A neighbourhood staple that has served Toronto’s Bathurst and Lawrence area for over 70 years could soon vanish for good.
Developer RioCan is planning to redevelop its Lawrence Plaza property at 534 Lawrence Ave W., opened all the way back in 1953 as what was then the city’s first suburban shopping centre.
Lawrence Plaza was a modernist vision of progress when first opened in the ’50s, leaning into fast-spreading auto culture in the city’s rapidly-growing suburbs. However, approaching 72 years of operation, the plaza’s low-density land uses have been eclipsed by growth in the surrounding area.
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The property owner has announced that it is working on a “vision to reimagine Lawrence Plaza as a vibrant mixed-use community that celebrates its history and context.”
RioCan states that it is “in the early stages of shaping the vision for Lawrence Plaza,” calling the future project “an exciting opportunity to enhance the site and strengthen its connection with the surrounding neighbourhood.”
RioCan
Locals got their first glimpse at preliminary concept plans for the redevelopment during a March 4 open house held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic School.
The community was given a chance to weigh in on these early concepts, which include six towers concentrated along the site’s Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue W. frontages, as well as a new park and a central east-west street carving through the blocks.
RioCan promises the new blocks will offer much-needed housing along with “a vibrant public realm and pedestrian-friendly streetscape that seamlessly connects with the surrounding community and amenities,” and pledges to bring “high-quality” architecture to the area with its plan.
The loss of a longtime community staple may come as a shock to some area residents, but RioCan has stated that is planning a phased approach that “ensures the retail plaza remains operational and supports the success of its businesses throughout the process.”
And redevelopment won’t be the end of Lawrence Plaza as a retail centre either, as RioCan is planning to incorporate significant retail within the new buildings planned on site.
The developer states that the plan will provide “retail space that can accommodate both returning and new retailers,” giving longtime presences in the plaza the opportunity to maintain a presence at Bathurst and Lawrence.
Lawrence Plaza is home to many businesses that have lasted for decades in this location. One notable example is United Bakers Dairy Restaurant, which has operated at the north end of the plaza since 1984 and is a beloved staple in the city’s Jewish community.
RioCan expects to submit its first planning application with the City of Toronto by Spring 2025 following feedback from the initial open house held earlier this week.
