Highland Commons sell-out success propels Altree Developments to release a new collection

Leading from a successful initial launch in 2021, Altree Developments has released Building B at the established eastern edge of Toronto. As a finalist for the 2022 BILD Awards in the Best Midrise Design category, the launch introduces a new collection. Residential suites range from studios to three-bedroom units, granting access to amenities such as a co-working lounge, life-sized chess, and squash and basketball courts.

One of Toronto’s best-kept real estate secrets is the established pocket of the Highland Creek neighbourhood. The community’s time-honoured character is reflected in the quaintness of the boutique retail and retro diners on Old Kingston Road. While the neighbourhood captures the University of Toronto – Scarborough campus as well as Toronto’s legacy Pan Am Sports Centre, areas such as the Highland Creek Valley remain a lush woodland with trails to enjoy. With Highland Commons at its heart, some of the city’s most coveted greenspaces and reputable institutions call this community home.

Urban living immersed in nature

Toronto’s largest ravine, Highland Creek, paints the backdrop of Highland Commons. This protected view gives way to Lake Ontario and the Scarborough Bluffs. Colonel Danforth Park is adjacent to Highland Commons and is a converging site for salmon, carp, deer and other wildlife. A lifestyle of urban living immersed in nature, rare for the 416.

Tree-lined streets and boardwalk trails connect Highland Commons, young professionals and researchers to globally sought-after institutions such as the University of Toronto. Their legacy Scarborough campus dates back to the 1960s and feature new modern facilities, such as the renowned Indigenous House that recently broke ground. The 500-metre-long Valley Land trail is fully accessible and marks a fairy-tale-like commute to campus.

“Our vision was to create a diverse offering of suite designs and amenities that supports an active urban lifestyle,” says Zev Mandelbaum, founder of Altree Developments. “The launch of Highland Commons was met with a great deal of support and positive feedback. We celebrated the vibrant culture and treasured features of this neighbourhood in a way that resonated with people of all ages.”

Altree Developments enlisted an award-winning team to craft this contextually sensitive development. Most of the residential land around Highland Commons is established single-detached homes. Historically, opportunities have been scarce for downsizers, small families, young professionals and students to be part of such an enriched neighbourhood.

Fantastic neighbourhood

“Recognizing Highland Commons as one of the best midrise designs in Toronto this year is a testament to the refined detail and quality we are bringing to Toronto’s east end. Single-detached homes make up roughly 80 per cent of the housing surrounding Highland Commons, making it incredibly difficult for first-time homebuyers and downsizers to be a part of this fantastic neighbourhood,” says Jordan DeBrincat Mintzas. “In a community with some of the best parks and institutions in the city, we’re proud to create a product that speaks to a diversity of people.”

The release of Building B introduces a new collection. Walk-up townhomes and a range of studios to three-bedroom suites offer variations of accessible layouts meeting user needs. “We put ourselves in the shoes of someone navigating Toronto’s real estate market today and recognized the challenges of finding the right layout to complement different lifestyles,” says DeBrincat Mintzas. “With Highland Commons, the suite designs cater to a broad spectrum of needs to meet people and families at whatever stage of life they are in. The goal was to create a mix of layouts.”

Kohn Architects took a balanced approach when crafting the architectural facades and features. Variations of tones and textures define the panel-cladded facade to create distinction and movement. An array of capacious balconies and terraces can be found both protruding and recessing from the building wall, creating a dynamic rhythm to the building’s face. In addition, a variety of materials were overlayed to mark distinctions across the width of the development. From intricate masonry and grand terraces, the textures and shapes cohesively present well-proportioned buildings.

Village atmosphere

“Our design for Highland Commons was aimed at reinforcing the village atmosphere of Highland Creek through the creation of a modern, warm take on a ‘high street,’” says Sean Lawrence, partner of Kohn Architects and lead architect of Highland Commons.

Award-winning international design studio Design Agency applied industrial and earthy tones across the mix of units. By introducing generous suite layouts, flexibility and functionality operate as core design principles. For example, the El Camino is a one-bedroom plus den that affords more than 80 sq. ft. of private outdoor space, as well as a walk-in closet for practical storage and an open-concept living area that will comfortably accommodate small groups. Additionally, the De Ville suite is a modern townhome with double-vaulted ceilings and a loft-style interior that gives space to larger groups, children and families.

The Highland Commons Presentation Centre is now open and is located across from the development site at 1650 Military Trail. The El Camino model suite is yours to discover, along with building details and finishes. For more information, visit thehighlandcommons.com.