The challenge: Design a sustainable, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use urban community on a greenfield site near the Rouge River Valley northeast of Toronto.
Envisioning a European-style urban community in which pedestrians and public transit take priority over private vehicles, The Remington Group commissioned Quadrangle to develop a comprehensive master plan for Downtown Markham. The design mandate for the 250-acre greenfield site south of Markham Town Centre included an initial five blocks of multi-unit residential and mixed-use buildings to establish a street-oriented architectural vocabulary for the entire community. In an area bounded by a linear park, a green boulevard and a “high street” (Birchmount Road), the Quadrangle team focused on creating urban forms, public spaces and pedestrian connections, emphasizing architectural variety and complementary massing. Streets featuring retail shops at grade also incorporate flexible upper-floor office space, as in traditional urban settings. All designs share key characteristics and a common relationship to the street. The first phase of Downtown Markham was completed in 2009, and work has continued steadily since. All buildings are designed to meet LEED Silver standards.
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