In this week’s UTPro Instant Report, we highlight the area around Aurora’s intersection of Yonge and Wellington streets, in the heart of one of the original towns on Toronto’s northern outskirts. The part of the suburban belt surrounding the city is now thriving and urban intensification is beginning to unfold here, as in so many other parts of the GTA where greater densification had not previously been expected. Specifically, our report takes a look at the area within a half-mile radius of 32 Wellington Street East. It is a 600 m walk to the Aurora GO station, and about a half-hour drive south to the Langstaff GO station, where the new northern terminus of the Yonge Line 1 extension will be located, while taking Highways 400 and 404 are a few kilometers to the west and east.
Map view of area around 32 Wellington Street East, image from UTPro Instant Report
Following last year’s intersection upgrades by the city that improved safety and sight lines, the neighborhood is set for significant development that is consistent with Aurora’s Official Plan, which advocates for appropriate land intensification.
Our custom location report shows 9 projects in the pipeline: 7 under construction and 2 under construction, with no recently completed projects listed. If all projects are implemented as planned, 1,380 new apartments will be created in the region. (It should be noted that our housing unit count may be low as our tracking for this area is still new.) With an average height of 14.7 m and a maximum height of 29.15 m, these are construction projects mainly medium-rise buildings that flow seamlessly into one another. They integrate into the existing urban fabric and at the same time contribute to the liveliness and diversity of the area.
Summary of proposals for the area around 32 Wellington Street East, image from UTPro Instant Report
Amica Aurora is currently under construction at 15186 Yonge Street and has made steady progress in excavation and grading since last year. This project will include a seven-story retirement home and a two-story church designed by Murphy Partners for Succession Development Corporation. Located on the northwest corner of Yonge and Tyler streets, Amica Aurora will include 154 units that will provide new housing for seniors while serving as a community worship center.
Looking south at the ongoing construction of Amica Aurora, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor DarkSideDenizen
The Shoe Factory is a planning-stage project at 120 Metcalfe Street. Designed by Wallman Architects for Atria Development, this mixed-use development will include two 7-story and one 8-story buildings, as well as three blocks of 3-story townhouses. With a total of 379 units, The Shoe Factory will create a mix of residential and commercial space on the northwest corner of Metcalfe and Berczy streets.
An aerial view of the shoe factory designed by Wallman Architects for Atria Development
The area around Yonge and Wellington Streets is seeing a surge in development interest, with projects ranging from residential (including various forms of rental and ownership) to commercial and institutional spaces. With a total gross floor area (GFA) of 85,160 m² to date and an average floor area index (FSI) of 2.19, these developments will contribute significantly to the built environment and economic vitality of the region.
GFA breakdown for the area around 32 Wellington Street East, image from UTPro Instant Report
This area is on the verge of intensification, and as more developments get underway, Aurora is emerging as a new option for living, working and engaging in the city center.
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