The Yonge Eglinton intersection is at the convergence of major transportation and transit routes, an established mid-town employment, entertainment and residential area and one of five urban centres identified for intensification in Toronto's Official Plan. The Yonge Eglinton Centre (YEC) site supports a multi-level multi-use complex that attracts 28,000 people daily. The redeveloped public realm, guided by an extensive public consultation process is designed to host current and anticipated vibrant public life of the district.

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The Urban Plaza features black and white boldly patterned granite paving that will extend to the curb at completion of the Eglinton Crosstown transit line, black granite clad walls, two water features and signature landmark lighting. The plaza provides a variety of sleek seatwalls and benches for people to rest and gather and a public performance podium for programmed and spontaneous presentations.

 

The Vertical separation of the roof terrace from street level allows for introduction of landscape materials and elements that would be too sensitive for the high energy urban plaza at grade.  In contrast, a shade pavilion, wood decking, informal plantings and waterfall create a tranquil, comfortable place to sit and relax.  A storm water retention reservoir was designed below the wood decking to capture and retain grey water as a secondary retention facility. The YEC bi-level public open space is a progressive solution for open space in a vertical city.