If there’s one thing we love, it’s discovering up-and-coming neighbourhoods in the West End. There’s something so special about seeing an area become more vibrant, while at the same time retaining the history and character that’s always made it unique.

That’s why we’re so excited about what’s happening around Sterling Road and Perth Avenue. Often referred to as the Lower Junction, this micro neighbourhood is the future home of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCA). Several buzz-worthy watering holes have also popped up along Sterling, and the West Towns (West TWNS.) townhome development will provide an influx of stylish new housing.

Unfortunately, development in the Lower Junction hasn’t been without controversy. An ambitious condo project on the Sterling Road strip was canceled last year due to permit and financing issues. And the opening of a prestigious museum in the area has been delayed several times.

These setbacks are disappointing, but they haven’t dampened our enthusiasm for Sterling Road. Here’s why we still can’t wait to watch this promising neighbourhood grow.

MOCCA and Museum FLTS.

The reopening of the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA) is a pretty big deal. In 2015, this artistic institution closed the doors to its original location on Queen Street West. When the museum announced that it would be moving to the Tower Automotive Building on Sterling Road, many Torontonians were confused. To those outside the community, the area was little more than a derelict warehouse district.

Beneath the surface, there was a lot more going on. Those warehouses have been the sites of many creative endeavours, including art and recording studios, galleries, architecture offices, circus schools, and more. This is one of the things we love most about West Toronto: its creative energy. You can’t always see it, but it’s there.

In a nod to the neighbourhood’s artistic vibe, developer Castlepoint Numa planned a truly unique mixed-use community. The idea was to use eight acres of land to build a park, a daycare, the Museum Flats (styled as Museum FLTS.) condo building, and the West Towns (West TWNS.) townhomes project. Partnering with MOCCA, the developer would help put the museum at the centre of it all.

Of course, things haven’t gone according to plan. Museum FLTS. won’t be going forward, and MOCCA hasn’t opened yet (though its new opening is set for September).

As real estate agents, we’re disappointed. Sure, plans for Museum FLTS. were gorgeous. But for us, part of what made the building so special was Castlepoint Numa’s larger vision for the surrounding area. We believe development can breathe new life into a neighbourhood—when it’s carried out carefully, with respect for the existing history and culture in an area.

Luckily, West TWNS. is still set to bring some seriously stylish new housing to the Lower Junction. And there’s already a lot more going on in the neighbourhood than most Torontonians know…

Growing neighbourhood buzz

So far, we’ve focused on upcoming development in the Lower Junction. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the steady revitalization that local businesses are bringing to the area.

At 128 Sterling Road, Henderson Brewing is offering up some incredible local beers (including its signature brew, Henderson’s Best). The 9,000 square foot brewery features a bottle shop and tap room, as well as snacks and homemade root beer for kids.

In the same building, you’ll find one of Canada’s most esteemed publishers: House of Anansi Press. A heavy hitter on the Canadian literary scene, House of Anansi has put out work from some of our country’s most well-respected authors, including Margaret Atwood. Its Sterling Road headquarters are a great place for book lovers to pick up something new.

On the same strip, you’ll find a stylish, 8,000 square-foot outpost of a Toronto institution. The Drake Commissary is a restaurant, kitchen, store, and bar. You’ve likely heard of the Drake Hotel (located on Queen West) and its spinoff restaurants and retail locations. Its Sterling Road location is proof that the area has arrived.

On the same strip, nearby businesses—including an art studio space, an architecture office, and the headquarters of a local magazine—continue to honour the area’s creative roots.

What’s next?

As West End explorers, we can’t wait to spend some quality time on Sterling Road this summer. But as real estate agents, we can’t help but wonder: what kind of residential development is on the horizon?

The Sterling Road area has everything condo dwellers look for in a neighbourhood. Great location? Check. Thriving local businesses? Check. Convenient access to the rest of the city? Between the West Toronto Railpath (which is perfect for cyclists) and recent transit upgrades across the Junction Triangle, the neighbourhood is great for commuters, too.

It won’t be long before West TWNS is no longer a construction project, but 32 fully inhabited townhomes. New residents will be living in the heart of one of the city’s best new neighbourhoods.

What kind of upcoming opportunities will there be to live on or near Sterling Road? Keep your eyes open. We certainly will be.

Want to make one of Toronto’s wonderful West End neighbourhood’s home? Get in touch, and we can talk about your needs!

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