Simple in form and bathed in natural light, this addition houses a new youth lounge for a community centre in Scarborough, connects two existing buildings, and creates a new face for the larger complex along Lawrence Avenue.

The McGregor Community Centre Youth Lounge project was one of 26 projects under the City of Toronto’s Priority Neighbourhoods program that received funding under a mandate to create new youth-centric recreational facilities.

In keeping with the project’s chief objectives — to create a safe and secure environment that is also appealing and welcoming — the new community space was designed with simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness in mind. We specified concrete floors and block walls as well as other low-maintenance materials to support a hardwearing program that includes a welcoming entrance, versatile youth space, kitchen, administrative area, storage, and an outdoor courtyard. Despite this emphasis on practicality and durability, the design has made a positive impact on the neighbourhood, serving as a lynchpin within the larger McGregor Community Centre. 

We pursued extensive public consultation to ensure alignment with community needs and aspirations. Local neighbourhood youth were actively engaged; we provided them with firsthand insights into the design and construction industries. Their involvement proved pivotal to the project’s success and helped them foster a sense of ownership and empowerment vis-à-vis the process and final space.

As a result of this collaborative effort, the center — now affectionately known as “The Commons” — is a modern, safe, and inviting lounge, tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of local teens. This thriving community hub contributes positively to the health, happiness, productivity, and overall well-being of neighbourhood residents who frequent the lounge.