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From working class immigrants to artists and entrepreneurs, the crowd frequenting the Corktown neighbourhood is always changing.

Yet Longo Communities hopes to satisfy a timeless attraction to Victorian residences with its new intimate townhouse development, New Corktown.

Located at the southwest corner of River and Shuter streets, the site will consist of 16 freehold townhouses inspired by the architecture of mid-19th-century buildings that remain in the vibrant area.

"We've seen the transformation of the whole neighbourhood, from Cabbagetown to Regent Park and Corktown to the Distillery District, and even in Leslieville," says Dino Longo, who is a partner at Longo Communities. "We think the value of these homes will escalate dramatically as the neighbourhood continues to transform."

The area was first populated by Irish immigrants from County Cork who worked in local industries, like the Gooderman & Worts Distillery or the shipping docks just south on Lake Ontario.

Over the years, historic landmarks have been refurbished into cultural destinations, namely the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market. Other urban amenities are also easily accessible, such as shops, bakeries and bistros in Cabbagetown, and a list of recreation facilities in Regent Park. Major highways are minutes away.

The site itself was an industrial one that will serve as the foundation for the gated community, starting with clay-brick façades and rounded out with stone accents, aluminum trims, turrets and frieze boards.

There will be two- and three-storey models, all with rooftop terraces. Some will also feature a patio or balcony. "We wanted to invite the outdoors inside," Mr. Longo says.

There will be traditional or open concept principal rooms with nine-foot ceilings and two or three bedrooms on the top floor. A couple of plans will accommodate ground-floor dens, Mr. Longo adds. "There are more modern layouts that you don't get in the older homes."

The kitchen will have tall upper cabinets, islands and, in some cases, breakfast bars.

Bathrooms will be equipped with energy-efficient showerheads and toilets. Laundry rooms will have stacked washers and dryers.

Finishes will be contemporary, with solid oak handrails supported by oak or metal pickets, and flooring materials in engineered prefinished laminate, carpeting and ceramic tile.

All but four units will have enclosed garages, which is rare in Toronto "when land comes at such a premium," Mr. Longo says.

The monthly common elements fee of $80 will cover driveway maintenance.

As a grand opening bonus, purchasers will receive granite kitchen counters, four stainless steel kitchen appliances and a gas barbecue hookup on the rooftop terrace.

Occupancy is expected for next fall.

Special to The Globe and Mail