The rezoning of Phases 4&5 of Regent Park, located in downtown Toronto and operated by Toronto Community Housing Corporation, has received planning approval! Inspired by @torontohousing’s ambition to deliver a design that is a model for revitalization projects around the globe, our urban design framework transforms the site to create a new neighbourhood of mixed-income housing with c.3,200 dwellings, extensive civic infrastructure and generous open public spaces.
Originally built in the late 1940s, Regent Park is Canada’s oldest publicly-funded housing project and its design was first modelled upon the pioneering principles of the garden city movement, resulting in a collection of low-rise blocks embedded within a series of paths and lawns. Since the early 2000s, the wide estate has been undergoing comprehensive renewal, with Phases 4&5 being the final stage of the redevelopment.
Through considered design decision making, we have increased the density to allow for the potential of up to c.500 more affordable homes built to modern, low-carbon standards, conceptualized with extensive input from Regent Park’s residents. The possibility for more affordable units comes alongside designs for a generous Central Plaza with a new public library, community space and affordable retail for local businesses. A historic Boilerhouse will be repurposed as a cultural space, maintaining a sense of place for the Regent Park community. A landscaped east-west laneway runs the length of the neighbourhood, increasing permeability and porosity between the blocks and stitching together a network of amenity spaces for playing, growing and socialising. Critically, the project creates cohesive links to both the previous stages of the Regent Park revitalization and the larger surrounding urban fabric through program, building placement and a strong public realm, connecting what was historically an isolated enclave.
Following the rezoning submission’s approval at Toronto City Council in August 2023, the stage is set to complete North America’s largest community housing revitalization project.
https://www.karakusevic-carson.com/pRegent Park Phases 4&5rojects/regent-park-phases-4-and-5
Client: Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Tridel
Design Team: Karakusevic Carson Architects, ERA Architects
Landscape and public realm: PFS Studio
Planning: Bousfields Inc (Urban Planning and Community Engagement) – Lead Consultant for Regent Park Phases 4&5
