The Barrel Yards | 25 fl | U/C

[robdrimmie]

Northdale is definitely becoming one of the most interesting areas in KW. The design may not always be great, but the pedestrian-first retail in the middle of the neighbourhood makes me think that in 10-20 years it'll be a destination in a way Barrel Yards won't be.

Thank you for describing it like this. I've had similar thoughts but haven't been able to articulate it well. I can agree with the general impression that the urban design is largely a shitshow but there's a lot of very interesting corners in that neighbourhood and I think the fact that student populations tend to be a lot less concerned about how a neighbourhood changes lends itself to a place where more experiments (many of which will be terrible, no doubt) can occur with less push back about building heights and more natural pressure for walkability-driven experiences. Most of the population moves around on a daily basis with active modes of transportation and opportunities to cater to that will occur. 

Barrel Yards is an intentional, planned neighbourhood, explicitly targeting people of a certain income level and with specific lifestyle preferences. It's got a lot going for it in many ways and the contrast between the two styles of making spaces and the two (broad) types of residents they're trying to attract is pretty interesting.