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Housing

YWCA Elm Centre

One of downtown Toronto’s largest social housing projects, Elm Centre combines 300 affordable rental units with administrative offices and community services. Our design creates a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable women and families, centered around a protected courtyard that fosters connection and a sense of safety.
project Type
Housing
location
Toronto, Ontario
client
YWCA
dates
2009 - 2012
expertise
Architecture
land Information
Modern urban development featuring mixed-use residential towers and a mid-rise building with retail space at street level, captured at dusk with traffic light trails.
Housing

YWCA Elm Centre

Modern urban development featuring mixed-use residential towers and a mid-rise building with retail space at street level, captured at dusk with traffic light trails.
project Type
Housing
location
Toronto, Ontario
client
YWCA
land Information
dates
2009 - 2012
expertise
Architecture
One of downtown Toronto’s largest social housing projects, Elm Centre combines 300 affordable rental units with administrative offices and community services. Our design creates a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable women and families, centered around a protected courtyard that fosters connection and a sense of safety.

Housing is more than shelter—it’s a foundation for rebuilding lives. In partnership with the YWCA, The Jean Tweed Centre, and Wigwamen Inc., this project provides housing and a community hub tailored to the unique needs of women facing mental health and addiction challenges, as well as Indigenous families. The design balances the distinct missions of these organizations while creating spaces where communities can truly flourish.

Modern glass high-rise apartment building contrasting with heritage building on an urban street corner.
The design balances privacy with community engagement. The complex provides offices, food services, retail, meeting and multi-purpose rooms, and community services for the three partner organizations. A children's playground nestled within the courtyard serves families throughout the building, while the ground floor includes unique program spaces: a 180-seat auditorium, reception hall, and meeting rooms that serve both internal functions and outside community agencies.
Modern urban residential development featuring colorful apartment buildings, a children's playground, and pedestrian walkway against a city skyline.
Modern building entrance with landscaped courtyard featuring grass areas, planted beds, and concrete walkways viewed from above.

Our courtyard-centered approach addresses the challenges of urban living for vulnerable residents. While the downtown location offers easy access to services and transit, it can also feel overwhelming. Wrapping around a large internal courtyard, the building offers a protected open space—a calm heart that provides refuge from the city’s pace and encourages social connection.

Urban streetscape showing architectural contrast between historic brownstone buildings and modern glass high-rise towers.

Flexible housing options support residents through different life stages. Half of the 300 units are rent-geared-to-income, including 100 dedicated to women receiving individualized support for mental health and addiction. The remaining 150 affordable apartments include 50 units for Indigenous families, with 15% reserved for women over 50. One-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts accommodate diverse household needs.

Modern glass high-rise residential tower integrated with preserved historic stone buildings at street level in an urban setting at dusk.

More than just a residence, Elm Centre serves as a community hub. Alongside housing, it houses YWCA Toronto’s corporate offices and provides safe, high-quality spaces that support residents and the wider community to grow and thrive for years to come.