Recognition for dynamic work-live-play neighbourhood follows string of awards from National Association of Homebuilders
TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Dundee Kilmer Developments' construction of the Canary District on Toronto's waterfront may be in its earliest days, but widespread industry recognition for the cutting-edge neighbourhood's design innovation and excellence is already taking flight.
The design for the Canary District / Pan Parapan American Games Athletes Village by the Dundee Kilmer Integrated Design Team (IDT)—a joint venture of architectsAlliance and Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects in association with Daoust Lestage Inc. and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects—has been honoured with the 2012 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.
The Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence, one of two major national design award programs, has recognized significant projects - from small-scale installations to complex institutional buildings - on an annual basis since 1968. The Canary District, which will first serve as the Athletes' Village for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games before being reimagined as Toronto's most dynamic master-planned live-work-play community, was one of nine projects selected for the honour from 167 submissions across Canada.
"The Canary precinct is sophisticated proof (and a quiet rallying call) that intelligent cities should renew the currency of the well-crafted 'block' as the real medium in which we can grow good neighbourhoods," Awards of Excellence juror Donald Chong said of the dynamic new district's design.
In addition to this prestigious design recognition, the Canary District was recently awarded the National Sales and Marketing Gold Award for Community of the Year (Urban) by Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Home Builders, along with the NAHB's Gold Award for Best Website for a Community and six Silver Awards across various real estate marketing categories. The highly-coveted international awards recognize exemplary work in real estate sales, marketing, and design from around the world.
"These accolades are indicative of the creativity and imagination of the entire team currently breathing life into the Canary District," said Dundee Kilmer Developments Limited president Jason Lester. "I believe our vision for this exciting new community will not only stand the test of time, but will contribute to Toronto's ongoing growth and success for generations to come."
To ensure aesthetic diversity across the Canary District, the IDT was commissioned to design unique, contemporary buildings reflective of each team member's trademark distinct architectural styles, while working within Waterfront Toronto's precinct and block plan for the new district. The goal: building a truly livable and sustainable neighbourhood.
Designed as a community for the 21st century, some of the Canary District's most important features include an extensive pedestrian network to allow for a highly walkable neighbourhood, open and transparent streetscapes, as well as large-scale building windows and balconies to offer a connection between residents living above and the bustle of streets below—a direct nod to the late Toronto urban planning visionary Jane Jacobs' 'eyes on the street' thesis. Amenities at the base of residential buildings will include retail stores, cafes and restaurants, as well as accessible community and recreational services.
To learn more about the innovative, sustainable new neighbourhood that is transforming the heart of Toronto, visit www.canarydistrict.com
About Dundee Kilmer Developments L.P.
Dundee Kilmer Developments Limited is a partnership between Dundee Realty Corporation and Kilmer Van Nostrand for the purpose of developing the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Athletes' Village project in the West Don Lands. Dundee Realty Corporation is a privately-held Toronto-based real estate investment, development and asset management company with approximately $7 billion in assets under management. Dundee Realty brings extensive mixed-use development and financing experience to the Project. In particular, Dundee Realty offers relevant and unique investment and development experience in the immediate vicinity of the Project site that will bring enhanced value to the Project Team.
Kilmer Van Nostrand Co. Limited is the private investment holding company of Canadian business leader and philanthropist, Larry Tanenbaum. Kilmer actively builds and manages investments in real estate and infrastructure, sports, entertainment and media, and private equity. The firm is a well-qualified partner for the Project given its over 40 years of experience in the construction and development industry in Canada, and its track record in partnering with the public sector throughout Canada in the delivery and management of infrastructure assets.
A fusion of diverse talents and strengths, Dundee Kilmer is the ideal team with the knowhow and experience to bring the vision of Canary District to life.
About the Dundee Kilmer Integrated Design Team
To reinforce Waterfront Toronto's requirements for revitalization and its vision for the West Don Lands, DundeeKilmer Developments Limited established a team of internationally recognized firms who share a deep commitment to design innovation, city-building and the well-being of urban neighbourhoods. The four members of the DundeeKilmer Integrated Design Team developed a compelling overall design vision for a sustainable and vibrant new community on the Toronto Waterfront and are each responsible for individual buildings.
The IDT is led by the joint venture of architectsAlliance (aA) and Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB), working in association with Daoust Lestage Inc. and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects .
Image with caption: "Front Street Promenade : DundeeKilmer Integrated Design Team (CNW Group/Canary District Condominiums)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130221_C7417_PHOTO_EN_23946.jpg
Image with caption: "Neighbourhood Parkview: DundeeKilmer Integrated Design Team (CNW Group/Canary District Condominiums)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130221_C7417_PHOTO_EN_23947.jpg
Image with caption: "Aerial view: DundeeKilmer Integrated Design Team (CNW Group/Canary District Condominiums)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130221_C7417_PHOTO_EN_23948.jpg
SOURCE: Canary District Condominiums
David Eisenstadt/Rhoda Eisenstadt/Carol King
The Communications Group
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