STAFF WRITER
The GTA Construction Report
The Grange Park Advisory Committee (GPAC) has posted an RFP for what is estimated to be a $11 million, two-year revitalization of the downtown Toronto park.
The 4.5 acre park, adjacent to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), was originally part of the Grange estate built in the early nineteenth century by the Boulton family, “who played an influential role in developing the young city of Toronto,” the RFP documentation says.
“The area now known as Grange Park served as the Boulton family’s front lawn, leading from John St. to the front door of The Grange house and an elliptical path for carriages.
This pathway remains in the park today, as a testament to its heritage. The Grange House is a national heritage site and Grange Park by adjacency is a designated property with several heritage attributes.”
“Grange Park has a remarkable potential to now be revitalized into a welcoming and versatile park that serves its diverse local community as well as a distinctive green space destination that reflects its history and unique juxtaposition with the Art Gallery of Ontario, OCADU and other important neighborhood institutions – University Settlement and St. George the Martyr Church,” says the documentation.
Bids close on Jan. 11 through Biddingo and Merx. Additional information is available from the AGO, phone (416) 979-6660 ext. 478 or through Mike Tocher, partner at Thinc Design, email mtocher@thincdesign.ca.