Urban Strategies Inc.

The renovations to BAND at 19 Brock ave. are ongoing, this process has been guided by many hands. And while we've faced some delays and challenges, we want to extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported and contributed their expertise to the project. This project began with Urban Strategies and SOCA Architecture, who were key in getting us through the first phases of city planning and greatly contributed to early design concepts as we re-imagined what 19 Brock could be. As a historical Victorian home dating to 1890, we had to think creatively about the layout and design to create a space that meets all the needs of an art museum, including accessibility and sustainability, while still preserving the unique character and spirit of BAND and our home. We thank conservator Miriam Harris for her valuable insights and recognizing the potential in our space. Despite initial delays awaiting permits and approvals, our conversations about the vision for the finished building remained vibrant and inspiring. Once construction started we worked diligently with Altus Group to get the project on track, navigating the unique parameters and logistics of this art house project. We have worked closely with A. A. Carter Electric whose hard work and commitment to this project has helped to shape our understanding of the site and our building design. Their care and attention to detail - including their work to restore the heritage brickwork on the side of the house has allowed us to make construction decisions with reverence and respect to our old home and the history of this site. Our updated building designs have been created in partnership with Dami Akinbode and the team at Diamond Schmitt Architects including Greg Colucci and Duncan Higgins. Diamond Schmitt is renowned for their work in sustainable and conscious design for arts and cultural institutions across Canada. And it has been an honour to work with their team of early-career Black architects including Latoya Barnett, Michaela Gomez, & David Ogbe to explore uniting the Victorian with the contemporary to create a place for community which is both like home, and a place people can journey in and through to experience the fullness of black creativity and art. BAND extends sincere appreciation to the talented Black professionals guiding this project and the supporting community members and friends of the gallery that have contributed their time and their energy. We look forward to opening up the space to you all! Learn more and follow our progress at . If you are interested in supporting this project, you can make a contribution here: https://lnkd.in/g4yRyVVq

The future of live music in Toronto is taking shape at YZD. Today, Live Nation Canada unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium at YZD, marking a major milestone in our site’s transformation. Opening in June 2025, this state-of-the-art, seasonal venue will elevate Toronto’s live music scene, expand the city’s cultural landscape and introduce a much-anticipated facility to the Toronto region. The most ambitious attraction on the site yet, it brings an exciting opportunity to activate our site well before full development. While this represents a major opportunity for north Toronto, the stadium is just steps away from major transit lines, including the Downsview Park GO and subway stations, making it easily accessible across the region. We've been proud to partner with a diverse range of organizations—businesses, local non-profits, and independent artists—to welcome the public to YZD through community programming, creative opportunities, and landmark attractions. This latest addition will further strengthen our intention to create a space where global talent and local voices come together, making YZD a hub for culture, creativity, and community. We were honoured to be joined by Premier Doug Ford and Mayor Olivia Chow for this announcement, and we look forward to welcoming music lovers and cultural enthusiasts next summer as we continue to shape the future of this iconic site. https://lnkd.in/gdUddsWK