About Toronto's Cabbagetown

Celebrated as one of the largest collections of Victorian era homes in North America, the charming neighborhood of Cabbagetown is a local treasure. Cozy lane-ways, wrought iron fences and inviting gardens define the elegance of the area. Carefully restored homes line intimate streets, capturing the setting's timeless appeal.

This unique neighborhood was first established in the mid-nineteenth century, with an eclectic mix of Victorian houses forming the heart of the district. Its colourful name is said to have originated from early inhabitants who grew cabbage in their gardens. From this rustic lifestyle, the area began a transition in the 1970s, when its potential as a stylish neighborhood was recognized by new residents. They began to restore the character homes, while retaining the original classicism of the town.

Today, Cabbagetown is designated as a Heritage Conservation District by the City of Toronto, and visitors are often struck by its distinctive architecture and character. Enhancing its attraction is scenic Riverdale Farm, which borders the area to the east and provides a unique connection to the earth through a working farm and nature trails.

This well-appointed downtown location is steps away from numerous shopping, dining and cultural escapes. As a beautifully preserved example of a turn-of-the-century neighborhood, Cabbagetown offers a perfect combination of urban living and old world charm.

Later on today, between 4 and 7 PM there will be a fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Youth Centre to open the new Starbucks at the corner of Aberdeen Avenue and Parliament Street . The Youth Centre is a great cause that the Community has supported for years and needs some help to replace their existing roof and assist in their programs.

Today's event in also in aid of the opening of the Starbucks. Let me preface this by telling you that for years, when media has interviewed me about where the next up-and-coming area might be found, it was easy for me to say,"Look where Starbucks is opening and you will have the latest hot spot!"

I would not refer to Cabbagetown as up-and-coming...but came. For years we have led the City in renovation and restoration of existing housing stock and sometimes thoughtful development of infill. We have a very strong Cabbagetown Preservation Association which has acted well in protecting our streetscapes east of Parliament Street. We also have a BIA which has tried its best to entice stronger commercial influence, not an easy feat when Dollar Stores are less costly to refurbish and open.

I have mixed feelings about Starbucks on Parliament Street. We are already overflowing with Coffee shops but the existence of a Starbucks may say a lot to potential Lessees hoping to venture onto the Parliament Street Strip. Let's hope so.

Here's my question:

Does a Starbucks on the Cabbagetown retail strip mean that Cabbagetown has finally "made it"? Does it increase the neighbourhood cachet??

I would love to see your thoughts in the comments below:

***However, a quick note about the new building that houses Starbucks: I would have assumed that the nice covered area at the rear of the building was for parking but in the last few weeks a massive double HVAC System has appeared in the location and it beyond me how parking for the units above can be accommodated. In walking around this morning, I also spoke to one of the neighbors who complained about the noise that these units are making...and that is before the building is occupied above the ground floor.***

Reposted from: http://torontoism.com/2009/03/12/cabbagetown-whats-in-a-starbucks/

This is my favorite photo of Darrell Kent. It was taken only minutes before he died, 20 years ago. He was on holiday in Brazil, had a drink in one hand, a cigarette in the other and minutes later had a massive aneurysm that took his life. He had been living with a Brain tumour for the preceding two years and knew that an unpleasant time was awaiting him as the tumour grew.

It was so appropriate of Darrell who loved a good time, had a boisterous laugh and at the same time was one of the most Community oriented people you would ever meet. He loved Cabbagetown and since the early seventies had been a force in the Community, renovating houses, working as a Realtor, and then leading a brokerage firm that stretched from Cabbagetown, to the Beach, to Bloor West Village and Bloor/Bathurst. He had great vision and saw in the Community, houses and people what they could be. He was the Cabbagetown Community cheerleader, doing whatever he could to encourage the atmosphere that he grew up with in small-town Saskatchewan.

A small group of us met for breakfast at Chew-Chew's on Carlton Street at Sherbourne and had a couple of hours laughing and talking about the "old days and told Darrell stories". We all realized that we gained from knowing and working with him. He loved life, loved to Party, but as one guest said, he knew the right time to leave the Party too!

If you have any Darrell stories to add to this post please feel free to comment below.

Related Posts:

Cabbagetown: Laurier Avenue Goes Green

Call for Entries Cabbagetown Nuit Blanche Proposals: February 18th, 2009

Toronto Real Estate: Cabbagetown

Reposted from: http://torontoism.com/2009/02/28/cabbagetown-darrell-kent-remembered/

There is a recently updated site by Toronto Community Housing with all the information you would like to know and are asking about Regent Park . There is a lot of information so enjoy spending some time getting the scoop.

Here is the link to the Condominium project by Daniels at Dundas and Parliament called One Cole.

Related Posts:

Cabbagetown: Darrell Kent Remembered

Cabbagetown: Laurier Avenue Goes Green

Cabbagetown: Dog Stolen From In Front Of The Cabbagetown Butcher Shop.

Reposted from: http://torontoism.com/2009/02/24/cabbagetown-the-latest-news-from-regent-park/