funny) reminding us that we are not the only ones pining to escape the suburban monotony. But is this vertical suburb really much better?
Located on a huge swath of land that plans to fill the high rise hole between CityPlace and Liberty Village,Garrison Point, will eventually cover a triangular 7.6 acre area from Strachan Ave to the west to the CP/GO Transit Georgetown rail line to the north and the CN/GO Transit Lakeshore rail line in the south. The first phase at 30 Ordinance Street will consist of two Hariri Pontarini designed residential towers totalling 629 units.
The 27 and 32 storey buildings will also include a pedestrian promenade that will connect the complex to a 3.9 acre Claude Cormier designed park. The park, which will be open to the public (that is if you can manage to get around the train tracks,) plans to bring new life to this now defunct industrial site. This massive new green space will include a much needed connection to the Fort York pedestrian bridge and also includes an Olympic sized pool where it appears you'll be able to easily wave to passing commuters.
This project isn't all residential though: phase two includes three additional towers standing at 23, 29, and 49 storeys includes two or three floors of commercial and retail space in each building. In an area that could really use it, the overall plan also hopes to create and expand the retail presence on the surrounding blocks and create a promenade along Strachan Ave. When it comes to transit, those who aren't planning on hopping on the top of any nearby trains might find the area lacking, especially for this many new residents. The possibility of a Downtown Relief Line station here or somewhere nearby is still a good possibility and certainly might cut down on the isolation factor.
Address: 30 Ordinance Street Storeys: 27,32,23,29,49 Number of Units: 1738 Starting Size: 511 sq ft Starting Price: $285,900 Maintenance Fees: $0.54 sq ft Amenities: fitness centre, pool, rooftop terrace with bbq Architects: Hariri Pontarini, bKL Architecture Developers: Diamond Corp, Cityzen, Fernbrook Homes Landscape Architect: Claude Cormier Completion Date: 2017
