5207 Dundas

Copyright: Henriquez Partners Architects, Renderer: Mirage Studios

5207 Dundas is one of the first projects realized by Toronto’s Housing Now initiative, which challenges the design and development community to provide urgently needed affordable and accessible urban housing. Once completed, the 682,000 ft2 project will deliver 507 market rental units and 218 purpose-built affordable rental units. This transit-oriented community builds density where existing infrastructure can support significant growth, and improves an underutilized urban site. Two towers emerge from a mid-rise podium, marking the key corners of the site. An inner courtyard is framed by the mid-rise podium, and creates a quiet refuge from the busy city and adjacent railway. Indigenous Elders call this place Adobigok – “where the alders grow.” Alder trees are species that improve soil as they grow. Likewise, this project will also improve this neighbourhood in transition. An Indigenous-led consultation process reinforced the façade expression and the public realm design. The façade is inspired by fall colours and the geometry of a honeycomb. Custom precast panels evoke the structure of a hive. Colour graduates from earth tones at grade to light tones at the sky. We dedicate our efforts to build holistic communities, enabling access to nature, sunlight, socialization and affordable food. We create enriching outdoor environments that include community garden plots and community kitchens. The project meets Toronto Green Standard T4, by reducing energy use intensity and greenhouse gas emissions.