One Yonge Community Recreation Centre Toronto, Ont.

Project Description:

One Yonge Community Recreation Centre is at the heart of Toronto’s growing waterfront community, which a mix of young professionals, families and empty-nesters call home. The project came to be when the City of Toronto required the developer to provide a public recreation facility within the private residential development – one of the first community amenities of its kind in Toronto.

Designed as a place to play, One Yonge sets a new standard for dense, mixed-used city living. Immediately upon entry to the lobby, a colorful mosaic and lofty atrium space invite visitors on a journey up to the second floor for exploration of the community center. The second-floor arrival area is overlooked by a strategically located welcome counter and a community living room that allows users to socialize or wait for their classes.

Working within existing spatial limits is an efficient circuit-style layout anchored by a core clad in warm, ribbed wood panels. Visitors are guided around the floor perimeter for a playful and engaging exploration of program spaces that include a double-gymnasium, a six-lane, 25-meter pool and universal washrooms. Four flexible community program rooms fit within the shear walls of the tower above. They provide flexible spaces for programming that range from children’s play to cooking. The breadth of these program room offerings is on display upon entry and throughout. Special moments in the pool, elevator lobbies and fitness areas are graced by delightful mosaics depicting city life in Toronto.