Creative Mixed-Use Case Studies

Crescent Town Club & Community Centre / Crescent Place

2A The Market Place, Toronto, Ontario

Type: New construction

Size: 55,000 sf

Project Cost: unknown

Development Partners:

  • City of Toronto
  • Crescent Town Club Inc.
  • Pinedale Properties

Status: Opened in 1971

Description

Crescent Town Club & Community Centre / Crescent Place is a multi-recreational complex which includes a community centre, club and daycare alongside rental housing and condominiums in Crescent Town, a densely populated area in the east end of Toronto comprised of apartment buildings and with a resident population of approximately 10,000 people. The Club was built as an integral part of the development of the Crescent Town neighbourhood and opened in 1971. It includes a swimming pool, wading pool, various rooms (club, meeting, youth, all purpose), squash/ racquet/handball courts, a weight room, indoor track, gymnasium, as well as change rooms with lockers and sauna.

Complexity / Collaboration

Crescent Town Club Inc. is a non-profit organization which has operated in the community since the building opened and off ers recreation, health, fitness, and social service delivery programming. It manages the recreational, athletic and day care facilities. Responsibility for the property is shared between the York Condominium Corporation No. 76 (Y.C.C. 76), the Board of Directors for the condominium lands, alongside Pinedale Properties, which is the owner and manager of the rental buildings.

User Interaction/Partnership Framework

As a non-profit, the Club has an elected board of directors which includes two representatives from the rental portion (7-9-11 Crescent Place, owned by Pinedale Properties Ltd.), two representatives from the condominium portion (Y.C.C. 76), two representatives from the City of Toronto, and two representatives from the Tenants’ Association representing the rental portion (7-9-11 Crescent Place). In Crescent Town, every owner or leaseholder resident is entitled to a free membership to the Crescent Town Club & Community Centre. This allows access to the recreational facilities, with additional fees for programs requiring instructors, memberships in clubs and special camps. Non-residents of Crescent Town must pay a membership fee. Approximately 5,000 residents in the neighbourhood purchase memberships, which remains relatively affordable compared to other private clubs. The Club leases or donates space to community groups, organizations, and individuals for a range of programs and services.

Costs / Funding

Crescent Town was originally developed as a social housing project. In Toronto’s suburbs in the 1960s and early 1970s, municipal governments created new high rise neighbourhoods such as Crescent Town. Today, Pinedale Properties and the YCC 76 condominium corporation maintain Crescent Town Club as a community benefit and together provide half the club’s operating cost, plus whatever deficits may be left over after the club collects its membership and program fees.

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