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The JCCC, formerly the CCH Canadian building, is a low-rise modern concrete office and plant built on a 4 acres land. It is located in Don Mills area, along Garamond Court. It was completed in 1962 and designed by the architect William J. McBain. The building has been expanded four times and was renovated in 2008.
The construction is part of the modern building development in Don Mills, when Toronto was transforming from a town to a major city. After the development of road infrastructure during the 1950s, the industrial park started to attract many offices, including the CHH firm. Thus, the area is a cluster of modernist buildings, creating a cohesive appearance.
This era is reflected in the settings of the building by the creation of a set back from the parking lot and the street, the presence of coniferous and deciduous trees, and by respecting the low-rise design rule. Additionally, the main façade of the building faces the parking lot, emphasizing the car-oriented intention of the urban planning.
The building was recognized for its heritage value in 1997 by the North York Planning Architecture Department and added to the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties in 2006.
The building is one of the earlier modernist office properties designed in the area. The concrete building meets several modernist design principles developed in the area, representing the legacy of the modernist architecture of North York, and the urban planning intentions of the city.
Since the renovation in 2008, its link to the work of Bruce Kuwabara consolidates its heritage value. Additionally, it has significance in the history of the Japanese Canadian community:
The original envelope is still visible and well maintained, but the indoor spaces were completely renovated in 2008 to fit the needs of the Japanese Canadian community.
The building embodies important social value since it offers a place for the Japanese community to gather, organize events and share its history, continuing to provide the space the community has long fought for.