‘College Park 100’ initiative unveiled ahead of 100th anniversary

In anticipation of College Park’s approaching 100th anniversary in 2030, GWL Real Estate Advisors (GWLRA) has launched College Park 100, a visionary initiative aimed at transforming one of Toronto’s most celebrated architectural landmarks. 

Located on the south-west corner the Yonge and College intersection, College Park was originally envisioned as a 30-storey Art Deco masterpiece and the city’s answer to New York’s Rockefeller Center. However, due to the economic constraints of the Great Depression, only a fraction of the design was realized. Over the decades, the building has seen numerous transformations, including the restoration and reopening of The Carlu event space in 2003.

With a commitment to both preservation and modernization, College Park 100 will explore the unfinished vision of its original architects, Ross & Macdonald, ensuring that this historically significant site is revitalized as a vibrant, mixed-use destination for the city.

“Our goal is to complete that original College Park vision in a way that makes sense for the Toronto of today, while respecting and preserving the heritage architecture,” said Daniel Fama, Vice President of Development, GWLRA. “We want to make College Park a true destination in Toronto. We’ve assembled the best minds in the country, and we want to invite the public into their design process to facilitate meaningful dialogue as we prepare to file a formal development application with the City.”

As part of the project, GWLRA has enlisted a team of Toronto-based design firms ERA Architects, whom previously oversaw the successful restoration of The Carlu, PUBLIC WORK, whom will focus on revitalizing the surrounding public spaces, and Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA), who will be bringing a contemporary design perspective, aiming to bridge the past and future.

While there is no confirmed development timeline yet, GWLRA is committed to an open and transparent process, inviting the public to engage in the project’s evolution through a series of College Park 100 events. These free public events are aimed to foster community dialogue and celebrate the site’s rich history.

The first College Park 100 Event “Restoring the Lost Vision of College Park: An Architectural Icon That Changed Toronto,” will be presented by Scott Weir, Principal at ERA Architects, on March 17th at 6PM EST at The Carlu.

“College Park was originally conceived as a spectacular new centre for Toronto,” says ERA Architects Principal Scott Weir. “It’s never quite lived up to that potential. We now have an exciting opportunity to renew the vision of the original architects and create a cultural hub that truly serves the community that’s grown up around College Park, as well as Toronto at large.”

Future events will be led by Marc Ryan (PUBLIC WORK) and David Pontarini (HPA), each sharing their vision for urban design, sustainability, and the integration of contemporary elements within the historic framework of College Park.

Learn more about College Park 100 at collegepark100.com.
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