Grange is a six-storey, 35-unit timber rental apartment building constructed on a narrow infill site in downtown Toronto’s Grange neighbourhood. Located within walking distance of multiple universities, teaching hospitals, and public transit routes, the project reconsiders the neighbourhood-integrated apartment building — a housing typology once common across Toronto but increasingly rare due to older planning restrictions and development pressures favouring much larger residential projects.
Built on a constrained 9.7-metre-wide site with three public-facing sides (one street and two laneways) and challenging high water table conditions, the project responds carefully to its complex urban context. A three-storey red brick volume establishes a strong street presence along Grange Street, aligning with the scale and material character of adjacent buildings, while the upper levels in lighter-toned buff brick step back to reduce the building’s visual impact and maintain the rhythm of the streetscape.
Rather than adopting a conventional interior double-loaded corridor layout, the design employs a single-loaded exterior corridor positioned along the west side of the building. This approach allows every unit to extend across the full width of the building, providing dual-aspect layouts with operable windows on at least two sides for natural ventilation, daylight access, and views. The open-air corridors function like elevated porches, encouraging informal social interaction and allowing residents to personalize the space outside their entrances with planting or seating. No below-grade residential units are included, ensuring all apartments benefit from a strong connection to daylight and the outdoors.
The building includes compact studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rental apartments designed primarily for students and young professionals. Inset balconies on the east side provide outdoor access while balancing openness and privacy along the adjacent laneway conditions.
The main entrance is positioned directly at grade, allowing residents to move seamlessly into the building without stairs or level changes. A cantilevered brick volume frames and shelters the entrance, integrating short-term bicycle parking and informal seating for residents and visitors. The ground floor accommodates bicycle storage, utilities, and shared building services, while the roof terrace provides outdoor amenity space and a green roof that contributes to stormwater management. No on-site car parking is provided, prioritizing bicycle infrastructure and transit-oriented urban living instead.
Grange demonstrates how small-scale apartment buildings can contribute meaningful housing density within Toronto’s low-rise downtown neighbourhoods while reinforcing the qualities that make these communities livable, connected, and resilient.
