The site of Mirvish Village was previously home to the Honest Ed’s Department Store for over 50 years. Honest Ed’s was important because it was a place where the community came together. This was partly because of the site’s rich history as an artist colony, catalyzed by Anne Mirvish’s gallery partly because it was on a streetcar line and a subway line, and next to one of the most important universities in North America. Most importantly, because it was home to thousands of stories from the many immigrants who have come to Toronto that helped it become the multicultural global city it is today. Everything about the project is seen through this lens.
A new community of 100% purpose-built rental, Mirvish Village will build on a rich history that Ed Mirvish began in 1948.
A Jewish-American immigrant, entrepreneur, business leader and community builder, Ed Mirvish and his family created a beacon for diverse communities and a gathering place for recent immigrants to Toronto. To this day, the site holds meaning for so many people. Our goal when we were invited by David Mirvish to redevelop the site was not only to honour this legacy, but to build on the idea that Mirvish Village will represent this community and support its evolution.
Designed as a new, vibrant community hub and gathering place, Mirvish Village will integrate a new park and The Kitchen, food hall and music venue, an extensive public realm, micro-retail, 24 restored heritage buildings, unique restaurants and shops as well as numerous indoor and outdoor performance and gathering spaces all interwoven with public art installations including a mural by artist Frank Stella. The project is powered by a neighbourhood energy system by Creative Energy that will help it achieve a 30% reduction in energy use.
