Category: Residential

October 18, 2023

SmartCentres’ ArtWalk breaks ground in growing SmartVMC community

Source: UrbanToronto

SmartLiving held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, September 29 for ArtWalk Condos, marking a pivotal moment for the SmartVMC community in the Greater Toronto Area’s Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC). This event celebrated the start of a new residential project while highlighting the ongoing development of a dynamic, connected community within SmartVMC.

ArtWalk Condos, the 2.2-acre project planned and developed by SmartCentres REIT‘s residential arm, SmartLiving, is a key development in the expanding SmartVMC community. The development will comprise four distinct buildings, ranging from 4 to 40 storeys, with a total of 569 units, designed by the acclaimed Hariri Pontarini Architects. Each building is crafted to offer an engaging ground-floor experience with a shared courtyard designed to foster activity and interaction among residents.

Situated at 101 Edgeley Boulevard, ArtWalk Condos will be adjacent to the VMC subway entrance. With direct access to TTC Line 1, residents will enjoy seamless connectivity to various city locales.

With Union Station approximately 40 minutes away via the subway, ArtWalk Condos offers integration into Downtown Toronto’s transit network. Additionally, the nearby VIVA Station on Hwy 7 provides RapidBus connections to Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, and Brampton, while the development’s proximity to the SmartVMC Bus Terminal further enhances its connectivity across Vaughan.

The development is a significant phase in the SmartVMC, a 100-acre master-planned city centre by SmartCentres in the VMC. ArtWalk Condos represents the 9th and 10th high-rise buildings to be constructed on the expansive site, with six residential buildings and two commercial buildings now completed.

The site is within walking distance of major employers, including KPMG and PwC, as well as community offerings, such as the YMCA, a Vaughan public library branch, and daycare facilities.

The development will also be adjacent to a 9-acre central park by CCxA — well known for local projects such as Love Park — providing residents with expansive green spaces featuring a dog park, trails, and sunken lawn for community events. The first phase of the park, consisting of 2.74 acres, is anticipated to start construction in 2024.

With over 30,000ft² of retail space completed and available for lease, the area has attracted a variety of tenants, including coffee shops like Balzac’s Coffee and major banks such as TD, BMO, RBC, and Scotiabank.

SmartLiving, backed by over 30 years of development experience across Canada, is at the helm of ArtWalk Condos. The condos are designed with a focus on sustainability, while also incorporating health-focused features and secure touch-free access to minimize health risks. The entire 12-acre development will be serviced from a centralized District Energy Plant (DEP), allowing for lower utility fees for residents and enabling future upgrades down the road.

ArtWalk Condos will integrate a suite of smart building features designed to enhance the living experience for its residents. These include Wi-Fi connections in all common areas, and smart thermostats installed in each unit. Keyless door entry systems will offer secure and hassle-free access to units, and a dedicated building app will allow residents to book amenities and common areas effortlessly.

The development also promises a range of amenities designed to foster community interaction, from co-working spaces and outdoor terraces to children’s play areas and barbecue areas.

ArtWalk Condos has a targeted completion of Summer 2027. For more information, you can visit their official site.

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Here’s why The Millway by SmartLiving is the most stylish new development in the GTA

Source: BlogTO

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and even Toronto itself, is known for the massive amount of new developments constantly sprouting up — whether that be condos or apartments.

But a brand new development that’s just a stone’s throw away from the city is quickly becoming known for its sophisticated and stylish atmosphere — and its suites are ready to be snapped up quickly.

Rendering of a one acre park outside a purpose built rental apartment building in Vaughan Ontario

Introducing The Millway in Vaughan’s new downtown core, a 100-acre, master-planned and pedestrian-focused community that really stands out. 

Brought to you by SmartLiving, The Millway has absolutely everything a renter dreams of, located at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Highway 7 and Jane Street in SmartVMC. 

Interior photograph of a one bedroom rental apartment in Vaughan Ontario

Suites at The Millway are crafted with modern design in mind and feature top-of-the-line finishes including stainless steel appliances, in-suite washer and dryer units, and laminate flooring.

From lavish amenities and ample green spaces to bespoke suites and living spaces, here are just a couple of factors that should put The Millway on your radar.

Luxurious amenities

An elevated rental experience means you’re not just getting any run-of-the-mill gym or apartment party room. At The Millway, luxury is the name of the game.

Rendering of a luxurious condominium gymnasium

That means you can sweat it out in their yoga studio, get in your steps with a lap on their indoor running track, or bask in the sun in The Millway’s outdoor infinity pool.

Regardless of how you stay active, this development has 24,000 square feet of super amenities that scream rest and relaxation.

If that isn’t enough to get you fit, you can also count on the cardio and weight training area, K2 ultimate training centre or squash court to deliver the best workout experience — no gym membership required.

City living without compromise

One of the main reasons people decide (and pay exorbitantly) to live in a city is because of its bustling dining experience, top employers and maintained facilities.

SmartLiving has taken all of these factors and actually built The Millway around them, providing city living without the traffic, noise or cost.

Rendering of BUCA restaurant in Vaughan Ontario

Residents can experience fine dining at the now open Buca location, one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, or sip a chai latte at the trendy Balzac’s Cafe at SmartVMC.

Top employers are just steps away, like KPMG, PwC, Miller Thomson, GFL and more, which can help chop your commute down from hours to minutes.

Don’t forget there are plenty of activities to do in the area, like getting blown away by Canada’s largest LED art gallery, the PXL Gallery; taking a stroll down along ArtWalk Murals, a 30,000-square-foot mural painted by renowned artists; or relaxing in Transit Square, a 49,000-square-foot public space.

You’re also steps from a local YMCA and multiple library locations.

Sense of reliability and safety

The Millway by SmartLiving is one of the best places to rent for many reasons besides the amenities. With decades of experience, SmartLiving is an industry leader in providing security of tenure.

Rendering of people playing squash at The Millway

Unlike dealing with your typical city landlord, you won’t have to worry about your apartment selling without your knowledge or any forced move-outs.

Plus there are no down payments, mortgages, maintenance fees or property taxes, which means your money stays in your pocket.

Their concierge property management delivers a professional, reliable and immediate response to all of your needs while state-of-the-art security in a touch-free and pet-friendly building promises the highest level of safety.

Connectivity at your doorstep

At The Millway, you’re not just steps away from an interconnected transportation centre, you’re living in it — thanks to the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre TTC across the street.

Just a 30-minute subway ride will whisk you into the heart of Toronto, and a 40-minute ride will take you to Union Station.

Photograph of a TTC subway car arriving at the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station

A five-minute subway line will drop you off at York University while a 15-minute trip will have you shopping at Yorkdale Mall. And, literally 450 meters away is the VIVA Station, which provides a rapid connection to Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Brampton.

The Millway is right across the street from the SmartVMC Bus Terminal, which offers YRT, VIVA, ZUM and GO transfers — so you can keep that car in the parking garage for a real road trip.

Nine-acre park designed by renowned landscape architects

One of the jewels of The Millway is their gorgeous and gigantic planned park, which will come together under the meticulous hand of Claude Cormier + Associates.

Not familiar? The firm is known for projects including creating Sugar Beach, Berczy Park and the Leslie Slip Lookout Park. 

Rendering of a 9-acre park

Once completed, the nine-acre park will boast a sunken lawn for community sports, markets and concerts, a dog park, a sky fountain, outdoor patios, a civic square and trails.

The Millway by SmartLiving is now available for rent, with model suites that just opened for viewing. To learn more about the GTA’s hottest development, make sure to visit The Millway’s open house every weekend or book an appointment on their website.

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January 17, 2023

Upgrade your lifestyle at The Millway by SmartLiving in the heart of the most connected Vaughan neighbourhood

Source: The Star

As a renter, you deserve better. That’s why you shouldn’t make compromises when it comes to the location, the amenities, the distance to transit, or perhaps even having to deal with an unreliable landlord.

You really can have it all. That is, if you rent at The Millway.

Located at the bustling Vaughan Metropolitan Centre at Highway 7 and Highway 400, The Millway is apartment living refined. It’s completely designed for the modern renter, offering residents an urban lifestyle without compromise — spacious suites, premium finishes, thoughtfully designed amenities, and just steps away from ample greenspace, TTC subway access, shopping and restaurants.

The designer suites at The Millway feature stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, a waterfall island, full slab backsplash, quartz countertops, and designer finishes while the building offers state-of-the-art security and around the clock concierge, which means you’ll receive professional, reliable, and immediate service whenever you need it.

You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have security of tenure — meaning the legal right to continue living in your suite — as The Millway is owned and operated by SmartLiving, an industry leader backed by 30 years of experience.

The Millway’s exclusive offerings include a café-style lobby, coworking space, a 5th floor indoor/outdoor lounge, guest rooms, BBQ areas, a 36th floor sky lounge, plus residents have access to Super Amenities including an outdoor infinity pool, meeting rooms, K2 Ultimate Training Centre with cardio and weight training area, squash court, and an indoor running track.

Outside, there’s a one-acre, tree-lined park right at the foot of the building with walking paths, a children’s play area and dog park, an especially important detail for dog parents, as The Millway is pet-friendly.

Because The Millway is located in the heart of the new SmartVMC, residents can also enjoy all of the perks of this 100-acre master-planned community, including a 9-acre central park that features curved paths throughout, and a grand sunken lawn that can be used for community sports and large gatherings. It’s an epicentre for commerce, culture, recreation, open spaces, and urban living. Everything you need is right within your reach — banks, coffee shops, restaurants, day care centres, shopping, an outdoor LED wall, and public spaces that host Movies Under the Stars, the Vaughan International Music Festival, concerts, yoga classes, markets and more.

Best of all, it’s super connected — SmartVMC’s transit hub will take you everywhere in the Greater Toronto Area. The Millway is just steps away from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre TTC subway station, connecting residents to TTC Line 1, putting York University, Union Station and Yorkdale Shopping Centre only minutes away. The VMC Viva Station is just steps away on Highway 7, providing rapid connection to Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket and Brampton, and a bus terminal directly across the street from The Millway within SmartVMC serves YRT, GO and Züm.

Be one of the first to live in this unique community and experience life at The Millway. Register now to tour at TheMillway.ca.

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June 7, 2022

Quality Design One of Many Highlights of Park Place at SmartVMC

Source: UrbanToronto

Two new towers are set to rise in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre with Park Place Condos, representing the next phase of SmartVMC’s master plan by SmartLiving, SmartCentres REIT’s residential sub-brand. The pair of 48- and 56-storey towers are designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects and will add to a growing skyline around the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre transit hub. The development includes a total of 1,100 residential units along with more than 10,000 ft² of urban retail space at ground level.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITRendering looking east toward Park Place, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

The towers sport a curvy, elegant design from Hariri Pontarini, with horizontal fins wrapping the podium that create a linear motif which continues up the tower as fritted glass. This attention to detail is not just limited to the exterior, however, with Hariri Pontarini also designing the building interiors with the same elevated, contemporary aesthetic.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITClose-up rendering of Park Place, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

The suites come in a variety of types and sizes, ranging from 480 to over 1,100 ft² and from one to three bedrooms. Along with the range of options, each suite features 9-foot-high smooth ceilings; floor-to-ceiling windows with roller blinds included; a balcony; and windows in each bedroom. The layouts are efficiently organized to maximize the usable interior space, with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room that allows for plenty of natural light and flexibility.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITFloor plan of typical south tower floor plate, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

Suite interiors feature high-quality finishes that are durable, comfortable, and offer a luxurious feel to the space. The bathrooms in particular are meticulously designed with modern finishes, including porcelain tile floors and floor-to-ceiling tiled walls in the wet areas. The showers and tubs are glass-enclosed and come with a rain showerhead, features that are not typically standard in most condos. The toilet is water-efficient, and a modern sink with stone countertop complements the aesthetic of the space.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITRendering of a typical bathroom, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

The main living area and bedrooms feature resilient LVP flooring for a warm, inviting look that is comfortable on the feet and also highly durable and scratch-resistant. The kitchen includes solid surface countertops which accent the living space and a full-slab backsplash, synonymous with luxury interior design, that offers a clean look free of grout lines, making it easy to maintain. Integrated appliances offer a streamlined look, seamlessly blending in with the cabinetry for an aesthetically-pleasing appearance that is also efficient and space-saving.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITRendering of a condo unit at Park Place, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

Residents can choose from two standard designer-chosen colour palettes for the interior finishes, offering customization without having to hire an interior designer. Fixtures come in either black and gold to complement the elevated design of the interiors.

Units are also equipped with smart capabilities such as touch-free entry and smart thermostats, all of which can be accessed through app integration.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITRendering of a condo unit at Park Place, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

The building also features a host of new amenities located on the second and third floors of the podium. These include a fitness area with yoga and wellness spaces and a cycle lab; a lounge and games room; and a large outdoor terrace, complete with landscaping, seating areas, and an outdoor cooking area. WiFi will also be available in all common areas.

Park Place Condos, SmartVMC, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartLiving, SmartCentres REITRendering of the fitness room, image courtesy of SmartLiving.

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April 8, 2022

Smart Move: A Luxurious Lifestyle Awaits At Vaughan’s Master-Planned City Centre

Source: STOREYS

As Vaughan’s highly-anticipated downtown hub steps into its next phase, those seeking a brand-new luxury suite that’s as welcoming as it is well-connected will be smart to make a move.

Serving as the newest juncture of SmartVMC — SmartCentres’ flagship 100+ acre master-planned community, rising in the heart of Vaughan — SmartLiving is poised to introduce a host of new suites to the neighbourhood via Park Place condos.

Standing at Highway 7 and Commerce Street, this pair of mixed-use towers will bring 1,100 residential units to the area, alongside more than 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space at grade.

With the project’s launch just around the corner, the time for getting acquainted with all the lavish livability, comfort, and connection this development has to offer is right now.

With SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust at the helm of Park Place condos, future residents can trust their homes are in (read: being crafted by) good hands. As part of SmartCentres’ major project of the moment – a $15.2B intensification program wherein rental apartments, condos, seniors’ residences, and hotels are being developed under SmartCentres’ residential sub brand, SmartLiving – all eyes are on Park Place.

Park Place (rendering)Park Place (rendering)

The fast-approaching condominium launch will introduce two buildings — one soaring 48 storeys, and the other 56 — directly adjacent to SmartVMC’s nine-acre central park. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the towers will feature a suave curving design, rising over a three-storey podium that connects their bases. With thanks to their ultra-connected location, the builds will offer ease of access to transit, amenities, retail, and an expansive public realm.

Indeed, the ground level of the buildings will serve as a communal hub; its generous retail plaza and public space considered. With thoughtful architecture that seamlessly integrates the development with the surroundings planned for the area, this shopping and gathering space celebrates form as much as it honours function.

With suites ranging in size from 470 through to over 1,100 sq. ft., luxurious layouts from one- up to three-beds will be available at Park Place. Furthermore, the buildings will be smart, with special features including touch-free entry, smart thermostats, app integration, and Wi-Fi available throughout common areas.

Amenities on site will include a lounge and games room, a fitness area complete with a dedicated yoga and wellness hub, a cycle lab, and a large outdoor terrace that comes complete with plenty of greenery, ample space for seating, and an outdoor cooking area.

Complementing all the elegance and ease to be found throughout Park Place, the community surrounding the condominium is overflowing with just as many comforts. Already, SmartVMC has emerged as a location not just of the moment, but as a location for life. The master-planned project boasts swoon-worthy green space, residential and office builds, and cultural offerings ranging from art exhibits to music to festivals.

What’s more, additional SmartLiving residential projects and a brand-new, soon-to-open YMCA are all neighbours to the rising Park Place towers.

And, for those who love downtown Toronto’s buzz, and crave visits to the core for a Raptors game or a Kensington Market crawl, access couldn’t be easier: with Vaughan Metropolitan Centre TTC station — not to mention the SmartVMC regional bus terminal and Commerce Street VIVA station — sitting at the community’s centre, it’s a breeze to get into the city’s core.

Whether you travel via transit for work or for play, or your sunlight hours are spent stomping the pavement of this burgeoning community, Park Place is perfectly positioned to welcome you home at the end of the day. If you ask us, to plant yourself here sounds like a pretty smart move.

To learn more about Park Place, and to register, visit theparkplacecondos.ca.

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April 7, 2022

The March Towards Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Has Begun, The Highly Anticipated Park Place Condominiums are About to Hit the Market!

Source: CanIndia

The development of the SmartVMC located in the heart of Vaughan is well underway and demand shows no signs of slowing.

To keep up with the demand in this burgeoning community; SmartLiving, SmartCentres REIT’s wholly owned in-house residential development brand, is launching Park Place Condominiums, the next phase of mixed-use living at SmartVMC this Spring 2022.

Coming to the corner of Highway 7 and Commerce Street, immediately adjacent to SmartVMC’s future 9-acre central park, are two elegant, luxury-inspired towers of 48 and 56 storeys comprising of 1100 suites.

Park Place will bring refined luxury to the SmartCentres flagship 100+ acre master-planned new City Centre, with world-class architecture punctuating Vaughan’s emerging skyline. No other location in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre incorporates connectivity, urban conveniences, and architectural beauty quite like Park Place Condominiums

Featuring a modern curved design, with two towers elegantly rising from a three-storey podium; Park Place will stand as a beacon of elevated living for the city. From its sculpted, curvy exterior to its exquisitely crafted interiors, Park Place offers elevated modern design and quiet luxury. A high level of quality in materials and craftsmanship married with artistic flair, creates the ultimate living experience.

Park Place attracts and draws people into its large, open promenade that encourages walking to the retail outlets at ground level and other areas of the SmartVMC along landscaped paths.

Acclaimed architects Hariri Pontarini have designed the two towers and their podium base to be eye-catching and different from the norm for condos, sculpting each tower by using distinctive “fins” that create a stepped silhouette.

The two elegant towers of Park Place will be steps from the future 9-acre central park designed by the internationally renowned landscape architects at Claude Cormier + Associés, featuring a sunken lawn, children’s play area and dog park.

Park Place Condominiums will include one, two and three-bedroom suites, ranging from approximately 470 to 1,100 square feet and will feature smart capabilities including touch-free entry and smart thermostats, accessible through dedicated app integration. Suites are designed for the busy lifestyle and growing family needs featuring multiple-use spaces, efficient layouts, plenty of natural light, and functional balconies.

Park Place Condominiums, Vaughan’s New Luxury Condominiums

  • Designed by award-winning architectural firm Hariri Pontarini
  • Two Towers: 48 and 56 storeys, housing 1,100 suites
  • Overlooking SmartVMC’s 9-acre central park
  • Integrated building amenities including retail, co-working space, fitness, yoga and wellness facilities located directly in the building.
  • Steps from the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (TTC) Subway

SmartLiving gives Canadians access to city living without compromise. They do not simply build homes; SmartLiving apartments, condos, towns, and seniors’ residences are designed around public squares and parks, within pedestrian-focused, transit-connected master-planned communities. Backed by over 30 years of experience, SmartLiving leverages an in-house team of land development experts to drive all residential initiatives across SmartCentres’ communities coast-to-coast.

Park Place Condominiums is launching this Spring 2022. Do not miss this opportunity to live in the vibrant Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Visit theparkplacecondos.ca and learn more about Park Place Condominiums!

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February 7, 2022

Park Place Bringing Refined Living to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre

Source: UrbanToronto

One of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in Canada is about to grow a little more as SmartLiving introduces Park Place, the next phase of SmartVMC, SmartCentres REIT’s 100+ acre master-planned city centre in Vaughan’s new downtown hub. Located on the northeast corner of Highway 7 and Commerce Street and immediately adjacent to SmartVMC’s central 9-acre park, the two-tower proposal is set to expand the area’s emerging skyline, rising to heights of 48 and 56 storeys. These mixed-use towers build on SmartVMC’s transit-oriented, pedestrian-friendly development, adding to the vibrant community growing in Vaughan’s burgeoning downtown.

Park Place, SmartCentres REIT, SmartLiving, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartVMC
Park Place looking east, image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT.

The two towers are designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects and will contain more than 1,100 residential units, with over 10,000 ft² of retail space at the base. The south tower rises 56 storeys with the north tower reaching 48 storeys, both of which sit atop a connected 3-storey podium. Given their location adjacent to the park and the Highway 7 corridor, the towers will offer uninterrupted views across the entire GTA. The proposal includes generous sidewalks and public realm around the building, including a north-south pedestrian mews along the east edge of the site connecting Highway 7 to New Park Place.

The proposed development fronts directly onto the middle section of the 9-acre central park at the heart of the SmartVMC master plan. The park is designed by renowned landscape architects Claude Cormier + Associés, and the central heart of the park will contain a sunken lawn, a kids’ play area, and a dog park, essentially becoming a big backyard for residents. The first phase of the park will begin construction later this year.

Park Place, SmartCentres REIT, SmartLiving, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartVMC
View of Park Place from within the central park looking southeast, image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT.

The buildings feature a signature curving design from Hariri Pontarini Architects, with the podium swerving inward to embrace a courtyard on the west. “The project conveys a contemporary expression that is distinguished and notable on the newly created Vaughan skyline,” states Michael Attard, Associate Partner at Hariri Pontarini, “a simple, graceful residential tower lightly resting on an iconic three-storey retail and amenity base. It is informed by the constraints of its context and celebrates the relationship of program and structure, tracing its form to a natural conclusion.”

Attard describes how the massing of the towers was sculpted and integrated seamlessly with the public realm: “We carved away the massing next to Commerce Street to create a retail plaza which links into the new park. The towers were oriented with an offset to preserve views and maximize access to light. The podium is seen as an extension of the plaza and activated by outdoor amenities which terrace upwards away from the plaza. The base and corners of the tower are defined by a warm terracotta screen which links through the development like a ribbon.”

Park Place, SmartCentres REIT, SmartLiving, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartVMC
The base of Park Place, image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT.

Sustainability also informed the design of the towers. “The towers are wrapped in bands of white fritted glass which quiet the division of envelope to balcony and provide locations for us to introduce solid walls to improve our window-to-wall ratio,” explains Attard. “Incorporating concepts of passive sustainable design, the project strikes a balance between responsive solar strategies, cohesive skin design, and the needs and comforts of the occupants who desire maximum access to view and light.”   

At ground level, a generous retail plaza and expansive public realm integrate the development with its surroundings, with a trellis tracing the edge of the site to create an intimate gathering space. “We’ve softened the threshold from street to building by incorporating a public plaza that is visually connected to the central park and bordered by an elevated sun-shading trellis,” Attard states. ”Stairs with integrated benches mitigate the grade change along Commerce Street.” Attard adds that, “The building form and program helped to shape the public space, encourage connectivity, and provide opportunities for neighbourhood interaction.”

Park Place, SmartCentres REIT, SmartLiving, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartVMC
Retail plaza along Commerce Street, image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT.

Condo units in the building are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 470 to more than 1,100 square feet, and from one to three bedrooms. SmartLiving describes the development as offering their highest level of refined living in SmartVMC to date. Amenities are located on the second and third floors of the podium and include a fitness area with yoga and wellness spaces; a cycle lab; a lounge and games room; and a large outdoor terrace, complete with an outdoor cooking area. It is also being designed as a smart building, with Wi-Fi available in all common areas, and features such as touch-free entry, smart thermostats, and app integration.

Park Place joins a growing collection of high-rise developments in SmartVMC, where several other SmartLiving residential projects are planned, completed, or under construction, including five Transit City Condo towers; Artwalk Condos; and The Millway purpose-built rental tower.  SmartVMC’s skyline also features the award-winning Class A KPMG Tower and the PwC-YMCA Tower, which is home to a brand new YMCA, slated to open very soon. These buildings are all centred around immediate access to public transit, with the TTC’s Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway station and SmartVMC regional bus terminal at the heart of the community, and the VIVA/BRT line on Highway 7 along its perimeter. Park Place benefits from its location directly adjacent to the Commerce Street stop on the BRT line and is a short walk from the subway station.

Park Place, SmartCentres REIT, SmartLiving, Hariri Pontarini Architects, Vaughan, SmartVMC
SmartVMC master plan with Park Place highlighted in orange, image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT.

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October 5, 2021

SmartCentres Unveils ArtWalk Condos at SmartVMC in Vaughan

Source: UrbanToronto

It doesn’t seem all that long since the centre of Vaughan was just big box stores amid acres of parking… but then the subway arrived with the opening of Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station, and the area has been on a tear ever since. SmartCentres REIT, who own 100 acres adjacent to the station, took the opportunity of the new direct accessibility to Downtown Toronto to make best use of the land through a master plan they developed, gradually bringing a new 20M ft² City Centre to Vaughan surrounding a 9-acre central park.

Transit City, Smart VMC Bus Terminal, PwC Building, Library, VaughanLooking through the proposed Central Park at SmartVMC, designed by Claude Cormier + Associes for SmartCentres REIT

The plan, developed with Diamond Schmitt Architects and Claude Cormier + Associés, has quickly brought quite a bit of new development to the area that’s just a minute’s drive from Highways 400 and 7. “With five sold out world-class residential towers, and two leased out award-winning office towers, SmartVMC is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada,” Mitchell Goldhar, Executive Chairman and CEO of SmartCentres REIT told us. “This emerging city centre has unparalleled transit connectivity, including a TTC Subway Station and York Regional Bus Terminal on site.”

Transit City, Smart VMC Bus Terminal, PwC Building, Library, VaughanThe first three Transit City towers behind the Smart VMC Bus Terminal, and PwC Building with Library to the left, image by Edward Skira

While current construction immediately to the east is adding more residential buildings, the next parcel of land to be developed has now been revealed; just to the west of Transit City will be the mixed-use ArtWalk District. Launched this past summer with a series of “accessible, experiential art and culture activations,” the ArtWalk District was kicked off with 30,000 ft² of murals painted by acclaimed local and international artists including Ricardo Cavolo, birdO, Ben Johnston, and Jeremy Shantz. Currently, the murals provide a colourful backdrop for ArtWalk’s food truck market, and for a series of free drive-in movies that run every Thursday and Saturday evening.

Mural by renowned Barcelona-based artist Ricardo Cavolo at ArtWalk, Vaughan, image courtesy of SmartCentresMural by renowned Barcelona-based artist Ricardo Cavolo at ArtWalk, image courtesy of SmartCentres

New developments will transform the art district with a four-phase block of new, mixed-use developments from SmartLiving, SmartCentres’ wholly owned in-house residential development brand. The first of these is ArtWalk Condos Phase 1. Goldhar continued “ArtWalk Condos represent our next phase of new residential buildings within SmartVMC; a pedestrian and public art-oriented neighbourhood within a vibrant new city centre. ArtWalk Condos is located at the nexus of a brand-new YMCA and public library, a series of striking public art installations, and a spectacular 9-acre central park that will serve as the heartbeat of the whole community.”

ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, Vaughan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REITLooking southwest to ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

Designed by renowned Hariri Pontarini Architects, the first phase of ArtWalk is just to the west of the library, an arrangement of four buildings that will rise around an integrated courtyard. HPA is leading both the architecture and interiors for this phase, bringing varying building and suite sizes to accommodate a diverse range of people and lifestyles. The design is detailed and welcoming, featuring natural materials and colour palettes, “purposefully creating variation between all the buildings while crafting a striking skyline.”

ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, Vaughan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REITLooking southwest to ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

The tallest of the four buildings is a 38-storey residential tower at the east end of the courtyard and fronting Buttermill Avenue. It will be joined by a 3-storey podium to an 18-storey residential building on the north side of the courtyard. To the south will be a 6-storey residential building, low enough to allow sunlight to flood the courtyard. At the southeast corner of the site, at the corner of Apple Mill and Buttermill will be a 4-storey mixed-use building. The base of the 6-storey building will feature a co-working space and café which spills into and animates the courtyard. Coverage of the site is 4.63 times, with a total gross floor area of 51,124m², in a mix of 50,281m² of residential space and 590m² of retail. The three buildings count a total of 627 residential units. A single-level underground garage provides 220 parking spaces to serve residents, employees, and visitors, while parking for 383 bicycles is also included.

ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, Vaughan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REITCourtyard at ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

Residents of all three buildings will enjoy access to a full roster of amenities in the development, arranged around the courtyard to foster activity and interactions between residents, creating an urban neighbourhood feeling and build a sense of community. Amenities will include multiple lushly landscaped terraces with gardens that variously boast an outdoor dining space with barbecues, intimate lounge seating with firepits, and even an outdoor movie area. Families will benefit from an indoor/outdoor children’s play area, while those working from home will have use of an expansive 2,500 ft² co-working centre facing the courtyard. The double-height co-working space is designed with neutral tones to provide a calming, focus-supporting environment, and a community café will be at hand. A spiral staircase, see below at the back, leads to a breakout area to chat with co-workers or friends.

ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, Vaughan, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REITCo-working space at ArtWalk Condos Phase 1 at Smart VMC, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects for SmartCentres REIT

ArtWalk will be future-ready when delivered, with WiFi will be offered in all common areas, and an app available for all residents to book amenities, control smart thermostats in suites, provide keyless entry, and more. According to Goldhar, the same holistic approach to master planning SmartVMC has been applied to ArtWalk, including “the active integration of art and culture, the pedestrian focus, and the thoughtful consideration of connectivity with the surrounding amenities.”

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August 4, 2020

Two High-Rise Residential Towers Coming to SmartCentres Thornhill

Source: UrbanToronto

SmartCentres Thornhill, a 20-acre commercial shopping centre at the northwest corner of Centre Street and Bathurst Street, will be redeveloped by SmartLiving on behalf of owners Metrontario and the Penguin Group of Companies. SmartLiving, the residential brand of SmartCentres REIT, is working with the City of Vaughan to establish a long-term vision for the lands at at 700 Centre Street in Thornhill.

SmartCentres Thornhill, Vaughan, SmartLiving, Metrontario, Penguin Group, Sweeny &CoSmartCentres Thornhill, concept image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT

The property falls within an ‘Urban Area’ under the Region of York Official Plan. The site is also located within a ‘Primary Centre’ and along a ‘Regional Intensification Corridor’ as outlined in the City of Vaughan’s Official Plan. These three designations formally identify the property as an ideal location for mixed-use, high-rise development.

The project emerges in a booming development node supported by the recently-opened Disera-Promenade Station along Viva’s Highway 7 Rapidway, located directly in front of SmartCentres Thornhill. 

Representing the first phase, Official Plan Amendment, Zoning Bylaw Amendment and Site Plan Control applications have been submitted to the City of Vaughan to permit two condominium towers of 27 and 29 storeys on a 1.3-acre area at the northwest corner of the site.

SmartCentres Thornhill, Vaughan, SmartLiving, Metrontario, Penguin Group, Sweeny &CoContext map, image via submission to the City of Vaughan

Meeting the ground with a three-storey podium containing ground-level retail space, a bridging element between the two towers rises from the rear of the podium, where indoor amenity spaces will be located. Renderings of the Sweeny &Co Architects-designed project depict outdoor amenity spaces on the rooftops of the three- and six-storey podium components.

A total of 510 parking stalls will be housed below-grade and within the podium, hiding all parking from the surrounding public realm. Vehicular access to the development will be through a private road animated with landscaping and street furniture.

Street-oriented retail spaces and the residential lobby will activate all sides of the project to promote a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, further enhanced by glazed expanses and tall floor-to-ceiling heights. 

SmartCentres Thornhill, Vaughan, SmartLiving, Metrontario, Penguin Group, Sweeny &CoSmartCentres Thornhill, concept image courtesy of SmartCentres REIT

Each of the two towers boast distinct facades that continue the architectural language established by the podium. Projecting balconies combine with horizontal and vertical elements and a mix of glazing, masonry, spandrel, concrete, and metal panels to form a diverse tower expression.

Partnering with Cityzen, Metrontario is developing the lot immediately to the west, where a pair of condominium towers are under construction. To the south, the 1986-built Promenade Shopping Centre is one of multiple suburban-style malls undergoing an urban transformation. The Promenade multi-phased, mixed-use redevelopment will produce over 1,000 residential units, office space, and a hotel across a number of high-rise towers.

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July 21, 2020

Crane Comes Down at Transit City Condos in Vaughan

Source: UrbanToronto

It’s been a few weeks since the topping off of the first of the three towers in phase one of the Transit City development at SmartVMC, a nascent master-planned community now growing around the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre subway terminal just north of Toronto. Being developed by SmartCentres in partnership with CentreCourt Developments, the trio of 55-storey condominium towers designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects has now surpassed another construction milestone.

Transit City Condos, SmartCentres, CentreCourt, Diamond Schmitt, VaughanLooking north to Transit City, image by Forum contributor Jasonzed

While the first crane was removed from the topped-off Tower 1 in May, the operation has now been repeated for Tower 2, with that crane’s disassembly having been carried out this month. The five-day process was undertaken by construction crews from Multiplex using a derrick with a lifting capacity of 35 tonnes.

Transit City Condos, SmartCentres, CentreCourt, Diamond Schmitt, VaughanCrane removal for T2 at Transit City, image courtesy of Multiplex

With the total weight of the tower crane roughly 90 tonnes—including its counterweights—it had to be disassembled and lowered in sections to keep the derrick’s loads under its limit. 

Transit City Condos, SmartCentres, CentreCourt, Diamond Schmitt, VaughanCrane removal for T2 at Transit City, image courtesy of Multiplex

The derrick was chosen over methods such as bringing in a mobile hydraulic crane and extending it from street level, due to the tower’s sheer height and because of restrictions related to the project’s location less than seven kilometres from Downsview Airport. Air rights continued to play a factor in how the crane was demobilized, as the derrick encroached upon the Downsview flightpath. Multiplex managed the derrick’s logistics, working in close consultation and daily liaison with airport management to ensure the operation was carried out safely: once a day’s operations were completed, the derrick was brought down to the tower’s roofline, before being jacked back into its operational posture the following day. 

Transit City Condos, SmartCentres, CentreCourt, Diamond Schmitt, VaughanCrane removal for T2 at Transit City, image courtesy of Multiplex

With two cranes down now, one remains active forming the final building in the first phase. Now just a few levels shy of its final height, the east tower will also have its crane removed in the near future.

As work continues inside the first three towers, construction has begun on the next phase of buildings at Transit City. Two cranes are now active on the underground levels of TC4 and TC5. In phase two, 45 and 50-storey CentreCourt and SmartCentres condominium towers are being constructed along with a 35-storey purpose-built SmartLiving rental building. The image below, captured in early July, shows the phase two site following the first crane’s installation, just prior to the second crane being raised.

Transit City Condos, SmartCentres, CentreCourt, Diamond Schmitt, VaughanConstruction for next phases of Transit City, image by Forum contributor DarkSideDenizen

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