TDSB Downtown Alternative School / Crombie Park Apartments
85 Lower Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario
Type: New construction
Size: TBD
Project Cost: unknown
Development Partners:
- City of Toronto
- Cityhome
- Private building contractors for construction
Status: Opened in 1979
Description
Crombie Park Apartments combines residential, retail, two schools – St. Michael Catholic School and the Downtown Alternative School – a park and a recreational facility. It was the first building constructed in the St. Lawrence development, a 44 acre landmark development which includes rental units, condos, co-ops and community housing.
Complexity / Collaboration
Many community stakeholders had a say in how St. Lawrence unfolded. Unlike how most projects were done before, it was a very collaborative approach. Given the immensity of the task, senior City staff worked together in spite of different interests and objectives. Development happened though Cityhome, the City’s non-profit housing company, and through the many community-based non-profit companies and co-operatives that were formed to take advantage of federal legislation at the time.
User Interaction/Partnership Framework
Amenities were phased into the development of the neighborhood as the area grew to ensure access to community facilities in addition to a mix of uses. Most residential buildings are mixed-use, ensuring convenient access to local services. Buildings include a mix of unit types, with one third of units RGI and many larger 3-5 bedroom units. Nearly half of the development is devoted to streets and open space. With this particular project the gymnasium and other school facilities are available to the community during off hours. The playground between Jarvis and George Street belongs to the school but is not fenced off and appears as a seamless part of Crombie Park.
Costs / Funding
Land was purchased using federal land-banking funds from CMHC for a housing program which provided grants and mortgages to non-profits to build and operate housing. To finance construction and secure operating subsidies, money was obtained from the provincial and federal government.
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