The Shops of Summerhill

Adjacent to North Toronto Station/Summerhill LCBO (an award winning GBCA project), this historic row of brick buildings at 1095-1103 Yonge Street houses a collection of popular specialty food shops in the Rosedale-Summerhill community.

Guided by the Heritage Conservation Agreement and by the requirements of the South Rosedale Heritage Conservation District, GBCA provided a full range of architectural services to the client, including restoration specifications, new design elements, and project administration.

Care was taken throughout the renovations to preserve and restore the Yonge Street facades, including the decorative brick details and the traditional shopfronts. GBCA provided the detailed specifications for elements such as the repointing of the custom brick walls, wood window replacements, and the repair of the pressed metal cornice. New additions, to house much needed expansion space, were designed to be sympathetic in their form and massing, yet distinct from the heritage portion.

Through the architectural interventions, GBCA helped the client to improve the commercial operations, bringing the 19th century building into the 21st century, allowing this prominent stretch of streetscape to continue its viability as an integral part of the community. By maintaining the existing configuration of heritage buildings, the development preserves the charm of European-style shopping, complete with a butcher, baker, fishmonger, greengrocer, flower shop and café.

For a recent review of this unique retail development see:
http://torontoist.com/2009/06/small_boxes_at_summerhill.php