19 Jan 2014

Toronto’s Don Jail is getting a giant park! (and maybe a condo across the street)

Get ready for a spike in property values at Gerrard and Broadview.

I remember being taken on a field trip to the Don Jail when I was a kid and being shown the hanging room. Creepy indeed! Don’t think they’d take kids there anymore! Well, looks like this creepy old place is getting a bit greener. Behemoth construction firm, PCL (who also worked on the adjacent Bridgepoint Health Centre) has already begun construction of the park-lands which will seamlessly join the City owned Riverdale Park to the North once complete.

I’m impressed with their vision to keep the existing 150 year old structures on the site including the Jail (of course), Gatekeepers house, the Governors house, and the impressive Carnegie Library. Below is a rendering of what it will look like. We’ll keep in touch with local Councillor, Paula Fletcher and update you as the work progresses. All I can say is that Broadview and Gerrard is now on the radar for many home buyers. Get ready for a jump in prices in the immediate area.

We have an insider tip that the lease for the KFC is expiring next year and that lot has been sold. I’ll bet my left arm that we’re getting a boutique condo there bringing even more attention to a once neglected intersection.

What should we name the park? Councillor Fletcher has recommended a naming contest. Post your suggestions below!

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