Kings Club: Bringing mixed-use luxury design to Toronto’s Liberty Village

As part of First Capital Realty’s King Liberty Rail land development, the second phase combines over 200,000 square feet of retail with 506 rental units, office space, and a daycare – supporting living, working, and gathering in Toronto’s Liberty Village.

Having completed prior mixed-use developments with the client, including Phase 1, Kasian was engaged for both the residential and retail scope. The goal was to integrate the building with its surroundings, enabling flow between retail and residential to create a neighbourhood within a neighbourhood.

Kings Club reveals how large-format retail can be incorporated into a dense urban setting. The triangular, sloped site made street-grade connections challenging, while the rail corridor limited frontage on three sides. Big-box tenants required extensive loading facilities, which were accommodated below grade to preserve an active streetscape. Connectivity to the wider urban fabric was emphasized to capture growing foot traffic.

Collaboration with the client, leasing partners, and the municipality, while championing the design architect’s vision for the residential component, ensured multiple interests were balanced. Feasibility studies and 3D modeling supported decision-making at each stage.

The building massing was articulated to mitigate scale while reinforcing its presence as a mixed-use destination. Setbacks created connected outdoor spaces for both residential and retail users, further drawing people in. At street level, an urban-scale art piece celebrates the community and contributes to a vibrant public realm.

Kings Club delivers welcomed residential, retail, and amenity space, while encouraging walking, cycling, and exploration. More than just adding units and shops, it creates a destination for the diverse and connected neighbourhood.