In 1998, Canada Lands Company acquired the 1.5-hectare (3.8-acre) site of the former office of Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) located at 650 Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto. Canada Lands selected Options for Homes – a non-profit organization based in Toronto to undertake the construction of a 431-unit mixed-used development that included affordable housing. 

The 650 Lawrence Avenue West project addressed an issue in the late 1990s that continues to be relevant today; the shortage of housing and affordable housing options. The 650 Lawrence Avenue West units had monthly costs that were less than typical market rental rates in Toronto, enabled by Options for Homes. Cost saving measures were taken including the reduction of costs of amenities, marketing costs and commissions which resulted in significant savings for purchasers when compared to other developments in the city. These savings enabled more people with low incomes to have pride in home ownership, which sold out quickly and became fully occupied by the summer of 2003.