“The (401 Richmond) roof garden began in an informal way back in 1995, and has evolved into a 6,500 square foot cedar deck, resplendent with flowers, vines and bushes ? many of which have been grown from seed – and a lush blanket of sedum that covers close to 3,000 square feet of roof beyond the deck. There are also a number of large planters that hold trees and perennial shrubs that winter over on the roof. This fabulous outdoor space offers spectacular downtown views, including a view of the CN Tower. In the fall of 2000, a 40 foot greenhouse was installed to provide winter shelter for large tropical plants and to act as a nursery to start spring/summer annuals from seeds that were collected the season before. The greenhouse provides an early start to the growing season and a stunning collection of blooms in early spring,” (CitiesAlive! 2009). Urbanspace Property Group is the recipient of a 2008 Green Toronto Award for our roof garden at 401 Richmond St. W.

“From 2003 – 2007, Environment, Health + Safety Coordinator Beth Anne Currie worked on various projects at 401 Richmond. Her first endeavour was to coordinate a roof top urban agriculture project to examine the potential for local food production. Organic herbs and vegetables were grown in recycled planter boxes that were cobbled together from old boards and plywood from the basement shop. Plants were grown from seed in the greenhouse while others were purchased from Food Share?s roof top nursery,” (401 Richmond: Gardens).