On the industrial site that housed the Don Valley Brick Works from 1889 until the 1980s, Evergreen Brick Works is a year-round environmental community centre operated by Evergreen—a national charity dedicated to making cities more livable. The property, which is still being developed, offers a number of unique event spaces in several heritage buildings and the new Centre for Green Cities, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum building.
The Brick Works operates as a social enterprise, with all proceeds from venue bookings being directed toward Evergreen programming.
The Young Welcome Centre serves as the main entrance to the site and is at the south end of the Centre for Green Cities. The venue houses two permanent heritage artifacts—the John Price Brick Press and the Foreman's Shed. The space holds 180 for seated dinners or 250 for receptions. The BMO Atrium (also in the Centre for Green Cities) is a 2,800-square-foot adaptable space suitable for workshops, meetings, and conferences. The atrium holds 200 in a theatre-style setting and as many as 225 for receptions. The Centre for Green Cities also houses four meeting rooms, which can accommodate groups of 15 to 50.
The Evergreen Gardens, in an open-concept building (with no roof) just south of the Centre for Green Cities, offer 11,000 square feet of space and hold as many as 250 people. The space includes a series of large mounds filled with native plants. The gardens can be tented and heated for private functions. During the winter, the venue becomes a skating trail. (The trail opens December 18 and is available for private groups after 4 p.m.)
Holcim Gallery, on the east side of the site, is in the former kiln buildings. The gallery offers about 11,000 square feet of usable event space and can hold about 500 for seated dinners or 1,500 for receptions. The industrial building features long tunnel kilns and drying tunnels. In early 2011, Outward Bound will occupy the north end of the building, installing a ropes course and climbing tower. The south end of the building will house contemporary art installations.
On the western portion of the site, the large open shed pavilion offers another 27,000 square feet of event space. The L-shaped building is a covered outdoor space that can hold as many as 2,000. The Frances and Tim Price Terrace, at the north end of the pavilion, is 2,000 square feet and can accommodate about 125 for receptions.
Café Belong, created and operated by Evergreen's executive chef Brad Long (Veritas), is expected to open in early 2011. The café will hold about 65 and will be open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All of the Brick Works venues are fully accessible. Parking is available on site, and an Evergreen shuttle can be booked for extended hours.
