The next phase in Downtown Markham’s evolution is here, inviting all to connect, inspire and thrive in its spaces.

Gallery Square Condominiums is getting ready for occupancy, and leasing for the 100,000-sq.-ft. retail podium is under way. Planning has begun for event programming in the new square and internal private street.

And, if recent history has taught us anything, the activation of Gallery Square – at the very heart of Downtown Markham – will be transformative.

Ambitious and upscale

The ambitious, upscale residential towers of Gallery Square overlook a private street that features uniquely designed storefronts and an intimate square lined with restaurant patios set around a central fountain. The square and sidewalks incorporate a sub-surface heating system, powered by Markham District Energy, to allow for both a better pedestrian experience and year-round program of activities. Imagine outdoor art shows, live music and street performers, a holiday market and more.

As in all Downtown Markham, art will appropriately feature prominently in Gallery Square, including an interactive outdoor digital installation by British artist Dominic Harris, who uses technology to construct personal interpretations of the natural phenomena which surround us. His large-scale installation will act as a showstopping entrance to a permanent art gallery and event space. Large metallic sculptures from Canadian artist Viktor Mitic will adorn the streetscape.

Art, often in unexpected places, has been important to developing the identity of Downtown Markham – a 243-acre district at the heart of Markham Centre, which not long ago was unused farmland.

“We said, ‘Let’s strip away the walls from the art gallery and bring art to the street and incorporate it in and as part of the buildings, streetscapes and parks,’”says Christopher Bratty, president of land development and acquisitions for The Remington Group and the driving force behind the collection.

“When walking through Downtown Markham, some people may notice the art, some may not. It’s about interacting with the community and trying to create spaces that excite and inspire.”

Mixed-use development

“We build communities from the ground up,” adds Randy Peddigrew, executive vice-president of land development for The Remington Group.

Peddigrew has been instrumental in the planning of Downtown Markham, which he explains, was always seen as one of the first truly mixed-use developments in the emerging urban areas north of Toronto.

“We have come to understand the importance of getting people on the street,” says Peddigrew. “The vibrancy and livability of an area should be measured by the amount of people you see on the street. If you spend the time and effort on creating streets with great commercial spaces, art and landscaping, you will get people to walk.”

That vibrancy he describes has arrived. It was the inspiration for new branding with bright colours: Minion Yellow, Sky Blue and by pure coincidence, Barbie Pink. The new tagline for Downtown Markham or DTM in social channels, is “Connect, Inspire, Thrive.”

To Peddigrew’s point, the project witnessed a significant shift with the opening of The Origin buildings, which combined 100,000 sq. ft. of restaurant and retail with 80,000 sq. ft. of office space in two buildings at the corner of Birchmount Road and Enterprise Boulevard. The complex included the state-of-the-art 2,400-seat Cineplex Cinemas Markham + VIP Theatres and a 24-hour Good Life Fitness. The buildings themselves were infused with art, from a parking garage exhibit to illuminated sculptures over entrances, to a sculptural column and a massive street art wall mural. Outdoors, a plaza with parkette and water feature, representing part of the planned 72 acres of greenspace in Downtown Markham, provided a place to gather. As promised, Downtown Markham became the live, work and play community, fostering social interactions and community bonds.

Thriving and welcoming

When Aviva Canada opened its new national headquarters, daily foot traffic materialized. The addition of The Signature Condominium Collection a couple years later added the 905’s first condo hotel with the Toronto Marriott Markham, one of the first hotels within Marriott’s North American portfolio to introduce an artful, modern design with state-of-the-art amenities, adding a much-needed element of luxury hospitality to the area.

And while these projects made an impact to the community, the arrival of York Condos in 2021 changed the streetscape dramatically. Not only did the award-winning project create a stunning gateway at the western edge of Downtown Markham; it animated the streetscape beyond expectation. The sidewalks are now busy day and night with people walking kids and dogs, visiting nearby restaurants and stores, going to work and taking advantage of public transit on their doorstep. To the north, a beautiful park provides connections to the protected greenspace of the Rouge River watershed.

Downtown Markham is thriving, welcoming office tenants Levi Strauss & Co. (Canada), Arthur Gallagher Insurance and Flaherty McCarthy LLP to a roster that already includes the likes of Aviva, Honeywell and Under Armour. Also new to the community is luxury bed manufacturer Hästens, which opened its first North American flagship store in Downtown Markham this summer. The iconic brand, official supplier of the Royal House of Sweden and first choice of celebrities, including Toronto’s own Drake, showcases a Grand Vividus model that retails for more than $850,000.

Peddigrew feels that the deliberate integration of uses, makes the neighbourhood especially attractive. The connections are also key.

“The street and public spaces should be looked at as the connective tissue that hold the community together,” says Peddigrew. “Creating that ground floor environment makes the residents and visitors want to walk, they want to walk to see what’s around the corner.”

Around every corner in Downtown Markham, you’ll find something to delight. At a major intersection, a glass pavilion houses The Pride of Canada Carousel, a 50-ft. merry-go-round made from recycled materials that feature 44 rideable sculptures. Along Enterprise Boulevard, the City of Markham just recently installed “Living Lights” by Vancouver-based artist Jill Anholt. Inspired by the lupine flower native to the Rouge River, the two massive purple sculptures use solar grids during the day to collect the energy which illuminates them at night.

New transformation

And in 2024, the opening of York University’s Markham Centre Campus is expected to give the community a busy eastern gateway. In its initial phase, the university will welcome 4,200 students to the 400,000-sq.-ft. facility and provide an additional 400 jobs to the community.

On the residential front, more excitement awaits.

The ever-evolving skyline will soon have another new addition with Downtown Markham’s next residential project. On the north side of Enterprise Boulevard, just east of Toronto Marriott Markham and Signature Condominium Collection, a 35-storey tower, the community’s first true highrise building, will soon come to market.

And a new transformation will begin.

For more information, visit remingtongroupinc.com.