Photo by Brian Burchell, Gleaner News

Owner/Developer: 500 Bloor Street Property Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westbank Corp.

Status: Proposal pending

Community members are eagerly anticipating Westbank’s second open house on March 3, when it will present the initial concept for the redevelopment of the $100-million, 1.8-hectare southeast corner of Bloor and Bathurst streets. So far, Westbank is modelling a new approach to development in the area, bringing the community in for consultation prior to presenting a proposal. It’s a breath of fresh air for the neighbourhood, whose residents are long used to viewing developers as competitors, not collaborators. For architect Gregory Henriquez, however, it’s simply the right way to do business. Not only in tune with what are perceived as traditional Annex values, social activism and environmental stewardship, Henriquez has mused publicly about respecting the site’s unique history, establishing a St. Lawrence-type market in the space, and favouring purpose-built rental across different scales in lieu of condominiums. It remains to be seen whether Westbank and Henriquez will deliver on their promises, but we’re optimistic, given the progress so far.

Westbank’s second open house will be held on Tuesday, March 3, at 6.00 p.m. on the main floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Annemarie Brissenden, Gleaner News