In a strategic response to changing market conditions, The Daniels Corporation has significantly altered the tenure mix of its Daniels on Parliament development in Regent Park. The company has converted approximately 200 of the project's 617 suites into managed rental units, a pivot from its original plan as a conventional condominium.
A Market-Responsive Pivot
With construction nearing completion and move-ins scheduled for January 2026, Daniels president Jacob Cohen described the decision as directly responsive to market feedback and demand. The shift was influenced by the strong performance of EVOLV, Daniels' earlier market-rental building in the same neighbourhood, and a recognition that many condo buyers would have likely rented out their units anyway.
"It was absolutely based on feedback and demand," Cohen stated. To avoid a prolonged sales cycle in Toronto's slowed pre-construction market, the developer chose to lease the units through its property management division, Daniels Gateway Rental Communities.
Design and Amenities for Diverse Residents
The two-tower project, located at the southeast corner of Parliament and Gerrard Streets, was designed by Toronto-based architects Superkül. It features a 25-storey South Tower and a 13-storey North Tower connected by a shared podium. Cohen describes the design as a "building in the round," with articulated façades enclosing a second-floor landscaped courtyard.
The unit mix is notably diverse for an urban high-rise, including:
- Studios and one-bedroom apartments
- Two- and three-bedroom apartments, with some split-bedroom layouts for privacy
- Two- to four-bedroom City Towns with direct street access and private outdoor space
Interior finishes include engineered flooring, neutral-toned countertops, and integrated or panelled appliances. The amenities hub, named the PA/GE One Club, offers a fitness centre, yoga studio, co-working lounge, screening room, and maker space. Cohen emphasized a practical approach: "These are not earth-shattering design items, but they're smart, well-maintained and things people are truly going to use."
Impact on the Regent Park Community
Cohen believes this change will positively impact the building's vitality. "This will actually breathe life into the building," he said, citing benefits like expedited occupancy, a more diverse resident base, and consistent service for both renters and owners. The ground-oriented City Towns were specifically designed with families and downsizers in mind, offering rare urban space with outdoor access.
The exterior materials, such as brick inlay and precast concrete, aim to bridge Regent Park's contemporary architecture with the historic character of neighbouring Cabbagetown. This project represents a tangible adaptation to Toronto's evolving housing needs, adding hundreds of new rental homes to a rapidly transforming downtown neighbourhood.
