Since the launch of NorthCore Condos late last year, developers Fieldgate Urban have been enjoying a high volume of sales for the North York mid-rise project, with their first release of units selling out in less than two months. 

Designed by IBI Group, the 16-storey development has clearly managed to impress the market, and while some of that success can be attributed to factors like an intriguing location in the heart of North York, or stylish amenities, the development team also thought carefully about how to program their site in a way that was complimentary to the surrounding context. By including both a townhouse component and a parkland dedication, NorthCore fits neatly into the fabric of the community while delivering a boost in density to an emerging node. 

Looking south to NorthCore Condos (right) in neighbourhood context, image courtesy of Fieldgate Urban

Beginning with a look at how the townhouses fit into the project, NorthCore will see the construction of a continuous row of seven townhomes, climbing to a count of four storeys. Unlike the popular approach, that sees townhouses built directly into the main building, NorthCore’s townhouses are to be constructed as a separate structure along the southern limit of the site, Bogert Avenue, allowing them to enjoy primary entrances from the smaller scaled residential street. The siting also creates a large gap between townhouses and the 16-storey building, which fronts Sheppard Avenue West on the northern portion of the site, providing a workable canvas for outdoor programming.  

East elevation drawing shows scale of main building, townhouses, and neighbourhood house, image from submission to City of Toronto

This two volume massing plays an important role in creating separation between the tall building component and the single family homes located immediately to the south, using the townhouses as a visual buffer that smooths the transition in height. The exterior of the townhouses also feature a similar materiality as the taller building’s podium, employing a cladding of precast concrete panels with a red brick finish, helping further to ease the development into the context of the neighbourhood. 

Drawing of townhouses' north elevation, showing exterior finishing materials, image from submission to City of Toronto

NorthCore's landscaping plan has evolved into one of the highlights of the project, activating the space between the townhouses and the main building. The design creates a a private courtyard amenity with programming for cooking, dining, and outdoor relaxation.

Outdoor amenity courtyard fills gap between townhouses and main building, image courtesy of Fieldgate Urban

Directly to the east of NorthCore’s site is Albert Standing Park. The 1.2-acre greenspace enjoys a wealth of tree canopy, and features a number of footpaths that converge around a central fountain. With a parkland dedication of over 5,000 ft² from the southeast corner of NorthCore's site, residents will be able to enjoy a direct link to the enlarged Albert Standing Park, connecting the public greenspace to the condo's more intimate landscaped courtyard amenity. 

Looking south at site's east border shared with Albert Standing Park, image courtesy of Fieldgate Urban

With sales performing well and building permits applied for in early March, NorthCore is on the cusp of taking the next step towards realization. Delivering 358 condo units along with the 7 townhouse units to the Willowdale area, the project is a sign of North York’s strengthening identity as a highly livable urban community. 

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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