About

Community 54 is a neighborhood lifestyle boutique inspired by creative nostalgia. From classic arcade games and vintage street wear, mixed with new indie brands and contemporary art, the space is a destination for curators of unique collectibles and clothing. It’s a place where culture mavens and social connectors interact with local artists and designers. Reminiscent of the spirit of the times when Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali bumped elbows with Woody Allen and Calvin Klein, Madonna, and RUN-DMC were bound by a creative synergy, all in one space. A connecting point for thinkers to collaborate and put out new ideas.

First established in the Lower East Side of Manhattan by partners Daymon Green and Jason Jacobs, Community 54 was a manifestation of years of sharing ideas and a common entreprenurial drive. Since opening the doors to the New York location, the boutique has garnered international press and most importantly the support of the locals, and has already hosted some memorable events with hot musical acts.

Now Community 54 embarks on a Toronto location by opening a space in Parkdale Village. The neighborhood that originally began as a wealthy suburb of the city, has seen decades of change and is now undergoing a new renaissance, a sort of rebirth. The perfect place to foster a new opportunity.

One of New York’s oldest neighborhoods, the Lower East Side began as a working class community built by immigrants. Bordered by Chinatown, NoLIta, and the East Village, the L.E.S today has transformed into a cultural hub of Manhattan with it’s nightlife, boutiques, museums and burgeoning creative community. While some will debate over the gentrification of the neighborhood, it’s historical influences by Jewish, Eastern European, Chinese, and Latin settlers still remain a distinct part of the areas identity.

 

Founded in 1879, the Village of Parkdale was first established as a wealthy suburb of the city of Toronto. Its popularity with the rich at the time was because of it’s proximity to Lake Ontario’s shores and the large Victorian homes that peppered the neighborhood streets. In the 1950’s the community went through drastic changes with the building of the Gardiner Expressway, which cut off Parkdale to the lake, and the rearrangement of streets in the city’s attempt at urban development. During that period also saw an influx of working class immigrants move into the area. In the 1970’s Parkdale became a dumping ground for mental patients released from the Queen St. and Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospitals while many of the 19th century homes were turned into rooming houses. While Parkdale has become a destination neighborhood with a blossoming art scene, lively nightlife, and independent cafes and boutiques, it’s diversity and immigrant flavors still remain.