With three parts of Toronto now covered by our annual Growth To Watch For series, we are continuing our trip through the west side of the City. A few days ago, we published the Growth To Watch For 2017: South Etobicoke instalment, ending at Berry Road and Stephen Drive in the Stonegate area. Today we head west on Berry and then up Prince Edward Drive to Dundas West, where we start exploring again. We will cross Etobicoke westwards along Dundas before checking out development along the Highway 427 corridor, and then head eastwards back into town along Bloor. The area we will cover is outlined in red on the map below. 

Map of the Etobicoke Centre Bloor West boundary, image courtesy of Apple Maps

Proposed for a site just above the Humber River Valley, 4125 Dundas West is an 8-storey building that would replace three low-rise buildings. Designed by TACT Architecture, this wood terraced-design will see retail animating the ground level, with 106 residential units occupying the upper 7 floors. 

Rendering of 4125 Dundas West, image courtesy of TACT Architecture

A block west, the proposal at 4195 Dundas Street West by Dunpar Homes is looking to bring Paris-inspired architecture to this stretch of Dundas. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the 8-storey mixed-use building will have 166 residential units, while the first two levels of the building would have significant commercial/retail space.

Rendering of 4195 Dundas West, image courtesy of Dunpar Homes

On the north side of Dundas across from 4195 is the future site of Kingsway by the River. Developed by Urban Capital Property Group and Northam Realty Advisors, this project designed by Wallman Architects will add an 8-storey seniors building on Dundas, plus townhomes and a 21-storey condo tower to the north, dramatically sited over the Humber Valley parks. The development will also provide retail space at grade along Dundas.

Rendering of Kingsway by the River, image courtesy of Urban Capital/Northam Realty

A little to the west we turn north on Royal York Road, where we soon come to Humbertown Plaza. When a proposal to redevelop the site was put forth in 2012, locals mostly met the plan with hostility. Through the planning process, the proposal was significantly modified and now has zoning approval. Things are currrently quiet on the First Capital Realty project, but when it gets going again, Tridel will be building the residential here in four buildings ranging up to 21 storeys high. To include public space and office uses along with rebuilding the retail spaces, the new Humbertown is designed by Kirkor Architects and LGA Architectural Partners. 

Rendering of the Humbertown Redevelopment, image courtesy of Kirkor

Just north of the Humbertown Plaza, The Elia Corporation has a proposal for a six building redevelopment of an existing low-rise residential site at 289-291 The Kingsway. With buildings ranging in height from 6 to 16-storeys, the Quadrangle Architects-designed project would see over 600 new residential units, and 103 replacement units onsite. The proposal was heard earlier this month by the OMB, and a decision is expected in the next several weeks.

Site overview of 289-291 The Kingsway, image by Edward Skira

Returning to Dundas, we head west through Islington Village before coming across one of the most perplexing parts of Central Etobicoke; the Six Points interchange. This is where Kipling, Bloor, and Dundas all intersect through a series of ramps. What was a forward-thinking interchange in the 1960s, has been stifling development of a real downtown for Etobicoke ever since. Starting in March, construction will finally begin to realign the intersecting streets after the better part of ten years of planning. Pre-construction work has already begun—site clearing, tree removal, preloading, etc.—for the new roads that will make the area works for pedestrians and cyclists too, not just cars. Staged completion is expected for 2020.

Map of the new street alignment at Six Points, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

Continuing one block further west, our next stop is at the future site of Dundas & Aukland, a 40-storey rental tower developed by Main and Main and designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects. A Site Plan Approval (SPA) application was filed for the mixed-use project in 2016. The older buildings on the site are boarded up and construction should begin soon.

Rendering of Dundas and Aukland, image courtesy of Main and Main

Just to the south of Dundas down Aukland, a new MiWay and GO Bus Terminal is coming to Kipling station. Last year, the City of Toronto approved selling the land to Metrolinx to create the new terminal, and an RFQ was issued in December. The winning bidder will be announced this year, with the intention of opening the new terminal in 2019. GO and Mississauga Transit bus routes which currently serve Islington Station will have shorter drives, and alleviate some traffic in the area.

New plan for Kipling subway station, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

Two properties west of Kipling station is the The Kip District. A master-planned community, the five residential buildings are being developed by Concert Properties. Construction of the Page and Steele / IBI Group-designed 28-storey first phase condo tower, C on the plan below, reached grade in late 2016. Towers D and E, designed by Quadrangle Architects, have been submitted to the City for approval.

Master plan of the Kip District, image courtesy of Concert Properties

Immediately west of The Kip, the first phase of the new Pinnacle Etobicoke development has been submitted to the City. Eight towers are planned to be built by Pinnacle International on an assembly of several properties, the first of which is a 25-storey mixed-use condo with retail and office space designed by Turner Fleischer Architects. DThe development's towers—proposed in the 20-30-storey range—will replace several strip plaza buildings over several years. 

Rendering of 5415 Dundas West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Down the street, an application has been made for Site Plan Approval at 5500 Dundas West. This would be to construct a 2-storey, Turner Fleischer-designed commercial building that would replace an auto dealership. 

Proposed rendering at 5500 Dundas West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Crossing to the west side of Highway 427, we move up to Bloor Street, just shy of the Mississauga boundary. Across from the Markland Wood Golf Course at Bloor is the ten-storey Renaissance Apartments. Built in the 60s, the building is a tower-in-the-park style development sitting on expansive grounds. Now, a 9-storey building will be added along Bloor Street, while a 3-storey building will be built at the south end of the site. Designed by Chu Architects Inc., the two new buildings will add 164 new units to the property. 

Rendering of 240 Markham Dr, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Back by the 427, and just off The West Mall north of Bloor, the first two towers are up at Tridel's West Village Etobicoke. Since their completion a couple of years ago, there has been no news about when marketing for the two remaining towers at the site might start. They will eventually rise to 16 and 27 storeys to complete the development.

Phase 2 on the left of the rendering for West Village Etobicoke, image courtesy of Tridel

Heading north on The West Mall, we come upon the Etobicoke Civic Centre at Burnhamthorpe Road. The City of Toronto has decided to move the Civic Centre to the Six Points area to help create a new downtown for Etobicoke, so in a few years we will hear of a redevelopment coming to the West Mall site, likely to be a mixed-use complex.

Further north, just shy of Rathburn Road, is another tower-in-the-park infill development planned at 555 The West Mall. Designed by Architecture Unfolded, the 24-storey rental apartment by Starlight Investments will add 293 units upon completion. 

Rendering of 555 The West Mall, image courtesy of Starlight Investments

A couple blocks north of Rathburn, another tower-in-the-park development is proposed at 70 Dixfield Drive. Developed by H&R Developments, the infill project includes a row of 3-storey townhomes and a 6-storey rental building fronting The West Mall, all designed by CGL Architects. 

Site Plan of 70 Dixfield, image courtesy of H&R Developments

Crossing to the other side of the 427, Lanterra's proposal for two towers and a retail plaza redevelopment at 600 & 620 The East Mall has gone quiet. After City Planning initially announced that they had reached a settlement with Lanterra which would be ratified at a June 2014 OMB hearing, things have gone quiet.

South Elevation of 600 & 620 East Mall, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

To the south just before Burnhamthorpe Road, is a 1960s medical centre soon to be demolished for the East Mall Town Homes. A project by Haven Developments, there is planned as three stacked townhouse blocks which would contain 60 units. The development is designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects.

Rendering of the East Mall Town Homes, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Heading south on the East Mall past Burnhamthorpe, we pass by where 'Thunderbird', the last phase of One Valhalla will complete this year. While developer Edilcan finishes up on that site, they have now applied to redevelop the site to the south. Currently a single-storey office building, 2 Gibbs Road could soon be home to a campus of residential towers and townhomes. Planned by Page + Steele / IBI Group, also the architects of One Valhalla, 2 Gibbs is similarly proposed to have its towers surround a central park space.

Rendering of 2 Gibbs Road, image courtesy of Edilcan Developments

Arriving back at Bloor Street, we turn east and head toward downtown. Long before we get to Downtown Toronto though, we end up back at the Six Points interchange. Over the next couple of years the bridges will come down here and a new road network suitable for a walkable, bikeable, Downtown for Etobicoke will take its place. Here is where the City plans to build the new Etobicoke Civic Centre. Stage 1 of a Design Competition for the site recently closed. The new centre would likely not be open for several years.

Just across the rail corridor to the south of the Six Points is the site of ConneXion by North Star Homes. Just in the early stages of construction, this project designed by TACT Architecture will see 150 stacked townhouses added to this area near Bloor and Islington. 

Rendering of ConneXion, image courtesy of North Star Homes

To the northeast across Bloor and the rail corridor, we find another construction site, this one for Islington Terrace. Developed by Tridel and designed by Kirkor Architects, workers are currently excavating the site that will bring three towers which will reach 35, 38, and 45 storeys upon completion. 

Site of Islington Terrace as of September 2016, image by Forum contributor PMT

Returning to Bloor, we enter The Kingsway area where a long run of mid-rise Avenues style proposals starts, and continues for several kilometres eastward.

First up in this stretch is 3005 Bloor West, a car wash site now owned by ONE Properties who are planning a 6-storey residential and retail building here, steps from Royal York subway station. While no official application has been submitted to the City, an early conceptual rendering has been released.

Conceptual rendering of 3005 Bloor West, image courtesy of ONE Properties

Next up is a proposal at 2955-2961 Bloor, long the site of a Swiss Chalet restaurant. It is proposed to be redeveloped as a 7-storey mid-rise residential rental building with retail at grade. Designed by Core Architects, the 86 suite building was first designed in a modern style, before being redesigned with a more traditional red brick exterior to satisfy some residents of the area.

New rendering of 2955 Bloor West, image courtesy of Core Architects

Just a few properties east, we come across the recently revised 2915 Bloor West proposal. This 8-storey mixed-use condominium is being developed by Fieldgate Homes and Dorsay Development Corporation. Replacing the single-storey Kingsway Medical Centre, this TACT Architecture-designed development will add 126 residential units to the Kingsway neighbourhood.

New rendering for 2915 Bloor West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Several blocks east, across from the Park Lawn Cemetery we come upon 2800 Bloor West where a 1950s low-rise modernist building is currently being demolished. This is to make way for 4 The Kingsway. Once cleared, construction will begin on the 8-storey Richard Wengle-designed building, a North Drive Investments project with 41 luxury condominium suites.

4 The Kingsway, image courtesy of North Drive Investments

Crossing the Humber River, we come to a landmark well known in Bloor West Village area, the Humber Cinema. It and four other 2-storey buildings will be demolished if a 14-storey midrise proposed by Plaza is approved. Currently referred to by its address, 2452 Bloor West would bring 244 residential units accompanied by retail at grade, as the Quadrangle Architects design of the building seeks to renew this block of the popular shopping strip. 

2452 Bloor West, image courtesy of Plaza

Further east we go, and next up is 2265 Bloor West. Approved by the OMB at 7 storeys, the Harrington Developments project will see residential sites above and retail at grade. The TACT Architecture-designed building is at the City for Site Plan Approval.

2265 Bloor West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Continuing east past Runnymede, 2117 Bloor West was approved by City Council late in 2016. Rising 8 storeys, the building will have commercial space at ground level facing Bloor Street, along with 60 residential units above. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, this Main and Main project should soon be seeking site plan approval.

Rendering of 2117 Bloor West, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects

Right across the street from 2117 Bloor West, is the site of Picnic, the second phase of North Drive's The High Park. Coming in at 8 storeys, this mixed-use mid-rise designed by Quadrangle will feature retail at-grade, while 7 levels of residential units will rise above. The project was in sales early last year, with demolition of the existing buildings on the site having been completed recently. Excavation is now starting.

Picnic, The High Park II, image courtesy of North Drive Investments

Two blocks east is The High Park, phase one of the two-building development by North Drive Investments. At 1990 Bloor West, it will be completed later this year. Directly north of the actual High Park, this 11-storey mid-rise contains 104 condo suites, in addition to ground level retail.

The High Park by Quadrangle Architects for North Drive Investments, image by Doug Gardner

While 'The High Park' is located at the west exit of the High Park subway station, a unique proposal has been received by the City at the main exit. We should find out this year if a unique plan for micro retail shops and a daycare beside the High Park subway station bus loop will be approved.

Rendering of 12 High Park Avenue Micro Retail and Nursery, image courtesy of Corban and Goode

Just north of High Park subway station, three densification projects are at various stages in amongst the tower-in-the-park apartment blocks here.

Between Quebec and High Park avenues, the furthest along the planning process is Grenadier Square. Being developed by High Park Bayview and GWL Realty Advisors, the Zeidler Partnership Architects-designed project consists of two 25-storey towers, each with 269 units, replacing low-rise townhome units. With zoning approved, the proposal was submitted for Site Plan Approval in 2016.

Updated rendering of Grenadier Square, image courtesy of High Park Bayview/GWL Realty

A block east between High Park and Pacific avenues, an application to intensify High Park Village was received by the City in December. This towers-in-the-park infill proposal would see the addition of over 1000 residential units through four new buildings, reaching 8, 29, 34, and 39 storeys. Ground level retail in an area that currently does not have it, would animate the street realm.

Rendering of High Park Village, image courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors

One more block east between Pacific and Oakmount avenues is 111 Pacific Avenue, the most recent intensification proposal to be submitted to the City here. Here, two new towers with podiums and standalone townhome buildings are proposed to be added to a site which already has three apartment buildings. No renderings have been published for the Hariri Pontarini Architects design yet, but new buildings would range from 2 to 33 storeys. 

Site Plan at 111 Pacific Avenue, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

A couple of long blocks to the north of those sites in amongst the homes of a low-rise residential neighbourhood, a church conversion is planned at 260 High Park Avenue at Annette. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the plan calls for a modern L-shaped 4-storey addition extending from the church, and enclosing a central courtyard. 

Rendering of 260 High Park Avenue, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

A few blocks to the east, a proposal for a 4-storey, 52 unit redevelopment of 200 Keele Street has been submitted to the City. Designed by Ramonov Ramonov Architects, this building would include 15 rental replacement units for the townhomes currently on the site, while adding 37 new condominium suites.

Rendering of 200 Keele, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Site Plan Approval is under review for LNX Condos at 2376 Dundas St West. A complicated site owing to its location beside the Bloor GO and UPX station, the proposal has been under SPA review since 2013, with revisions made in the last two years that have now satisfied Metrolinx. Developed by Lormel Homes and designed by Richmond Architects, marketing should begin in 2017. The proposal consists of a 23-storey condo tower to the east, with an 8-storey mid-rise to be built along Dundas. The TTC's Dundas West subway station is right across the street.

Rendering of LNX Condos, image courtesy of Lormel Homes

Passing under the rail corridor, the Barrett Architect-designed 1439 Bloor West is steps away from the West Toronto Rail Trail and Bloor GO/UPX station. The Neudorfer Corporation development has its approvals and is set to rise 14 storeys. This rental apartment building will include two retail units at-grade, and contain 182 units. 

1439 Bloor West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

From here, we head south on Perth Avenue, which takes us to Sterling Road, where we find a sprawling, multi-phase redevelopment of former industrial lands, centred on the renewal of the 10-storey Tower Automotive building by developers Castlepoint Numa and Greybrook Realty. Branded as various components of the Lower JCT, their developments here start with West TWNS. A site plan application was filed for his townhome project in March, 2016. It consists of 32 three-storey towns, and was designed by TACT Architects. 

Rendering of West TWNS, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Next up is Museum FLTS. This unique ten-storey condominium features staggered perforated aluminum-walled boxes protruding from the north and south elevations. Designed by architectsAlliance, the building will contain 150 suites, retail at ground level, and will form the north side of a courtyard shared with Tower Automotive, now known as Auto BLDG, and the Draft BLDG. 

Rendering of Museum FLTS, image courtesy of Castlepoint Numa/Greybrook Realty

The 1920-built heritage industrial Auto BLDG will be the new home of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada, or MOCA. Formerly known as MoCCA in its last incarnation in the West Queen West area, the museum is due to reopen this fall on the first three floors of the reborn tower. The museum space is an architectsAlliance design, with ERA Architects overseeing the restoration work on the bulk of the building. Upper floors are being leased as office space. 

Window installation at the Auto BLDG, image by Forum contributor smalby

Next up for the site is the Draft BLDG, "hugging" the Auto BLDG's south side. Rising eight storeys, this building is meant for office spaces on the upper floors, while its name is owed to its ground floor being the new home of manufacturing operations for the Indie Ale House. SvN Architects and Planners are the designers here. 

Rendering of Draft Building, image courtesy of SvN Architects & Planners

The Indie Ale House will also open a tasting room and restaurant on the ground floor, and that will spill out into the courtyard in amongst all of these buildings. The space will be another of Toronto's new POPS, or Privately Owned Publicly accessible Spaces, and it will also be fronted with restaurants and shops on the ground floor of the Museum FLTS. building. 

Rendering of Museum LFTS (left), Auto BLDG (middle), and Draft Building (right), image courtesy of SvN Architects & Planners

Leaving this site, we progress around the Barrie GO rail corridor to the east, and find ourselves on St. Helen's Avenue, where the foundation levels are being poured for Aragon Properties' Enigma on the Park. Designed by Quadrangle Architects, this 9-storey condo and office complex will bring 86 residential units to a property along the north edge of McGregor Park. Work will carry throughout the year and into 2018.

Rendering of Enigma on the Park, image courtesy of Aragon Properties

After making our way back to Bloor, we cross Lansdowne and continue several blocks until arriving at Dufferin Street. It's here on the southwest corner where plans for a huge redevelopment were announced in December. The 7.3 acre site which runs nearly all the way to Brock Street, was sold to Capital Developments, Timbercreek Assent Management, and Metropia. They've got Hariri Pontarini Architects working on a master plan for the site to create a mixed-use community, combining housing, community services, and new public space. Two TDSB high schools will also relocate, with Bloor Collegiate Institute and Alpha II Senior Alternative School moving to the former Brockton High School site just to the south. We should know a lot more about the plans here later this year.

The subject site, excluding the Brockton Stadium, image via the City of Toronto

A couple blocks past Dufferin, we head north on Bartlett Avenue to Lanehouse on Bartlett is nearing completion. Developed by Curated Properties and designed by AUDAX architecture, this project consists of a set of 3-storey row townhouses lining an alley running off of Bartlett. The project's 16 units will begin occupancy in the coming months. 

Lanehouse on Bartlett in early January, image by Forum contributor Froggy

Our next stop is at 918 Bloor West. Here, a proposal would replace a rather grim-looking 2-storey building that exists currently. Designed by SG&M Architects, this project would see the building reach 5 storeys with commercial use at grade, and include 12 residential units. An SPA was recently filed at the City.

Rendering of 918 Bloor West, image courtesy of SG&M Architects

Dufferin-Bloor Re-do!

The tour along Bloor now takes us to Dovercourt Village and Ossington Avenue. While no official applications have been put forth to the City, land owner Old Stonehenge Development Corporation of 874 Bloor West, is considering a new two-storey retail building, or a six-storey building with residential units atop the commercial space. The second version is shown below. Architecture is by Studio JCI.

Conceptual rendering of 847 Bloor West, image courtesy of Stonehenge Development Corp

We're going to end this tour along Bloor at the redevelopment site of Westbank's Mirvish Village. With Honest Ed's now closed, and the shops of Mirvish Village relocating elsewhere, a recent resubmission of plans for Mirvish Village has brought the density down (from over rental 1,000 suites to 806), the heights down (shorter street walls, and a 28-storey tallest building), saving more of the heritage Victorian buildings, and adding more public green space. Some of the improvements to the public realm are coming from moving all of the loading underground, freeing up more space for people above. Designing this large undertaking are Henriquez Partners Architects, ERA Architects handling heritage aspects, and Janet Rosenberg + Studio designing the landscape elements. 

Looking north from Lennox Avenue up Honest Ed's Alley, Mirvish Village, image courtesy of Westbank

That completes our tour of development happening in this part of Toronto. There's still lots more to some in out Growth To Watch For series, with plenty more areas to show off in the coming weeks. If you would like to learn more about a specific project, click on the project dataBase files, linked below. Want to share your thoughts on this list? Feel free to drop a comment in the space provided below, or join in the ongoing conversations in the associated Forum threads. 

This week's Throwback Thursday features the changing view, looking northwest across the intersection of Front & Trinity streets in Toronto's Corktown area.

Back in January, 2006, the view from Front and Trinity took in the Toronto Police 51 Division Station (at the far left), a car dealership next to it, and an asphalt space across from it. This site would be redeveloped over the next decade to make way for a parkette and an 8-storey condominium.

North view of Eastern Ave. from Front St. & Trinity St., image by Edward Skira

Returning to the site in January, 2017, the same vantage point reveals the completed Giannone Petricone Associates, and Giovanni A. Tassone Architects-designed Trinity Lofts, a Streetcar Developments project which was completed in 2012, replacing the car dealership. Landscaping of the traffic island started in 2007, transforming the ugly space into the parkette we see today.

2017 North view of Eastern Ave. from Front St. & Trinity St., image by Alexander Vu

We will return next week with another look at the changing face of Toronto! 

In the three months since we last provided a substantial photo update of the 38-storey YUL development in Downtown Montreal, crews have focused on vertical construction and cladding installation. Developed by Brivia Group and Tianco Group, the building has been covered in a sky blue, highly reflective curtain wall glass about halfway up its concrete skeleton. Judging by what we've seen so far, the MSDL-designed project could blow expectations out of the water.

YUL construction progress, image by Forum contributor skahhigh

The first building of the eventual two-tower development is about two thirds of the way towards its structural apex. The interchanging ballet of protruding balconies and smooth surfaces produces a shifted block aesthetic, one that is now clearly visible as the tower continues to climb. An injection of sequenced white vertical accents adds further visual interest to the building, particularly the facade, which is otherwise unembellished. 

YUL construction progress, image by Forum contributor skahhigh

Besides the penthouses and three-bedroom layouts positioned within the upper block, and the 17 townhomes situated on the ground, YUL's condominiums are scattered throughout the rise of the building. Studios, which are mostly housed among the two-bedroom layouts in the second block from the top, begin at 363 square feet. The one-bedroom floor plans are predominantly contained within the base of the tower and an adjacent mid-rise projection, which joins the tower to the townhome component. A richly landscaped central green space will provide residents with a comfortable outdoor space. 

A dusk rendering of YUL, image via MSDL

The development replaces a sprawling surface parking lot and a gas station which were increasingly out of place within the context of a growing central business district. With over 1,000 new residents anticipated to move into the neighbourhood, the project is certainly a better use of valuable downtown property. Beyond that, YUL represents the broader demographic movement taking place across North American cities, where millennials are flocking back to the core in search of active neighbourhoods with an abundance of uses, amenities within walking distance, and close access to public transit.

How YUL will be resolved at the top, image via MSDL

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

It has been seven months since our last update about the David Chipperfield-designed, HFZ Capital Group-built The Bryant in midtown Manhattan. Located along Bryant Park, from which the 57-storey, 230-room, 57-unit, hotel and residential tower gets its name, The Bryant's exterior work appears virtually complete. The nighttime illumination coming from within allows for a tantalizing sneak-peak of how the interior of the structure will appear once the project is completed later this year. 

The Bryant, nearing completion in mid-January, image by Forum contributor towerpower123

A hotel will occupy the first 15 floors and a residential component will fill out the rest of the tower, including two half-floor penthouses at the top, while the base of the tower will be host to a mix of retail and dining options. Befitting New York's sky-high real estate prices, The Bryant will be sold as a luxury address, with guests and residents treated to an array of amenity spaces, including The Club Reading Room Lounge on the 6th floor, which will feature double-height ceilings, a fireplace, and an outdoor terrace offering a commanding view of Bryant Park. 

Bryant Park, seen in context with the 6th floor Lounge (above tent), image by Forum contributor towerpower123

The Bryant's simple elegance has been achieved in large part by the reliance upon precast concrete terazzo panels. The grid-form exterior is clad almost entirely in the material, with deep-set window bays adding a touch of visual interest to the otherwise monolithic outward aesthetic.

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Following the recent announcement by Toronto developer Brad Lamb that the 45-storey North Condos development slated for downtown Edmonton was back on track, it appears that another of Lamb Corp's Edmonton projects, the 37-storey Jasper House, will proceed as well. In conversation with the Edmonton Journal last week, Lamb went on record stating his belief that the province's fortunes will return, and that the time is right to get these two projects underway.

Jasper House to become a part of Edmonton's urban transformation, image via Lamb Development

Located along a relatively sleepy stretch of Jasper Avenue just outside the core, Jasper House will occupy roughly one third of a longstanding parking lot. The 37-storey luxury condo tower will soon become the tallest structure amid a local landscape that is currently dominated by non-descript low-rise office blocks and surface lots. Situated on a major bus route and likely set to inherit a great deal of above-ground parking space, the new development will place residents within easy striking distance of downtown.

Jasper House podium level to double as an outdoor terrace in summer months, image via Lamb Development

Slated for completion in 2020, a year later than originally expected due to the recent hiatus, the finished product will include 240 one- to three-bedroom units. The development will bring roughly 400-500 new residents to the area.

SkyriseEdmonton will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

Above-grade construction continues at the Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby, where a 28-acre transformative overhaul of the property is taking place. One of the largest mixed-use developments currently underway in Metro Vancouver, Shape Properties'The Amazing Brentwood will produce a bustling retail experience and contemporary office space arranged around 11 residential towers with 6,000 homes. 

The existing 500,000-square-foot shopping centre will more than double its gross floor area and become neighbour to a pair of 56-storey residential towers. All units within the three highrise buildings that have entered sales thus far have already been spoken for. A recent drone flyover conducted for Shape Properties captured the project's impressive scale, as crews erect the concrete and steel structures that will house a new influx of retail. The development's architectural expression, predominantly one of glass and orthogonal shapes, has been generated collaboratively by Stantec, Musson Cattell McKay Partnership, and James KM Cheng Architects.

The Amazing Brentwood has been under construction since 2014, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Construction on the first phase began in 2014, with completion expected in 2018. It will bring a luxury retail zone, fashion anchor stores, new upscale restaurants, and a cinema to the site, located just steps from the SkyTrain station. It will feature four distinct retail zones, each intended to provide a unique shopping experience for users. As its name suggests, "Brentwood Interior" is the project's indoor area. This is where the mall's anchor retailers will set up shop. Here, about 100 retailers and 25 restaurants are planned across over 500,000 square feet of space. The outdoor "Brentwood Boulevard" takes cues from the vibrant high streets of the world and replicates their best characteristics, coming with room for 22 stores, two restaurants, and an overflow of patio space. "The West Mews and Grand Lobby" offers another 17,000 square feet of commercial space and a further 4,000 square feet for restaurants. "The Plaza", meanwhile, will feature 15 stores, multi-level dining options, and garden rooftops around a central circular water feature. 

The offset floor plates of the corner retail section, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

Today we're taking a look at Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood and the growth it has experienced in recent years, as well as the projects that are currently underway. Over the past 10 years, the Beltline has seen unprecedented growth and development, adding 22 new completed highrise residential towers with a resulting addition of 5,294 new residents to the neighbourhood. This marks an increase of almost 30 percent, bringing the total number of residents to 21,958.

At the time of the 2016 Census, there were also 11 highrise towers that were still under construction. Those 11 buildings will add approximately 2,300 additional residential units and approximately 4,000 new residents to the Beltline over the next few years.

Aerial view of Beltline from southwest, image by Kevin Cappis

The 5,000 additional residents might not seem like a big number when compared to Calgary's overall population growth over those 10 years, but when you take into account that the Beltline is an established inner-city neighbourhood that was already built out, those numbers are nothing short of amazing. The recent growth has given the Beltline a busier, more vibrant feel, and despite the local recession the growth hasn't been slowing down. 

Let's take a look at a few local projects that are currently under construction.

Park Point by Qualex Landmark, image by Kevin Cappis

6th and Tenth, image by Forum contributor Cyric.

The Royal, image by Forum contributor Beltline_B

The Royal is highly anticipated as it will add more than just residential units to the Beltline; it will feature an Urban Fare Grocery Store, as well as a Canadian Tire store.

The Royal, image via Embassy Bosa

Here are a few of the recently completed projects in the Beltline:

Fifteen15, image by Kevin Cappis

Mark on 10th by Qualex Landmark, image by Kevin Cappis

1215 by Maple Projects, image via Kevin Cappis

Those living in the Beltline have experienced these changes firsthand, and can look forward to more growth and change.

Additional images and information can be found in the Database files linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum threads or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

Adding to the recent surge of infill developments for Toronto's mid-century apartment communities, the towers of Etobicoke's La Rose Avenue could be joined by a new seven-storey rental building. Located northwest of Eglinton and Scarlett Road, the project would intensify a site currently occupied by a surface parking lot and an underutilized green space. 

Aerial view of the site, image via Google Maps

Richview Development's 187-unit building would be adjacent to an existing 16-storey apartment tower, with the two structures set to share a revamped underground garage. Built in the 1970s, the 156-unit building at 45 La Rose suffers from a number of below-grade structural problems, with the lifespan of the garage now estimated at approximately five years.

Aerial view of the project, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The integration of a new building alongside the existing tower would entail the reconstruction and expansion of the garage, effectively combining a necessary large-scale maintenance project with the build-out of a new development. 215 new parking spaces would also be created as part of the garage expansion, serving what continues to be a car-oriented part of the city. By contrast, a total of 142 bicycle spaces are planned, meeting the City's minimum requirements for the site.

Looking south from La Rose Avenue, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the C-shaped building is characterized by a series of stepbacks above the fourth floor, with the project topped by an accessible, landscaped green roof. At ground level, the existing tower's vehicle access would be reworked to serve the new building as well.

A closer look at the lower levels, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The seven-storey building's ground level would mostly be comprised of residential suites, with amenity space and bicycle parking taking up the remainder of the floorplate. The central amenity space would also look out onto a small landscaped plaza, which extends out to a greenscaped walking trail surrounding the building.

The ground floor plan, image via submission the City of Toronto

A unit mix of 98 (52.4%) one-bedroom and 89 (47.6%) two-bedroom suites is planned, with no studio or three-bedroom homes included among the project's 187 units. The project also features some 13,500 ft² of total amenity space, the majority of which—just over 9,000 ft²—would be outdoors. Each suite would also feature a balcony or terrace. 

Looking north, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Although the current proposal is part of a wave of similar tower-in-the-park infill projects across Toronto, plans to intensify the site pre-date amalgamation. A 10-storey, 90-unit building was approved for the site by the OMB in 1997—just before amalgamation—with Richview opting to submit a reworked proposal for 25 townhouses the following year. Neither proposal moved forward. In the intervening years, the structural integrity of the adjacent parking garage has deteriorated, effectively necessitating any new development to address this condition.  

Looking south, existing conditions, image via Google Maps

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the project continues to evolve. More information is available in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment on this page, or join the conversation in our Forum. 

Soon to become part of the rapidly rising Hudson Yards neighbourhood on the western edge of Midtown Manhattan, 3 Hudson Boulevard at the corner of 34th Street and 11th Avenue will eventually rise to 315 metres. The supertall, mixed-use, 66-storey tower will house a mixture of office and residential space across its 1.8 million square feet. Designed by FXFOWLE for the Moinian Group, 3 Hudson Boulevard will rise above the recently completed 34th Street-Hudson Yards Subway Station that was primarily built to serve the new Hudson Yards neighbourhood. 

Excavation underway at 3 Hudson Boulevard, image by Forum contributor towerpower123

Viewed above and below, the excavation site, situated within view of Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center, has been completed in part by the MTA, which was responsible for all foundation work concerning the attached subway entrance. The rest of the excavation and foundation work for the tower has since progressed under the authority of the developer. 

Construction materials and equipment on site, image by Forum contributor towerpower123

Estimated to cost $2 billion, 3 Hudson Boulevard will feature an array of high-end amenities, including the two-storey Sky Club at the top of the tower, which will be outfitted with swimming pools, greenery, terraces, event spaces, and a full-service lounge. In terms of practical innovations, the project is aiming for LEED Platinum Certification via several green initiatives, including wind power, rooftop farming, heat recovery, solar shading, photovoltaic electricity, regenerative elevators, and an effective use of natural lighting. 

3 Hudson Boulevard as will appear upon completion in 2019, image via Moinian Group

From a design perspective, 3 Hudson Boulevard will feature a gentle 22-degree vertical twist spanning from top to bottom, which will add an elegant architectural flair to the sleek glass tower. The twist itself is a reference to the slightly off-kilter nature of Manhattan's historic street grid. 

3 Hudson Boulevard's signature twist, image via Moinian Group

Once complete, 3 Hudson Boulevard will represent an important addition to the surrounding Hudson Yards neighbourhood, in part owing to its location directly above the new 34th Street-Hudson Yards Subway Station that serves the entire area, and in equal measure to the fact that the 315-metre supertall tower will soon become one of the tallest of its kind in the city. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below. 

Two decades have now passed since most of The Junction's stockyards closed, and in the time since, big box stores and low-rise housing has regenerated most of this gritty area of Toronto. Now, a new proposal at 87 Ethel Avenue, a couple blocks to the southwest of St. Clair and Keele, is seeking to redevelop the brownfield industrial site. The plan—submitted to the City of Toronto's Planning Department in the final days of 2016—would bring a whole block of new buildings to the south side of Ethel Avenue. The 20,495 m2 subject site has a 362 metre-long frontage along the street, sitting directly north of a CP rail yard and the associated rail corridor.

87 Ethel site plan, Buildings A, B West, B East, C, and D. Image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

Submitted by architecture and planning firm Sol-Arch on behalf of site owner Red Eagle Enterprises Inc., the project would include a mix of residential and commercial space spread the length of the block, with building heights up to 56.9 metres. The residential component would consists of a 15-storey tower at the west end of the site, Building A, with 166 units consisting of 9 one-bedroom units, 136 two-bedroom units, and 21 three-bedroom units.

To the east, as Buildings B West and B East are 19-storey residential towers with 455 units each, in a mix of 3 bachelor units, 137 one-bedroom units, 213 two-bedroom units, and 102 three-bedroom units. 

87 Ethel building B West north elevation, image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

Building C would be a mixed-use, seven-storey structure at the east end of the site. This 6,333.44 m2 building would include a mix of commercial units on the first two floors and medical suites above, creating an employment anchor at the intersection of Ethel Avenue and Dods Avenue.

Building D would be a 16-storey mixed-use building with commercial space on the first two floors, and another 179 residential units above, consisting of 18 one-bedroom units, 153 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units.

The proposal's 1,255 residential units and commercial component would be served by 1,003 parking spaces in garages below the buildings, with 26 spaces at-grade at the east end of the site.

One obstacle to the site's redevelopment is its current designation as an "employment area" under the City of Toronto's Official Plan. To enable the development to be built as planned, the site's designation must change, with proponents angling for a “regeneration area” designation, key to having residential uses allowed.

We will be sure to return as new information becomes available. In the meantime, you get in on the discussion in the project's Forum thread, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.

This week marked the grand opening of two major projects in Edmonton: The Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown Hotel and The Armature, both located in The Quarters neighbourhood on the eastern edge of downtown.

Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown, image by Forum contributor DarrenK

The grand opening of both of these projects was celebrated with a public invitation to witness a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by champagne and hors d'oeuvres inside the spacious lobby of the new hotel. Additionally, media were invited to take a brief tour of the hotel, which city ambassador Daveography was able to join.

Part of The Armature looking south, image by Dave Sutherland

The brand new Hyatt Place Edmonton Downtown is a 12-story glass building designed by Edmonton-based Dub Architects. The striking angles and facets of the building readily catch the eye of passersby, and — due to its location near the top of the river valley — can also be seen clearly from many points across the river. The strong angles and lines and blue glass contrast sharply with the rounded "flatiron" edge and red brick of the 1913 Gibson Block next door, but together form a complementing gateway to The Armature beyond.

Main entrance, image by Dave Sutherland

The first thing one notices on entering the hotel is the unusual lack of a reception on the main floor. Instead, guests proceed up the grand stair (or take the elevator) to the second floor, where they are greeted by The Gallery, a large open space that serves as reception, bar, lounge, guest computer area, and breakfast buffet dining room.

Second floor lounge looking out at the Gibson Block, image by Dave Sutherland

Buffet serving area, image by Dave Sutherland

Guest amenities in the 255-room hotel include a 450-square-foot hot tub, a 24-hour gym with the latest workout equipment, free Wi-Fi with remote printing, and 200 heated underground parking spaces. All rooms include a 42-inch HDTV and are pet friendly.

Guest suite with two queen beds and "Cozy Corner," image by Dave Sutherland

Hot tub, image by Dave Sutherland

The hotel also features roomy extended stay suites with full kitchens, as well as seven meeting rooms, and over 11,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

Full kitchen in an extended stay suite, image by Dave Sutherland

Ballroom / flexible event space, image by Dave Sutherland

The hotel anchors The Armature, a four-block-long pedestrian-oriented street that runs along 96 Street from Jasper Avenue to 103A Avenue. Envisioned to be lined with parks, shops, restaurants, and other active social uses, the City of Edmonton has invested in new pavers, tree plantings, and public artwork in hopes of attracting new investment and development to the area known as The Quarters.

Mayor Don Iveson officially opening The Armature, image by Dave Sutherland

The grand opening of these projects was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Mayor Don Iveson, hotel owner and developer Prem Singhmar and family, City Manager Linda Cochrane, Councillor Scott McKeen, and Councillor Ben Henderson (not pictured), signalling that The Armature and The Quarters are open for business.

Ribbon cutting for The Armature, image by Dave Sutherland

And business is picking up; already two new private development projects are proposed for the area: the Artists Quarters live-work artist residence tower is proposed to occupy a mostly vacant corner of The Armature, and the 80-story Quarters Hotel and Residences (which if built would become the tallest building in Canada outside Toronto) has been proposed just to the south across Jasper Avenue.

Additional images and information can be accessed in our Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment below.

A wave of tower-in-the-park infill projects have been proposed across Toronto over the past several months, with property owners seeking to intensify the under-utilized green spaces and paved areas associated with this building typology. Just northwest of the Jane and Wilson intersection, a group of four such rental towers on Chalkfarm Drive could soon have a new neighbour, with a WZMH Architects-designed rental development recently proposed along Jane Street.

160 Chalkfarm Drive, image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

Submitted on behalf of Verdiroc Development Corporation, owner of the site's property manager Greenwin Inc., the proposal for 160 Chalkfarm Drive calls for a 36-storey tower—inclusive of an 8- to 12-storey podium—to join the existing buildings. In an attempt to address the surrounding context, the tower's base will be broken up into discrete volumes. A smaller four-storey volume containing ground floor retail space will front the Jane and Chalkfarm intersection to the north (above, right), creating a buffer between the taller 12-storey podium volume to above it and the low-rise housing to the north.

To the south, the central section of the podium will rise eight storeys, with an urban streetwall fronting Jane. Above the ground floor, levels two through eight of the central podium volume would be exclusively dedicated to residential uses, with the structure capped by a rooftop amenity space. A minimum of 1,180 m² of indoor amenity space and 1,180 m² of outdoor amenity space is planned for the project.

Podium of 160 Chalkfarm Drive, image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

The tower component would be situated at the south end of the site, characterized a relatively simple rectilinear massing of inset balconies punctuated by strips of white running vertically up the tower faces. An elevator overrun at the south side of the tower's roof would rise a few meters above the uppermost floor's 104.9 metre height, bringing the total tower height up to 110.4 metres.

160 Chalkfarm Drive would contribute an additional 590 rental units to the community, consisting of 89 bachelor units, 147 one bedroom units, 151 one bedroom plus den units, 194 two-bedroom units, and 9 three bedroom units. These units would be served by a four level underground parking garage containing 413 resident spaces and 88 visitor/retail spaces, as well as 449 bicycle parking spaces.

The site as it appears now, image via Google Maps

Additional information can be found in our dataBase file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and the same can be said about the highly anticipated Blatchford Development. Set to totally transform 536 acres at the site of the old City Centre Airport, the development will become one of the largest sustainable communities in the world. The City of Edmonton recently approved the development's renewable energy strategy — a District Energy Sharing System that will provide energy-efficient heating, cooling, and hot water to homes and buildings — and now, major construction has begun. The latest newsletter from blatchfordedmonton.ca describes some of the work that will be undertaken this year, as crews start to prepare the site for the first phase of residential units and a portion of the proposed central park.

The Blatchford Development aims to be completely carbon neutral, image via City of Edmonton

Workers are now servicing the property for the 250 condominiums and townhome units that partially comprise the first stage of development, Blatchford West, which will eventually contain 6,000 mid-rise condominiums, townhomes, and apartments. Another 4,000 townhomes and apartments will be built in Blatchford East.

A rendering depicts the public spaces in the Blatchford Development, image via City of Edmonton

Since a new neighbourhood is being created from scratch, underground utilities need to be installed. This includes water lines along with the sanitary and storm sewers. The infrastructure to accommodate the District Energy Sharing System is also being put into place. Estimated to begin in late 2017, this will necessitate the drilling of boreholes for shallow geo-exchange, and the construction of the building that will house the required energy equipment.

Blatchford Energy Strategy, image via City of Edmonton

A District Energy Sharing System is at the core of the Blatchford Energy Strategy, image via City of Edmonton

Renewable energy sources will be used with the District Energy Sharing System, image via City of Edmonton

Blatchford buildings will produce about 74 percent fewer greenhouse gases than a typical community, image via City of Edmonton

The neighbourhood's road network will take shape after the underground utilities are completed. Where garage suites will be permitted, laneways have been designed with special landscaping and lighting, which will allow these secondary roads to look and feel like a typical street. This year will also mark the reveal of the development's homebuilders following a competitive selection process. Units are expected to enter pre-sales in 2018, giving prospective buyers the chance to reserve their spots.

The air traffic control tower would be preserved, image via City of Edmonton

About the same size as the downtown core, the vast property represents an enormous amount of potential. Over 33,000 residents will move into a newly christened neighbourhood, which will include a vibrant town centre, 80-acre central park, a civic plaza, and a plethora of green space. 

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

The newly ordained EV Hilton Hotel will receive some company in 2018, when Groupe Germain Hospitalité opens up their latest ALT Hotel outpost in Calgary's evolving East Village. The Quebec City-based business announced plans to bring their "no-frills-chic" concept to the city in October 2014. The ALT brand has set a precedent for eco-conscious, budget-friendly, and modern hotels within key urban markets.

ALT Hotel, image via LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design

Replacing one of the vacant lots in the East Village, the ALT Hotel will build upon the groundwork laid by Hôtel Le Germain Calgary, which occupies a prime site just across the street from the Calgary Tower. The 11-storey building will offer guests views of the Bow River from its footing at Confluence Way and 6th Avenue SE. Developed in partnership with Homes by Avi and designed by LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design, the hotel will contain 155 rooms and 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

ALT Hotel, image via LEMAYMICHAUD Architecture Design

After breaking ground in November 2016, excavation is now making way for the three-level underground parking garage and rapidly carving out the dirt with an assemblage of heavy machinery. A couple of retail spaces on the ground floor will act as neighbourhood amenities and activators in an area experiencing a massive influx of young professionals. With the East Village conveniently located within walking distance of the core and the world-class recreational retreat at St. Patrick's Island, the ALT Hotel will put visitors in the midst of Calgary's most notable attractions.  

ALT Hotel excavation, image by Forum contributor Cyric

The East Village location will join a growing collection of ALT Hotels, the first of which opened ten years ago in Montreal's South Shore. Their reach has since expanded to cities across Canada, including Toronto, Winnipeg, and Halifax. ALT Hotels in Saskatoon, St. John's, and the suburban Montreal community of Brossard are currently under construction and set to welcome guests soon.

Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

South of Toronto's Regent Park, Parliament Street could see intensification in the coming years with a 12-storey project recently proposed at 191 Parliament. Consisting of street-level retail, four floors of office space, and some 30 live-work units, the Downing Street Group development would add a mix of commercial oriented uses to the stretch of Parliament just north of Queen.

Looking northeast, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The project would replace a pair of two and three-storey warehouse form buildings that occupy the site. Currently vacant, both buildings were commercial in nature. While the building at 187 Parliament has been mostly empty for over a decade, the adjoining structure—at 191 Parliament—was home to an auto rental office until 2016.

A 3D view of the site, image via Google Maps

Designed by Kohn Partnership Architects, the project attempts to integrate the neighbourhood's architectural character along the lower levels, with a three-storey brick frontage echoing the area's warehouse typologies. Above, the tower levels meet Parliament with the full 12-storey height, while the east frontage—accessible from a laneway known as Danvers Avenue—backs out onto its low-rise residential surroundings via a series of terraced stepbacks. In approaching—but not fully meeting—the City's 45º angular plane guideline, the project takes on the somewhat triangular massing common to many of Toronto's recent mid-rises. 

Looking northwest, image via submission to the City of Toronto

While retail, loading space, and the commercial lobby take up much of the ground floor, levels 2, 3, 4, and 5, are devoted to office uses. The upper levels are occupied by up to 30 live-work units, though the exact configuration of suites is still taking shape. According to the planning rationale, the building "will also incorporate an area for non-residential uses, including small-scale information technology business uses and artist/maker studios." The suites will range in size from 437 ft² to 765 ft², with adaptable layouts to serve a (hopefully) diverse set of tenants.

The Parliament Street frontage, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Accessible from Anna Hilliard Lane, a two-level underground parking garage would feature 40 spaces, with a total of 58 bicycle spots—38 long-term and 20 short-term—are also planned. The long-term spaces would be housed on the P1 level, while the short-term spots are set to be provided in bike racks fronting Parliament. 

The office lobby would be accessible via a colonnade, with retail fronting the street, image via submission to City of Toronto

With a site plan and rezoning submission filed to the City in December, the project is now making its way through the early stages of the planning process. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the development continues to take shape. In the meantime, you can find more information in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment in the space below this page, or join the conversation in our associated Forum thread. 

Just north of Queen, another Toronto Beer Store could be making way for redevelopment on River Street. As one of five Beer Store sites purchased by Roswater Capital, the lot at 28 River Street is the latest to face a rezoning application, with a submission to allow a 15-storey mixed-use building recently submitted to the City of Toronto.

Looking southwest, image via submission to the City of Toronto

As with the Beer Store sites at 1580 Avenue Road (now known as Avenue & Park), 500 Dupont, and 784 The Queensway, Rosewater is partnering with another developer on the project. So far, however, the project's co-developer(s) is represented only by a holding company registered at the site's address.  

Aerial view of the site as it appears now, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Designed by RAW, the project calls for a total of 162 condominium units, with a 458 m² retail space replacing the site's commercial uses. As it stands, the 1,627 m² lot is fronted by the beer store's parking lot, with the retail space itself set back from the sidewalk, making for a relatively suburban street-level experience. By contrast, the development meets the street with a retail space and residential lobby—as well as a 6.1 metre driveway providing vehicular access from River Street at the southeast corner of the site. It is not yet clear whether the Beer Store would be maintained as a tenant, as planned for at least two of the above-mentioned projects.

Ground floor plan, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Past the River Street frontage, the remainder of the ground level is occupied by amenity space and grade-adjacent townhome suites, with an outdoor amenity space on the quieter west side of the site. Occupying the upper levels, the 162 residential suites are planned in a mix of (27) studio (17%), 78 one-bedroom (48%), 40 two-bedroom (25%), and 17 three-bedroom (10%) units. 

Looking south, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Below grade, a three-level parking garage holds a total of 77 spaces. Of these, 55 are earmarked for residents, with five spots each for visitor and retail uses. Finally, four car-share spaces are also planned. While the total ratio of vehicle spaces to units is just under 0.5, a larger allotment of bicycle spaces is planned, with a total of 212 spots proposed on the P1 and P2 levels. 

Looking southeast, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Architecturally, the building's relatively bulky massing is broken up by a series of articulated volumes. Attempting to create a less visually imposing addition to the area, the exterior treatments are characterized by the use of bright brick-pattern cladding, with the River Street frontage shaped by the orange-tinted brick accents. 

Looking southwest, image via submission to the City of Toronto

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the planning process gets underway. In the meantime, you can learn more about about the project via our dataBase file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment on this page, or join the ongoing conversation in our associated Forum thread.

We last checked in on construction of Allied Properties REIT and RioCan's King Portland Centre back in June 2016, when demolition and shoring were being carried out at the King Street site of the mixed-use, Hariri Pontarini Architects-designed project. In the months since, plenty of work has been done, with the completion of demolition and shoring followed by excavation of the building's three-level underground parking garage. More recently, tower cranes were installed at the north and south ends of the site, as forming for the structure's below-grade levels has commenced.

Aerial view of the King Portland Centre site, image by Forum contributor Jasonzed

The three-level underground structure currently being formed will eventually house the King Portland Centre's 185 parking spaces and 235 bicycle parking spaces. Work on the below-grade component is furthest along at the south end of the site, where crews have formed much of the P3 level. To the north, there is still some earth left to remove along the building's Adelaide Street frontage.

Facing south across the King Portland Centre site, image by Forum contributor Jasonzed

Once construction of the below-grade levels is complete, work will begin on the building's distinctive brick-clad podium levels (floors 1 through 6), which will then be followed by the rounded floor plates of the tower component, expected to be clad in a curtain wall glazing system. The King Portland Centre will contribute 255,565 ft² of office uses to the King West neighbourhood, with Shopify set to anchor the commercial component with a 112,000 ft² space. The project's commercial component will also include 13,035 ft² of retail space fronting onto King Street West.

Facing south across the King Portland Centre site, image by Forum contributor Jasonzed

Fronting onto Adelaide Street West, the north end of the site will feature 15 storeys of residential space. Owing to the lower ceiling heights of residential levels compared to offices, this part of the building will rise to the same height as the connected 13-storey commercial component. The residential component will house 116 rental units, coming in a mix of 52 one-bedroom (45%), 53 two-bedroom (46%), 9 three-bedroom (7%), and 2 three-bedroom + den (2%) layouts.

Northwest aerial view of the King Portland Centre, image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

The King Portland Centre is currently scheduled for an early 2019 completion. In the meanwhile, additional information can be found in our dataBase entry for the King Portland Centre, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.

This instalment of Growth To Watch For restarts our journey through Toronto a bit northeast of Bathurst and Bloor, where we left off in the last instalment. Starting near Dupont and Davenport, we head west along Dupont and then follow Dundas through The Junction, reverse course by heading back east on St. Clair, then progress up Spadina to Eglinton, and finish off where Eglinton meets Black Creek Drive.

Map outlining the area covered, image retrieved via Apple Maps

Madison View is the first project on today's tour. Just north of the CPR tracks from Dupont, this development by Madison View Homes Inc. will bring 82 affordable rental units to this area of the city. The lotat 200 Madison Avenue has remained vacant and inactive for about a decade, until Mayor John Tory announced in 2015 that it would be the site of an affordable housing development. Designed by McKnight Charron Limited Architects, it appears that construction is just beginning on the site. 

Rendering of Madison View, image courtesy of Madison View Homes Inc.

Heading south to Dupont from Spadina, we turn west, soon arriving at 328 Dupont. This is the first of several sites along the north side of the street, most of which are current or former industrial or commercial properties. No longer appropriate for industrial uses, development pressures mean that the sites are now attractive for housing, and often have commercial space proposed on the ground floors (and sometimes second storeys) as well. With their north property lines butting up against the CPR corridor, redevelopment of these properties must take 30 metre setbacks from the rails in account, complicating potential plans. Nevertheless, many sites have now been snapped up by developers, with the City responding by studying the development potential of the corridor.

328 Dupont was submitted in January 2015 with two towers, the east one at 29 storeys and the west one at 15 storeys, with a total 560 residential units. These were much higher than the Dupont study recommended, with the City seeking to bring the height down closer to 9 storeys. Developer Freed appealed to the OMB, and a settlement mediation is underway there now. We should know in April what height and density will be allowed on this site.

Next up is 420 Dupont at Albany Street. A Teeple-designed building for Tridel, this proposal was reduced in mid-2016 to 9-storeys and 245 new residential units. The architectural expression of the building features square-framed protruding volumes, similar to that of the same team's work at SQ Condos, just shy of 3 kilometres south of this site. This development is currently seeking City Council approval.

Rendering of 420 Dupont, image courtesy of Tridel

The next project we see on this street is 500 Dupont, just west of Bathurst. Designed by Core Architects for Lifetime Developments, this 9-storey mid-rise would see retail fronting Dupont, in addition to 145 residential units. A redesign was unveiled last year, as the developers reduced the scale of the project from 12 to 9 storeys, minimizing shadowing impacts on the surroundings. Documents seeking Site Plan Approval were submitted in December.

Updated rendering of 500 Dupont Street, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Immediately to the west is a proposal for a 3-storey mixed-use development at 524 Dupont. Built in a very neo-Victorian townhome style, this project at Palmerston Avenue proposes retail fronting Dupont on the ground level, with four residential units on the second and third floors. 

Future site of 524 Dupont Street, image retrieved via Google Maps

Proceeding east, our next stop is the current site of Grand Touring Automobiles, midway between Christie and Shaw streets. Turner Fletcher Architects is the designer of 740 Dupont Street, currently at the City of its SPA review. This 8-storey mid-rise by RioCan would too consist of ground and second floor retail, in addition to 122 units on upper levels. 

Updated rendering of 740 Dupont Street, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Moving on, we come to a surface parking lot that occupies a Sobey's grocery store. Also under SPA review, this site will soon see a mid-rise at 840 Dupont Street. Rising to 9 storeys, this mixed-use project designed by Turner Fleischer Architects will include a new Sobey's, in addition to office space in the lower levels, and 304 residential units. 

Rendering of 840 Dupont Street, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Making a quick detour on to Ossington, The Ossington Luxury Townhomes are under construction north of Acores Avenue. Developed by Dunpar Homes, construction is expected to wrap up later this year.

The Ossington Luxury Townhomes, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

Returning to Dupont and turning west again, another modestly-scaled project is planned for the southeast corner at Westmoreland Avenue. Here, an application for a 3-storey condo consisting of 7 residential towns has been submitted to the City. Dubbed Dupont Towns, the design of the project is by George Popper Architect Inc.

Rendering of 1025 Dupont Street, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Continuing on, a rare proposal for a new commercial building on this stretch was submitted to the City for SPA last year. Located at 1120 Dupont, this JH Rust Architects proposal is for the construction of a 6-storey self-storage centre. 

Rendering of the storage facility at 1120 Dupont, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

As we arrive at Dufferin, we come across one of the most exciting proposals to surface in Toronto in 2016. This is the Galleria Mall Redevelopment, a massive undertaking that would demolish the aging shopping centre, replacing it with a new mixed-use community. Included in the proposal are 12 buildings that rise from three to 42 storeys in height split across seven blocks, a rebuilt community centre, and an enlarged park. 

Rendering of the Galleria Mall Redevelopment, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Storefronts will be prominent at-grade, including "boutique-retail opportunities" along the mews that meets the "5-Point Plaza," where new roads meet on the site. The new community would also include commercial-office uses in the podiums of the towers. Undertaken by Freed Developments and ELAD Canada in partnership, the project is designed by Toronto-based Hariri Pontarini Architects. As currently proposed, the redevelopment seeks to add 3,416 residential units to the area.

Site Plan of the Galleria Mall Redevelopment, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

At Lansdowne Avenue we reach the site of Fuse and Fuse2 Condos by the Neudorfer Corporation. While the towers are nearly finished, work continues in the 2-storey converted GE building at the corner. A new grocery store and pharmacy are expected to open here in the coming months.

After crossing under the GO Barrie rail corridor, we come to Campbell Avenue. On the southeast corner, demolition has cleared the site of 299 Campbell Avenue. Designed by Teeple Architects, this project by TAS will see a 12-storey condo constructed. Boasting 215 units on upper storeys in addition to ground-level retail, the project will see 10,000 square feet given over to a new Toronto Public Library. A benefit from a Section 37 agreement between the City and TAS, the library will replace the existing location at Perth and Dupont, which is roughly one-third of the size. TAS has not begun marketing of the condos yet.

Rendering of 299 Campbell, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Briefly turning north onto Symington Avenue, we find a proposal at 386-394 Symington Avenue just north of the rail corridor. The YYZed Project Management development proposes two 17-storey residential buildings and two rows of 3-storey townhomes. The design of the project is led by AJ Tregebov Architects, and in all would add 372 units. 

386-394 Symington Avenue, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Heading back south, we turn west onto Wallace Avenue. Taking a few steps, we arrive at the construction site of Arch Lofts. Designed by Caricari Lee Architects, this Windmill Developments Group project includes the conversion of the former Seventh Day Adventist Church into a 2-building, 4-storey condominium with 42 residential units. The development experienced a few hiccups during construction; though now resolved, the project has resumed, and is targeting a completion for mid 2017. 

Rendering of Arch Lofts, image courtesy of Windmill Development Group

Heading back to Dupont, we cross under the GO Kitchener rail corridor and reemerge where Dupont veers into Dundas West. Just to the north, DUKE Condos is in the final stages of construction, and set to be fully complete in the coming months. A 7-storey building, this Quadrangle-designed project will consist of 85 residential units, along with retail at grade. 

DUKE Condos nearing the end of construction, image by Forum contributor MafaldaBoy 

Rolling along through The Junction, a proposal to rezone the site at 2978 Dundas West seeks permission for the development of an 8-storey mixed-use building. Designed by RAW, this project includes ground level retail, while 84 rental units will be on the upper floors. 

Rendering of 2978 Dundas West, image retrived via submission to the City of Toronto

A few blocks down is 3260 Dundas West. Here, there is an SPA for a 4-storey building that would consists of 9 townhouses, in addition to one office space.  

Rendering of 3260 Dundas West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Passing Runnymede Road, the next project that made its way to City Staff in 2016 was 3385 Dundas Street West. Developed in a joint venture by Terra Firma Homes and Habitat For Humanity, an 8-storey mixed-use building is proposed to include eight affordable housing units, as per Habitat's effort to provide affordable housing to low-income families. Overall, 123 units are proposed. 

Rendering of 3385 Dundas Street West, image courtesy of Terra Firma/Habitat for Humanity

Just before arriving at the Humber River, there is one more proposal on this side of the valley at 3775 Dundas West. An SPA for a 12-storey, 293 residential unit building—another development by the team of TAS and Teeple—is making its way through the City's planning process. 

Rendering of 3775 Dundas Street West, image courtesy of Teeple Architects

From here, we duck under the CP Milton corridor at Scarlett Road, then make an immediate right turn at St Clair Avenue. A block south of St Clair about a kilometre east, we find ourselves on Ethel Avenue, where a new mixed-use development proposes to bring 1,255 new residential units at 87 Ethel. Led by Red Eagle Enterprises, the porject includes five sizeable buildings, including commercial/retail and office uses, as well as one building with medical suites. The residential units are mostly 2-bedroom suites: 1,004 units of such are proposed. The developer is asking the City to designate the property as a regeneration area, looking for it to add residential density to the zoning on the site. 

The site of 87 Ethel, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Just to the east of where Keele Street crosses St Clair, an application for an Official Plan Amendment was made in 2014 for JunXion Condos, and is still under review. The mixed-use development by Stanton Renaissance is designed by McCallum Sather Architects, and includes three 14-storey buildings, and one 8-storey building. Included will be commercial office space, retail space, and 478 residential units amongst the four buildings. 

Continuing east along St Clair,  we come across SCOOP, a mixed-use 6-storey building that is in currently in sales, with a second phase planned nearby. Designed by SMV Architects, SCOOP's first phase will add 72 residential units as the Graywood Developments' project looks to begin construction later this year.

SCOOP, image courtesy of Graywood Developments

Across the street at 1748 St Clair West, a proposal has been received by the City to replace the existing St Clair/Silverthorne branch of the Toronto Public Library with a new two-storey facility. G. Bruce Stratton Architects are the designer. 

Rendering of the Silverthorne Library, image courtesy of Bruce Stratton Architects

Continuing east, an application for SPA at 1233 St Clair West was submitted earlier last year. Quite unlike most proposals seen by the City nowadays, this proposal seeks a 3-storey commercial building. It was designed by MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects for Shoppers Drug Mart, but reports are that now that the building has zoning approval, the site may be sold as rezoned.

Rendering of 1233 St Clair West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

About a kilometre east, Main and Main have begun work at their 898-900 Saint Clair Avenue West site, having the lot's single-storey commercial building last year. At the northeast corner at Alberta Avenue, the Quadrangle Architects-designed development will rise 14-storeys, renewing St Clair with retail space while adding 121 residential rental apartments above.

Updated rendering of 898-900 Saint Clair Avenue West, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

A few blocks east, Homes of St. Clair West is awaiting construction. Designed by TACT Architecture, this Urbancorp project was in sales throughout 2015, though no timeline has been given on when construction on the 9-storey mixed-use project could begin.

Rendering of Homes of St. Clair West, image courtesy of Urbancorp

Directly across the street, Nest Condos at 829 St Clair West is on pace to finish construction later this year. Topping off at 9 storeys, this mixed-use development designed by RAW for the Rockport Group, will add 123 residential units, in addition to retail space at grade. 

Nest Condos in late 2016, image by Forum contributor Mafaldaboy

Briefly heading up Vaughan Rd just before Bathurst, we come across the construction site of Oben Flats St. Clair West. Designed by superkül, the site is being excavated for this 10-storey rental apartment, with construction to follow throughout 2017, finishing up next year.

Excavation underway at Oben Flats in late 2016, image by Forum contributor PMT

From there, we hop two streets over and end up at the northwest corner of Bathurst and St. Clair, where The Barrington Condos is set to begin excavation. Developed in partnership by Goldman Group and Lash Group of Companies, the Richmond Architects - designed project will be 18 storeys upon completion.

The Barrington Condos, image courtesy of Goldman Group/Lash Group of Companies

On the other side of the intersection, Rise Condos is doing just that. Roughly on its 6th level now, the Reserve Properties project designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects will rise 21 storeys, adding just shy of 300 new residential units to the area. 

Rise Condos in late 2016, image by Forum contributor PMT

Just south on Bathurst, a 2-storey addition is planned for the Wychwood Library. The expansion and renovation of the heritage Toronto Public Library—designed by Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd—will also provide some interior space for the Wells Hill Lawn Bowling Club next door.

Rendering of the Toronto Wychwood Library Expansion, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Moving east again on St Clair, construction at Code Condos is in its final stages, with finishing touches being applied on the exterior and interior of Code. Built in partnership with BLVD Developments and Lifetime Developments, over half of the suites in the 9-storey 118-unit building are now occupied. 

Code Condos in late 2016, image by Forum contributor Mafaldaboy

We detour south of St Clair at Russell Hill Road to find the site of a proposed luxury condominium at 200 Russell Hill. Hirsh Development Group is leading a project that would see a 5-storey boutique condominium replace a former mansion on this site. Designed by Lori Morris and Rafael + Bigauskas Architects, the development backs onto Winston Churchill Park, and would consist of 22 residential units.

Rendering of 200 Russell Hill, image courtesy of Hirsh Development Group

Continuing east on St Clair again, we next pass by Madison Homes and Fieldgate Homes' ZIGG Condos. Designed by Kirkor Architects, the 11-storey building is over two-thirds to structural completion, with about four more storeys to go. Scheduled to be complete by the end of the year, ZIGG will have 166 units for new residents to call home. 

ZIGG Condos in December 2016, image by Jack Landau

A few steps east and across the street, a proposal for 200 St Clair West was appealed to the OMB in 2015, owing to the failure of the City to render a decision within the time required. Various mediations and OMB meetings to work out issues with the 15-storey condo took place throughout 2015 and early 2016, but no news has been posted to the OMB's website following a hearing scheduled for March of last year.

Another two blocks east, just past Avenue Road, work began in late 2016 on Blue Diamond Condos, a development by Camrost-Felcorp, Whitecastle Investments, and Diamond Corp in partnership. The south end of Deer Park Church—the existing building on the site—is now being demolished. The remains of the north half will be fashioned to serve as walls for a public courtyard, and could be home to a restaurant, while the new tower will be constructed at the south end of the property. The 26-storey tower and modern interventions in the church remains are designed by Diamond Schmitt, while ERA Architects are overseeing the heritage conversation aspects. 

Rendering of Blue Diamond Condos, image courtesy of Whitecastle/Diamond Corp/Camrost-Felcorp

Backtracking one block, we will dip south on Avenue Road a couple of blocks to the site of The Davies. The 9-storey condo developed by Brandy Lane Homes is currently in sales, and will feature 41 residential units including 8 penthouse suites. Designed by SMV Architects, amenities are being appointed by Lukas Design Interiors. 

Rendering of The Davies, image courtesy of Brandy Lane Homes

Now heading north on Avenue Road, clearing work has now taken place at the site of 609 Avenue Road north of St Clair. Developed by Madison Homes and State Building Group, the 19-storey condo designed by Richmond Architects should begin construction shortly, continuing into 2018. 

Rendering of 609 Avenue Road, image courtesy of Madison Homes/State Building Group

We next head west on Heath St, and turn right onto Spadina Road. Here, a proposal at 390 Spadina Road for a 9-storey condo featuring 46 units was rejected by City Council in July 2016. The City regarded the proposal as an overdevelopment of the site, and not in keeping with the character of Forest Hill Village. The project, with retail at-grade, is designed by Giannone Petricone Associates. Developer the Armel Corporation has appealed the City's rejection to the OMB, with the prehearing set for March 1, 2017.

Rendering of 390 Spadina Road, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

Heading west through the neighbourhood on Burton Road, we arrive at Bathurst Street then turn north. Four blocks north on the left is the site of 1996 Bathurst. Plans here are for a six-storey, two-building development of rental apartments by Eldebron Holdings. Designed by Quadrangle Architects, the 155-unit building includes 62 replacement rentals for the ones that currently exist onsite. The City is currently reviewing a Site Plan Application for the property.

Rendering of 1996 Bathurst, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

At the north end of the same block, a 16-storey mixed-use condo containing 253 units is proposed for 859 Eglinton West. Another Quadrangle-designed project, City Planning staff believe this proposal is too tall and represents overdeveloped for the area. The site's previous strip plaza was demolished so the site could be used as a staging area for Crosstown LRT construction. Construction in the middle of the street will pop up every several blocks along this stretch of Eglinton, as station boxes are being excavated for the new rapid transit line, which planned to open in 2021. We'll look more closely at the Crosstown construction in next year's edition of Growth To Watch For.

Rendering of 859 Eglinton West, image courtesy of Quadrangle

Heading west along Eglinton, we arrive shortly at The Hill Condos, currently nearing completion. Designed by Core Architects and developed by the BSäR Group of Companies, the 9-storey mixed-use condo is adding 93 new homes to the area. 

The Hill Condos nearing completion in late 2016, image by Jack Landau

Another kilometre along, Empire Communities has filed for Site Plan Approval for Empire Midtown at 1603 Eglinton West. The 16-storey condo will bring new investment to this stretch of Eglinton, as 219 residential units will help densify this area, while active retail at grade level will animate the streetscape. Designed by Richmond Architects, an 8-storey podium will front onto Eglinton, creating a new urban street wall, while the south side of the development will meet the low-rise neighbourhood with a three-storey frontage. 

Updated rendering of Empire Midtown seen from the southwest, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

A few blocks further west, we detour up Dufferin Street four short blocks to The Bean Condominiums, where construction workers are currently excavating the site. The 5-storey condo will feature 50 residential units, while retail will be prominent at-grade level. Developed by Royalpark Homes, work will progress on the Romanov Romanov-designed building throughout 2017 and into 2018. Occupancy is targeted for late next year. 

Rendering of The Bean Condominiums, image courtesy of Royalpark Homes

Heading west on Eglinton again, the Oben Flats company is planning to break ground midway through this year at 2280 Eglinton West. The location would be the fourth in Toronto by the German company known for its modern high-design rentals. Dubbed Open Flats Castlefield Design District, the seven-storey 29-unit building with retail at grade is designed by superkül.

Looking north to Oben Flats Castlefield Design District, image courtesy of superkül

The final project in this instalment is the new York Community Centre, at the southeast corner of Eglinton and Black Creek Drive. Designed by Perkins + Will, final touches are being applied to the building as construct wraps up. The new facility, preparing for a soft opening this Spring, will feature a gymnasium, aquatic centre, fitness centre, and much more, for the community in the nearly 70,000 square foot building.

Rendering of the York Community Centre, image courtesy of Perkins + Will

In the seven months since our last update, construction has wrapped at the site of Exhibit on Superior in Chicago. The 34-storey rental tower designed by bKL Architecture for Magellan Development Group and Mac Management has recently made its debut, and the most recent photos of the units and amenity spaces highlight the sophisticated sense of urban style that the project has achieved. Named after River North's trendy local arts scene, Exhibit on Superior's attention to detail, in terms of style and practical creative innovations to ease modern condo living, has been targeted towards younger, hip, urban, buyers. The tower's close proximity to transit, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars, is in line with current market trends. 

Exhibit on Superior, kitchen, image by bKL Architecture

The project features a collection of 298 small but efficiently designed "convertible" or studio apartments, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with rents beginning at $1,700/month (USD) for a Murphy Bed-equipped "Junior Convertible" suite. Exhibit on Superior represents River North's growing cachet, especially among younger renters and buyers, and the tech-heavy inclusions such as keyless entry and smartphone integration are a reminder of the primary clientele. 

Howie's, fifth-floor amenity space and lounge, image by bKL Architecture

Located on the fifth floor, a sizeable amenity space and public lounge, dubbed "Howie's" after the former Howard Johnson hotel which once occupied the space, has been decorated like a factory loft conversion. The rough plank flooring and wall accents, along with the modern furniture and abstract art installations, wet bar, and large-screen TV, are likely to make it a popular gathering area for many of the building's more socially inclined residents. 

Exhibit on Superior, mail room, image by bKL Architecture

Playfully marketed as a space to pick up holiday and birthday cards, the mail room has been clearly marked out, as likely for explanatory purposes as to highlight the millennial demographic for whom this building is meant. 

Exhibit on Superior, rooftop pool and terrace, image by bKL Architecture

While it will still be some months before the sprawling outdoor pool and terrace can be enjoyed, the feature will more than likely prove very popular. The amenity space will transition well from day to night as the pool, barbecue pits, and rooftop garden are the perfect place to entertain during the summer. Beyond this and Howie's lounge, Exhibit on Superior will also feature a fully equipped gym and fitness centre, along with an additional coffee-house-chic waiting room at ground level, complete with trendy wall art, thus adding to the building's urban credentials. 

Exhibit on Superior, wall art, image by bKL Architecture

A welcome addition to Chicago's River North District, Exhibit on Superior has already become a fixture of the neighbourhood. the addition of roughly 500 new residents adds to the ever-increasing urban vibrancy of the area, as the structure is now a part of Chicago's ongoing urban transformation. 

For more information, be sure to check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.

In 2017, it's almost impossible to stand at the corner of Yonge & Eglinton and find an entirely familiar landscape. Even by the standards of a city where unending high-rise construction is par for the course, the Midtown hub is an exceptionally active locus of development. With the upcoming Crosstown LRT set to make the neighbourhood one of Toronto's most connected transit nodes, developers are looking to capitalize on the area's growing centrality, with a wave of applications in the works. The latest? A 48-storey condo tower on Roehampton just east of Yonge. 

39-41 Roehampton, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Immediately adjacent to the E Condos site that dominates the northeast corner of the Yonge & Eglinton intersection, a submission for the site at 39-41 Roehampton was tabled to the City of Toronto in late December. Proposed by Metropia and Capital Developments, the plans call for a 617-unit condominium to replace a pair of low-rise buildings currently occupying the properties. In addition, a new POPS would provide a new entry point to Eglinton Station from the north.   

Site plan, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Situated on the south side of Roehampton, the site is actually comprised of three properties.

• At 39 Roehampton, an eye-catching two-building condominium contains 27 residential units, and dates back to 1990. In a rare move, the condo owners voted over 80% in favour of dissolving the condominium corporation and selling to the developers. 80% is the threshold required by the Condo Act to trigger so drastic an action. It is reported that some owners were unhappy with the sale price and are suing the condo corporation.
• Next door, the older house-form property at 41 Roehampton is occupied by the Kohai Educational Centre, a private elementary school.
• Finally, the site also features part of the rear parking lot for the property at 50 Eglinton East, with the 7.62-metre parcel set to make up part of the POPS, providing TTC access via a connection to the PATH level of E Condos to the west. 

Aerial view of the approximate site, image via Google Maps

Approximately 8 metres wide, the project's 440 m² POPS would be directly integrated with a similarly sized space on the E Condos site, making for a 16 metre wide, 877 m² public space. According to the project's planning rationale, "[m]ultiple seating areas are proposed, as well as a dog walk area," and a mix of hard- and spoftscaping. Connected to the POPS, another seating area is planned along the front of the building on Roehampton, along with planters, landscaped strips, and decorative paving. The project's landscaping is appointed by Terraplan Landscape Architects. 

The lower levels, with the POPS seen at right, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Designed by TACT Architecture, the project would replace the existing buildings on Roehampton with a 48-storey tower. Grounded by a tiered 12-storey base structure, the 36 tower levels feature an average floorplate of about 819 metres—exceeding the City's guidelines for 750 m² point tower footprints.

The upper tower levels, image via submission to the City of Toronto

At street level, the base building is fronted by landscaping and public space, with a double-height ground floor occupied by the residential lobby, as well as a garbage room, moving room, bicycle storage room, loading space and an underground ramp. Amenities take up the second level—as well as part of the ninth—with the remainder of the interior space given over to residential suites. The project also features a direct underground connection to the E Condos retail concourse—via a knockout panel—allowing TTC access directly from the building.

Looking east at the Roehampton frontage and part of the POPS, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The unit mix calls for 10 bachelor, 443 one-bedroom, and 164 two-bedroom suites, with no three-bedroom homes planned. Below grade, a three-level parking garage would house 131 parking spots, with the relatively low proportion of vehicle spaces to units reflecting what will be an increasingly transit-oriented location. 618 bicycle spaces are also planned, with 556 reserved for residents and 62 for visitors.  

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the planning consultation process commences. Until then, you can get a closer look at the project by checking out our dataBase file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment in the space on this page, or join the ongoing conversation in our associated Forum thread.