What world-renowned architect Donald Schmitt loves about Rosedale

Ten years ago, Donald Schmitt, principal and founder of Diamond Schmitt, hesitantly moved from his family home in Trinity-Bellwoods to his current Victorian in Rosedale. “I didn’t think Rosedale people were my people,” he says. But he’s since fallen in love with the neighbourhood, particularly its ravine system. After a long day, he loves walking home from his downtown office, taking in nature to help “sort out” the circus at work. And he needs the chill. Schmitt and his team are in the midst of some huge city-shaping projects: the new Mirvish Village, the $100-million contemporary art wing at the AGO and the revitalized faculty of medicine at U of T. Here are his Rosedale go-tos.

Black Camel

“I like Black Camel’s brisket and club sandwiches, but what I really love about the place is that it’s become a Toronto institution. I’ll walk by on my way to work at 7:15 a.m., and there will be a dozen cyclists—some of them big-time Bay Street folk—all sitting outside in their Lycra gear, chatting it up over coffee after their morning ride.” 4 Crescent Rd., blackcamel.ca

Summerhill LCBO

“I love the romance of train station conversions. The Summerhill LCBO was once the CPR North Toronto station, built in 1916. The great hall, where passengers used to wait, has incredible 30-foot ceilings. It reminds me of Ottawa’s old Union Station, a beautiful neoclassical 19th-century building. Diamond Schmitt converted it into the Senate’s new home in 2019. It was an amazing project to work on.” 10 Scrivener Sq., lcbo.com

Le Tigre

“Many years ago, I used to get my hair cut in the space that’s currently Le Tigre. It’s the kind of spot you need to be in the know about, because its signage is so understated. My wife, Cheryl, and I go there late when we’re coming back from an event, and we sit at the bar. She likes to experiment with her cocktails, but I’m conservative: a glass of scotch, served neat, is just fine for me.” 1060 Yonge St., second floor, letigrebar.ca

Ravine system

“My house backs onto a ravine, and that access is what sold me on our property. I love wildlife. We’ve seen coyotes and deer in our backyard. On weekends, Cheryl and I walk along the Balfour Park trail through Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Then we cross Bayview and head up ­Milkman’s Lane to get back to our house. It’s a good 10-­kilometre loop that doesn’t feel like exercise.”

Bar Centrale

“The patio at this Terroni outpost is the perfect perch from which to watch the passing show, both on the street and heading up to the rooftop restaurant. I don’t go up there because it’s too flashy for me, but it’s fun to see the comings and goings. I’m a simple guy. I’ll order a plate of pasta—either cacio e pepe or something with a delicious red sauce—and that’s all I need. Running into my friends, as I always do, makes my day. 1050 Yonge St., terroni.com 

Evergreen Brick Works

“Our firm worked on the Brick Works, so it’s special to me. Now that I can literally get to it from my backyard, I take full advantage. Its market is our spot for great fish from Georgian Bay, and Cheryl has her favourite specialty vendors. We also love to visit the Winter Market during the holidays, occasionally putting on a pair of skates for that amazing public rink.” 550 Bayview Ave, evergreen.ca