29 Prince Arthur

Located in Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighborhood, 29 Prince Arthur Street is a visionary adaptive reuse project that transforms a pair of Victorian semi-detached row houses into a carbon-neutral, small-scale office building. Sustainability is the cornerstone of the design, seamlessly integrated with the architectural heritage and character of the surrounding streetscape.

Though compact, the landscape plays a vital role in the project’s environmental and experiential goals. The sidewalk and frontage are paved in natural clay brick, complementing the historic context while supporting low-impact development. Existing street trees are enhanced with generous raised planters that protect root zones from road salt, and native perennial plantings enrich the canopy along Prince Arthur Street. Ample bike parking encourages sustainable commuting.

At the rear, a constrained patch of softscape becomes a bold ecological statement: an “aquarium for birds.” This micro-habitat features low shrubs selected to specifically attract migratory and overwintering bird species native to the region such as Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Custom birdhouses and a fern- and sedge-rich understory create a dynamic, living display for office occupants, fostering a deeper connection to urban biodiversity. The project exemplifies how thoughtful design can harmonize sustainability, heritage, and ecological stewardship in even the most compact urban spaces.