Image by Velora Visual courtesy of CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc. This project, situated at 931 Southdale Road East in London, Ontario, and created by CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc., aims to gently enhance a large site. This marks the first new construction by London and Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH) since the 1960s, with a goal of revitalizing the neighborhood while adding essential amenities and boosting local affordable housing options. Spanning a large area with existing low-density townhouses, this development represents an important move towards addressing the housing needs of the community.
Image by Velora Visual courtesy of CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc.
As the initial phase of three planned stages, this six-storey building includes 53 units and brings essential new housing options into LMCH’s inventory.
Strategically placed along Southdale Road, a key traffic route, this project involved carefully removing a few townhouses to make room for the new structure.
The remaining townhouses act as a transition in density to nearby single-family homes and have been updated through re-cladding and landscaping to improve the overall appearance of the site.
The design emphasizes community engagement and offers various amenities like landscaped parkettes, shared outdoor terraces, and connected pedestrian pathways. These features benefit both residents and neighboring areas, promoting connectivity and social interaction.
A striking gateway pergola at the main entrance welcomes visitors while strengthening ties between the property and the wider community.
Image by Velora Visual courtesy of CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc.
The architectural style includes distinct facades with varied materials, large windows, and details that enhance its visual appeal.
Parking areas are cleverly located behind the building and shielded from view to uphold solid urban design principles.
Large wood and steel canopies at Southdale entrances create an inviting atmosphere while benches and green spaces encourage residents to come together.
The exterior cladding features red, buff, and charcoal bricks to break up the façade’s scale along with colorful fiber cement panels. Inside, ground floor areas reflect a focus on community values.
A communal kitchen encourages shared meals and gatherings with easy access to an outdoor seating area. A spacious partner space-complete with its own entrance, restrooms, and meeting rooms-provides facilities for outside organizations offering programs.
Common spaces are designed to be inviting with high-quality finishes like wall tiles, custom millwork, and lighting. Special care was taken with entryways and elevator lobbies.
Image by Velora Visual courtesy of CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc.
The majority of units cater to families; over two-thirds offer three or four bedrooms along with two bathrooms. The rest mainly consist of two-bedroom layouts-and more than 20 percent are fully accessible for those with barriers.
Sustainability is crucial to this project’s vision. It is expected to achieve reductions of over 25 percent in total energy use along with more than 40 percent in greenhouse gas emissions compared to Canada’s National Energy Code for Buildings from 2020.
Image by Velora Visual courtesy of CGS | Curran Gacesa Slote Architects Inc.
CGS Architects has brought creativity and care into this development resulting in a building that nurtures community ties while providing families with safe quality homes.
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