As Yonge and Eglinton becomes one of Toronto’s most important transit hubs, Reserve Properties and Westdale Properties have announced their joint venture, Line 5 Condos, which is set to rise at the intersection.
“The impact the new LRT will have on Yonge and Eglinton is hard for people to conceptualize,” said Shane Fenton, chief operating officer of Reserve Properties, in a press release. “It’s not hyperbole to say this is going to drastically change Toronto. With rapid transit in every direction, Yonge and Eglinton will emerge as the new centre of the city. As developers we have an opportunity and a responsibility to contribute to this transformation and help realize its full potential.”
Designed by IBI and U31, Line 5 Condos responds directly to changes in the way Torontonians live their lives. The changes are not only through embracing new technology, but through different applications of space. For example, the development will provide a dedicated ride-share pick-up location, to alleviate the impact on local traffic, oversize parcel storage to remove clutter from the concierge desk, and hot and cold storage in the lobby to ensure ordered food remains at the quality it was delivered.
“Line 5 advances what it truly means to be an urbanist,” said Mansoor Kazerouini, architect, global director buildings at IBI Group and lead consultant on the Crosstown LRT. “The building plays with the existing streetscape, responding to the pedestrian context in a unique way that builds on local character but adds a new contemporary living structure.”
Line 5’s two residential towers, which will stand 36 and 33 storeys, and its eight-storey podium are clad in high-contrast metal, mesh and natural materials to add contrast to the existing condos at Yonge and Eglinton. The development will feature oscillating patterns, layers and textures contribute to a fresh and refined architectural vision for the neighbourhood.
U31 was enlisted to design the interiors of the development. The oversized lobby was designed to mirror the experience of a boutique hotel, including a café tuck shop that runs during peak hours. Other amenities include an over 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness facility on the ground floor, featuring dedicated spaces for interactive training, personal training and yoga overlooking an outdoor Zen garden. A spa clad in calm stone features a steam room, saunas and pool with a nanotech skylight.
“Throughout Line 5’s amenities and common areas, we layered a sophisticated and dynamic mix of materials to create eclectic experiences,” said Kelly Cray, principal at U31. “Line 5’s design is unexpected, with playful architectural undertones that bring an aesthetic that anticipates our future.”
An upper amenity floor features a co-working space and social club, which opens to a designer pool through a glass nana wall that connects inside and out. By laying rich materials, curving banquettes and stone harvest tables, U31 tailored the design of the flexible space to support those working remotely during the day, while offering opportunities to socialize at night. Intricate design details are featured across all shared spaces, including two communal kitchens, three outdoor lounges, plus an art room, outdoor theatre, library and game spaces.
Phase one at Line 5 Condos will release 450 of 930 total units this fall, with prices starting in the 300s.
