York Mills Gardens

Completion Date: 1996
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Size: 97,000 sq. ft.
Awards: 2001 ICSC Award of Merit

Prominently located at the intersection of two major streets, York Mills Garden is a large open-air retail destination located in Toronto. PETROFF was retained as the prime consultant for this renovation, providing architectural and urban design services. As the site is located partially below the street grade, the renovation is focused on increasing the property’s visibility and street presence through an iconic architectural form.

The design incorporates significant visual elements which take advantage of the setback and create a strong retail identity. Unique in character, the tensioned fabric canopy establishes a strong brand image, a welcoming message and functions to provide a sheltered shopping experience. Further enhanced by the illuminated tenant signs and integrated coloured lighting, the site supports the retail tenants with a two tower-like signage element and a prominent vaulted built form for the anchor food store tenant. Both vehicles and pedestrians are framed by human scale elements such as façade glazing, wall articulation, awnings, and the grand canopies which enhance the shopping experience and create a vibrant commercial destination.