/
1x
Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
Food & Drink

I saw this odd, futuristic-looking dwelling on Leonard Place, a glorified alleyway in Kensington Market

By Toronto Life
Copy link

Dear Urban Decoder: I saw this odd, futuristic-looking dwelling on Leonard Place, a glorified alleyway in Kensington Market. Who lives there, and what’s the story?

That’s the home of Jeffery Stinson, an architecture prof at U of T and a local laneway-housing pioneer. For those not familiar with the laneway housing dream, advocates want to create a new category of downtown infill by replacing back-alley garages and empty spaces with cheap, compact homes. Built back in 1989, Stinson’s 2,200-square-foot domicile was conceived as something of a demonstration project for the idea. Since then, other local architects and urban radicals have come on board with similar developments. But whereas studies indicate that laneway dwellings could increase downtown housing densities by at least five per cent, the idea is still struggling to take hold. Unfavourable zoning laws and problems with such essential services as garbage removal and mail delivery, among other issues, are stalling wider adoption of this charming alternative to the common condo.

THIS CITY

Obsessive coverage of Toronto, straight to your inbox

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Big Stories

Inside the rise and fall of the Vaulter Bandit, the 21st century’s most notorious bank robber
Deep Dives

Inside the rise and fall of the Vaulter Bandit, the 21st century’s most notorious bank robber

Inside the Latest Issue

The June issue of Toronto Life features our annual ranking of the best new restaurants. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.