Shops at Don Mills

Toronto, Ontario
Client:
Cadillac Fairview
Size:
48,000 m2 | 516,667 ft2
Completion:
2009 (Phase 1) | 2017 (Upgrades)
Scope of Service:
Master Planning, Full Architectural Services
With:
Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. Architects

Awards:

International Council of Shopping Centers Canadian Awards, Gold Award, 2010

Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, National Merit Award, 2010

Design Exchange Awards, Urban Design, Gold Award, 2009

CISC Ontario Steel Awards, Award of Architectural Merit, 2009

With its lifestyle-focused design concept, Shops at Don Mills is regarded as one of the most popular shopping and entertainment destinations in Toronto. The urban village theme of the master plan is centred around a town square and main street, with emphasis on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that generates an exciting shopping experience. The plan was strategically conceived and developed to improve and animate an under-used parcel of land at Don Mills and transform it into a highly desirable destination.

This two-phase, 16-hectare (40-acre) mixed-use development is comprised of retail, office, and residential uses. Phase One is entirely focused on retail, restaurant, and office use, and includes a 1,000-car parkade. Phase Two, planned around the periphery of the retail area, includes 1,200 residential units in low- and mid-rise buildings with underground parking.

The development was recently revitalized to add more restaurants. Other improvements include a new mews connection, the addition of iconic entry pylons, a fountain in the Public Square and an illuminated catenary structure. A major wayfinding program was implemented throughout the site to attract and guide visitors.