Located adjacent to Toronto’s emerging East Harbour district and within walking distance of multiple transit routes, the project transforms a pair of former bungalow properties into a compact rental community composed of three townhouse-scaled multiplex buildings and two garden suites. Together, the development introduces eighteen new rental homes while maintaining the fine-grain rhythm and scale of the surrounding residential streetscape.
Designed in response to the City’s evolving housing policies and transit-oriented growth objectives, the project provides a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom rental units with an emphasis on family-oriented housing. Each home has direct exterior access and private outdoor space, offering a more domestic and community-oriented alternative to conventional apartment living within a low-rise residential setting.
The architecture responds to the proportions, setbacks, and rhythms of the surrounding residential fabric. Brick masonry at the lower levels anchors the buildings within the streetscape, while metal-clad upper storeys and bold angular roof forms reinterpret the pitched rooflines of the surrounding neighbourhood through a more contemporary architectural language. The sculpted roof geometry conceals generous rooftop terraces for upper units while providing integrated storage and limiting overlook toward neighbouring properties.
Landscaped walkways, permeable paving, retained mature trees, and bicycle parking support a connected and environmentally responsive living environment. At the rear of the site, the garden suites extend the residential fabric deeper into the block while preserving access to light, privacy, and outdoor space for each home. Shared landscape areas and pedestrian connections between buildings encourage informal interaction and strengthen the project’s community-oriented character.
Lewis Row demonstrates how small urban lots can accommodate increased housing density while strengthening neighbourhood character and expanding housing choice within Toronto’s low-rise communities.
