Markham’s South Unionville is set to see significant urban growth as developers submit revised plans for a 39-storey rental tower at 28 Main Street. Designed by Arsenault Architect for OnePiece and Ideal Developments, the project proposes a high-density residential tower atop a six-storey podium. The new submission focuses on the East Parcel of the larger site and aligns with previous settlement agreements approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal, advancing plans for modern rental housing and public amenities in a rapidly evolving neighbourhood. (UrbanToronto)
Project Overview
The proposed 39-storey tower, rising 133 metres, will deliver 401 purpose-built rental units and 611 m² of commercial space at grade. The site, currently vacant and spanning 7,805 m², is strategically located near Unionville GO Station and the Enterprise BRT corridor, offering easy access to transit, cycling infrastructure, and nearby amenities. The tower incorporates a staggered massing design, distributing height and density while maintaining a visually appealing profile for the rapidly densifying South Unionville area.
Residential amenities will be concentrated on the seventh floor, featuring 468 m² of indoor space and 248 m² of outdoor amenity area, while the ground-level redesign expands public parkland from 4,370 m² to 4,500 m², enhancing community green space.
Design and Amenities
The tower’s podium will include one below-grade parking level and above-grade podium levels from the second through sixth floors, accommodating 345 total parking spaces — 277 for residents and 68 for visitors. Bicycle infrastructure will include 501 spaces split between 100 short-term and 401 long-term spots. While only three elevators are proposed, high-speed motors are planned to ensure efficient service across all 401 units.
The design emphasizes high-density living with community integration, featuring street-level commercial frontage along Enterprise Boulevard, providing retail or service spaces that complement the residential environment.
Location and Transit
Located approximately 400 metres from the Enterprise BRT station on the Viva Purple corridor and 800 metres from Unionville GO Station, the project benefits from rapid east-west transit connections along Enterprise Boulevard and Highway 7, as well as commuter rail access to downtown Toronto via the Stouffville Line. Additional transit options include multiple YRT bus routes along Main Street Unionville, Kennedy Road, and YMCA Boulevard, while bike lanes and multi-use paths link the development to nearby transit stops and community hubs.
This prime location positions the tower within a high-growth corridor in Markham, surrounded by upcoming developments, including student residences and mixed-use towers, contributing to a vibrant, transit-oriented urban district. (UrbanToronto)
Neighbourhood Context and Growth
South Unionville has experienced sustained high-rise residential growth, with surrounding projects including 32-storey student residences, 23- to 27-storey rental towers, and clusters of mixed-use buildings ranging from 10 to 42 storeys. To the west, UnionCity is under construction, featuring three towers between 36 and 44 storeys, while UnionCity South will add six towers from 41 to 45 storeys.
This proposed tower complements the broader Markham Centre high-density development strategy, increasing rental housing supply while enhancing public spaces and community infrastructure.
You can also check our blogs about Why Rental Replacement Rules Matter: Toronto’s One-for-One Policy Explained and Why Canada’s Housing Market Recovery Remains Stalled: Jobs, Trade & Interest Rates.
Implications for Housing in Markham
The addition of 401 rental units will contribute significantly to Markham’s purpose-built rental housing inventory, helping meet growing demand for urban, transit-accessible residences. By integrating public parkland, commercial space, and cycling infrastructure, the project promotes a complete community model, balancing residential density with amenities and connectivity.
Developers’ adherence to previous OLT settlements indicates a streamlined path forward, potentially reducing delays and increasing investor confidence in Markham’s high-rise rental sector.
