The Parkside development located north of Queens Quay, just east of Sherbourne Common, is the first private sector development in East Bayfront. Developed by Great Gulf Group of Companies and designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Parkside is a mixed-use development featuring residential, retail, office/employment and institutional uses bordering Sherbourne Park. Parkside will significantly enhance the area’s ability to attract residents, businesses and visitors. It encourages downtown family living by offering a daycare centre onsite and by designing at least five per cent of all units to be three or more bedrooms.

Centered on the design idea of “Gardens in the Sky,” Parkside will set new standards for design excellence and sustainability on the waterfront. The development, which will feature stunning views of Lake Ontario, will comply with Waterfront Toronto’s Mandatory Green Building Requirements including LEED Gold certification. The development will include plant-covered roofs and stepped gardens that create green space on virtually every floor, and in the building’s dramatic six-storey atrium. Great Gulf and the design team will also explore a variety of environmentally-progressive design initiatives.

The Parkside Development is expected to result in approximately $200 million private sector investment in East Bayfront.

Known for its design-driven philosophy and award-winning projects, the Great Gulf Group of Companies was selected as the developer for Parkside for its ability to deliver Waterfront Toronto’s vision for a vibrant, showcase, green community in East Bayfront.

Parkside development agreements were brought to Toronto City Council in November 2009 on the recommendation of Waterfront Toronto following a competitive Request for Qualifications and Request for Proposals selection process.

Great Gulf assembled an esteemed and talented design team for the Parkside project. Led by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the team includes: Les Klein and Sheldon Levitt, Quadrangle Architects Limited; Janet Rosenberg, Janet Rosenberg + Associates; and Anna Simone, Cecconi Simone Inc.

The Parkside development, with its “Gardens in the Sky” design philosophy, will be a landmark for the new waterfront neighbourhood of East Bayfront. It will also be the first residential project by Moshe Safdie in Canada since his landmark Habitat ’67 in Montreal.

The development, comprised of a point tower and podium, will achieve a delicate balance between glass and traditional masonry, punctuated with windows and balconies. Its alternating layers of glass and limestone-coloured pre-cast concrete frames will result in a rich contrast of shading recesses and projections.

Discover more about world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who designed Parkside.

Location: Bounded by Sherbourne Common to the west, Bonnycastle Street to the east, Queens Quay Boulevard East to the south and Lake Shore Boulevard to the north
Development Potential: 50,000 square metres (540,000 square feet)

Developer:  Great Gulf Group of Companies

Design Team: Moshe Safdie and Associates; Quadrangle Architects Limited; Janet Rosenberg + Associates; and Cecconi Simone

Development Space: 540,000 square feet total; 240,000 square feet (podium); 300,000 square feet (tower)