Toronto’s former Downsview Airport is embarking on a $22 billion redevelopment project that seamlessly blends nostalgia and innovation. The goal is to revitalize the airfield and create a community for 55,000 residents while preserving its rich aviation history. What makes this initiative unique is its dedication, to honoring the past while embracing the future, offering residents one of it own kind living experience.
Northcrest Developments, the force driving this endeavor is taking an unconventional urban planning approach by integrating the airports original structures into their design, instead of demolishing them for generic developments. This strategy aims to infuse the neighborhood with authenticity and charm often absent in planned communities.
Central to this project are 11 airplane hangars and a mile long runway, iconic remnants of Downsview’s heritage that will now shape its future. Than being torn down these impressive structures will be repurposed as focal points of the community. The hangars spacious interiors and lofty ceilings offer possibilities from housing film studios, to hosting manufacturing facilities and cutting-edge clean tech industries.
Derek Goring, the CEO of Northcrest shared with the Wall Street Journal the reasoning, behind their approach; “Its a challenge to make a planned community feel genuine when everything is brand new. That’s why we decided to embrace the areas aerospace history.” This strategy goes beyond preserving the past; it aims to set Northcrest in a competitive real estate market.
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First phase of Downsview Airport Redevelopment
The initial phase of the project will concentrate on developing a hub spanning 50 acres accommodating 2,850 homes. These homes will be centered around hangars creating a blend of old and new. Additionally, plans include converting the runway into a pedestrian walkway. This one mile stretch will feature shops, eateries, outdoor spaces, schools and even a library. Forming a hub at the heart of the community.
However, this projects vision extends well beyond its first stage. Over the thirty years development will expand across seven neighborhoods resulting in, over 28 million square feet of residential space and 7 million square feet of commercial areas. The blueprint also incorporates 74 acres of parks to ensure green spaces are woven throughout this evolving community.
Northcrests plans, for revitalizing Downsview take inspiration from urban renewal projects. Goring referenced the transformation of New York’s High Line, where an old elevated rail line was turned into a park. By preserving and repurposing the features of Downsview Northcrest aims to establish a community that stands out in the cityscape.
“The hangars and runway will set this place apart from the rest, which’s essential in marketing ” Goring noted. “It offers something.”
However, there are challenges for the Downsview Airport redevelopment project. Urban Places Fellow at Stantec David Dixon warned that repurposing infrastructure can be expensive. He stressed that such conversions must demonstrate their value to justify the costs involved. Despite these obstacles Northcrest remains unwavering in their vision.
The decision to retain the sites existing infrastructure wasn’t solely a marketing tactic; it also aligned with community wishes. Local residents expressed a desire to uphold the areas status as a center and job hub. By repurposing the hangars, for industries Northcrest hopes to attract businesses seeking spaces potentially fostering a vibrant economic environment within the development.
The standing history of Downsview Airport brings an element to the development. Established back in 1929 the airport played a role as an airbase, during World War II. Later transitioned into a testing ground for Bombardier. Its sale in 2018 for $635 million marked a shift from one era to the next.
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As the Downsview Airport redevelopment project moves forward, Northcrest is actively fostering excitement and community involvement. They’ve organized events like “Play on the Runway ” where the tarmac was transformed into a playground for skating and dancing. Future plans include setting up sports fields and performance venues providing opportunities for the public to engage with the space amid construction.
The revitalization of Downsview is part of a trend of repurposing century industrial sites. Similar initiatives are taking place at locations such as Ellinikon Airport in Greece and Tegel Airport in Berlin where existing structures are being seamlessly integrated into community developments.
With this 30 year Downsview Airport redevelopment project unfolding it holds the promise of redefining living in Toronto. By preserving Downsview Airports charm while establishing a sustainable community Northcrest is placing its bet on leveraging historys influence to shape tomorrows future. Reflecting on the vision, for Downsview one can’t. Ponder what we’ll hold dear decades down the road. “Don’t underestimate the importance of preserving some of the big box stores!” We will have to wait and see if this ambitious plan, for Downsview will succeed. One thing is clear; it is poised to be an anticipated urban development initiative, in Canadian history.
