The Well

The Well—as in “living well”—shapes a synergistic space where residents, workers, and neighbours enrich the urban experience for one another. Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Front, Draper, and Wellington Streets, the project injects a dynamic mix of uses into a key city-centre site. Close to half a million square feet of retail and over a million square feet of commercial office space have been added to this underserviced area. More than a million and a half square feet of residential units were also added, including both rental and market condominiums. The site has a total of seven buildings and preserves the character of the neighbourhood including the historic cottages of Draper Street. A new 36-storey office building at the intersection of Front and 8 Spadina, also designed by HPA, marks the gateway into the new neighbourhood.

A significant linear park lines Wellington Street connecting Victoria Memorial Park to the west and Clarence Square to the east. The pedestrian-centred plan restricts vehicles to a few underground garage access points and uses existing laneways and new promenades to link existing pocket parks to a retail-oriented pedestrian thoroughfare that crosses the neighbourhood bringing a mix of international chains, independent boutiques, and restaurant patios. The undulating glass canopy provides shelter to the retail spine year-round.

The Well integrates live-work-play to a greater extent than any other project currently proposed in Toronto.