Toronto’s Waterworks Project Wins Special Jury Award for Seamless Integration of Urban Spaces

Toronto, Ontario, has a vibrant urban landscape that is constantly evolving, and this year, the Toronto Urban Design Awards honored outstanding contributions to that architectural narrative. In its milestone 35th year, the annual event recognized innovative projects that enhance the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall livability of the city.

Among the distinguished recipients was Waterworks, which earned the Special Jury Award in the Integrated Approach category. This accolade was particularly noted for how the development seamlessly integrates with the nearby St. Andrew’s Playground Park, skillfully designed by DTAH.

The jury praised the collaboration between these two projects, emphasizing their exemplary demonstration of how public spaces and building designs can harmonize to create a more enriching environment. “We were unanimous that these two projects together are an exemplar of how public space and building programming should interface, contributing to a revitalized city pocket,” the jury stated.

Waterworks is a hybrid mixed-use development that revitalizes an industrial heritage site while incorporating a variety of functionalities. This project merges both market-rate and affordable housing, a YMCA, and retail spaces, including a Food Hall. The integrated design not only serves the needs of residents but also caters to the broader community, enriching urban experiences.

The architectural design, originally conceived in the Art Deco style of 1932, was meticulously restored in collaboration with ERA Architects. New pedestrian pathways were introduced to encourage movement through the block, enhancing accessibility from the Food Hall to St. Andrew’s Playground. This design decision bolsters neighborhood connectivity and creates a more porous urban environment.

The jury also acknowledged the value of St. Andrew’s Playground Park, describing it as “small but mighty.” They highlighted how the park’s layout positively influences the surrounding civic space, creating informal pathways that invite moments of connection and leisure. The jury noted that Waterworks complements the park’s offering, providing mixed-income housing and dynamic social programming that animates both the street and the park.

Together, Waterworks and St. Andrew’s Playground Park set a new benchmark for design excellence in the King West community. They exemplify how thoughtful architecture can enhance urban living and serve multifunctional purposes.

The complete list of winners and jury reports from the 2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards is available for those interested in learning more about the celebrated projects this year.

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