A new long-term care facility rising in Toronto’s inner city is reshaping expectations for elder care architecture. Designed to blend into the surrounding community rather than stand apart, Rekai Cherry Place prioritizes resident well-being, natural light, and social connection—challenging the institutional stereotype often associated with long-term care homes.
1. Project Overview
Located just east of downtown Toronto, Rekai Cherry Place is a 13-storey, 348-room long-term care tower designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc., with Multiplex Construction Canada as the construction manager.
The building uses cast-in-place concrete construction, with architectural and functional design choices that promote natural light, accessibility, and comfort.
2. Design Concept and Structure
Project architect Dustin Hooper describes the design as a “racetrack” layout, where the core holds building services, while resident rooms, lounges, and dining areas line the perimeter—maximizing exposure to daylight and city views.
“The beauty of the single loaded corridor is it creates a walking loop for patients,” says Hooper. Dead-end hallways, common in older facilities, can be challenging for residents with cognitive decline.
The approach allows for continuous circulation, reducing confusion and supporting mobility and engagement.
3. Resident-Centered Living
Unlike typical facilities that group 32 bedrooms per cluster, Rekai Cherry Place features smaller, 22-room clusters—a design choice that enhances social connection, privacy, and comfort.
This more intimate scale allows for personalized care and fosters a stronger sense of home and community, aligning with Rekai Centres’ not-for-profit mission.
4. Building Efficiency and Innovation
The eighth floor acts as both the mechanical interstitial level and the main amenity hub for residents. It houses:
- A town hall and chapel
- A hair salon
- Space for Humber College’s 50-student PSW co-op program
Levels eight and 13 also include landscaped terraces with greenery and glass guardrails, creating therapeutic outdoor areas with views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.
5. Community Integration and Amenities
The double-height ground floor is designed for community use, featuring:
- A seniors’ assessment centre
- Medical lab
- Dialysis clinic
These amenities will serve both residents and local neighbours, embedding Rekai Cherry Place into the social and healthcare fabric of downtown Toronto.
6. Sustainability and Green Design
Rekai Cherry Place meets the Toronto Green Standards Tier 2 Version 3, focusing on:
- Energy efficiency and emissions reduction
- Resilience to climate change
- Urban greening and biodiversity
The exterior uses precast concrete modules and multi-coloured brick inlay, lending a warm, human-scale texture to the facade.
While originally targeting LEED Gold certification, the project still meets most sustainability targets despite pandemic-era budget constraints.
7. Challenges and Resilience
The project’s 10-year development journey reflects perseverance through:
- Soil remediation
- Budget pressures
- A complex municipal approvals process
“That timeline isn’t typical, but it speaks to the resilience and fortitude of the client to stick with the project,” says Hooper.
8. Project Timeline and Outlook
Rekai Cherry Place is the third long-term care home operated by Rekai Centres in Toronto and is scheduled for completion in 2028.
“I think it will be one of the projects we are most proud of,” Hooper adds.
With its innovative layout, community integration, and focus on dignity in aging, Rekai Cherry Place could set a new standard for urban long-term care design in Canada.