How rampant development and poor planning left residents of this Etobicoke neighbourhood stuck in traffic; Pedestrian deaths won’t end as long as Toronto panders to cars and drivers; Superior Court judge declines to weigh in on how to run Toronto’s 2018 election; and more news:

Car drives into Queens Quay streetcar tunnel — again (Toronto Star)

Pedestrian deaths won’t end as long as Toronto panders to cars and drivers (Globe and Mail)

How rampant development and poor planning left residents of this Etobicoke neighbourhood stuck in traffic (Toronto Star)

Talking it out: Toronto launches next phase of poverty reduction efforts (Metro News)

OMB hearing set for contentious Roncesvalles Avenue development (Inside Toronto)

Superior Court judge declines to weigh in on how to run Toronto’s 2018 election (Toronto Star)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

Largest Regeneration Scheme in Wales to Begin Construction in September (Cardiff)

New Westminster Council Approves Tower with Artist Housing (Vancouver)

Anthem's Memorial Drive Project Under Construction Beside Bow River (Calgary)

WestOak Development Bringing Mid-Rise Condominium to Windsor Park (Edmonton)

Back in early 2013 in North Toronto, plans were revealed for an ambitious avant-garde condominium project at 2779 Yonge Street, a short distance south of Lawrence. The 10-storey residential development—then known as 'Alaska'—from developer Bianca Pollak and architects Will Alsop of ALL Design working with local firm Quadrangle, was originally proposed with cantilevered upper levels, before evolving to remove the cantilever and add shots of colour to the mix. After being appealed to the OMB, a settlement was reached in 2016 to permit a 9-storey building on the site. The site is now in the hands of Devron Developments, who submitted a completely new application for Site Plan Approval (SPA) earlier this month. 

2013, 2014, and 2018 iterations of the project, images via submission to City of Toronto

The new plan blends a traditionally styled base with terraced upper levels. Architectural plans show a height of 34.15 metres measured to the top of the mechanical penthouse, while also offering details for the exterior finishes that would be used. These include a mix of light-hued brick, stone and granite accents, and charcoal grey aluminum window frames surrounding clear glazing for the base. Above, the upper three residential levels would be finished in a mix of clear glazing and charcoal grey metal panels.

Materials planned for The Winslow, image via submission to City of Toronto

The plan proposes a total of 97 residential units, consisting of 28 rental replacement units and 69 condominium suites, proposed in a mix of 19 one-bedroom layouts with average sizes of 71 m², 77 two-bedroom layouts with average sizes of 116 m², and a single 226 m² three-bedroom suite. The units are located on all levels, with the ground floor split between residential space and 323 m² of street-fronting retail space.

Residents would access the building through a sheltered entrance area carved into the first two floors. Here, entrances to the east and west sides of the building bring residents to separate elevator banks, lobby spaces, and 391 m² of amenity space, divided between 197 m² of indoor space and 194 m² of outdoor space on the first and second floors.

A three-level underground garage would serve the building, housing 136 parking spaces split between 101 resident spaces, 10 visitor spaces, and 25 spaces for use by visitors to the adjacent Sheridan Nurseries garden centre.

Additional information and images, including renderings of the previous plan, can be found in our database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a fixed-price contract of $254.5 million to EllisDon Transit Infrastructure (EDTI) to design, build and finance infrastructure upgrades for three stations on GO Transit's Stouffville line. The consortium will also build a grade separation—an overpass—to carry GO trains across Steeles Avenue East.

Unionville Station will see a new second track and a third turning track, new side platforms with a canopy enclosure, passenger access tunnels with elevators and other passenger amenities. EDTI will also expand parking facilities at the station.

At Milliken Station, the team will build a new east-side platform and upgrade the west-side platform with a full enclosure, install new passenger access tunnels connecting the platforms with elevators and build a new pedestrian connection to Steeles East and other passenger amenities.

Cross-sectional rendering of Milliken GO Station, showing an overpass across Steeles Avenue East, image, Metrolinx

The contractors will also install a new second track at Agincourt Station and build new side platforms with a full enclosure, passenger-access tunnels with elevators and passenger amenities, including a new waiting area. They'll also relocate the station building.

EDTI consists of: developer EllisDon Capital Inc.; constructor EllisDon Civil Inc.; architects: Architecture 49; designers WSP / MMM; and financial advisor EllisDon Capital Inc. The group starts design this month and construction this September. It expects to substantially complete the project by December 2020.

In July, 2016, IO and Metrolinx issued a request for qualifications as the first step in the process to select a team to deliver the project.

In September of that year, the two provincial agencies invited three shortlisted groups to respond to a request for proposals. They selected the teams using a number of criteria, including design and construction capability, experience and financial capacity to deliver a project of this size and complexity.

Rendering of updated Agincourt GO Station, image, Metrolinx

In addition to Ellis Don Transit Infrastructure, the qualifying consortia were:

• Kenaidan Obayashi Transit Partners: developer and constructor Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. and Obayashi Canada Ltd.; designers IBI Group and R.V. Anderson Associates Ltd.; and financial advisor Rocklynn Capital Inc.; and
• Kiewit-Bird Joint Venture: developer and constructor Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. and Bird Design-Build Construction; designers Stantec and Perkins + Will; and financial advisors TD Securities, Kiewit Canada Development Corp. and Bird Capital Limited Partnership.

A fairness monitor oversaw the entire procurement process.

Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx and their contractor are delivering the project using IO's alternative financing and procurement model (AFP). According to IO, the "AFP model is an innovative way of financing and procuring large public infrastructure projects". AFP uses private-sector resources and expertise, and transfers project risks to those private-sector teams, which are accountable for delivering the project on time and on budget.

Rendering of an electrified GO train pulling into an upgraded station on the Stouffville line, image, Metrolinx

By upgrading the stations and building a grade separation at Steeles Avenue, Metrolinx continues to work toward developing regional express rail service—frequent, two-way, all-day service along the Stouffville line and other GO rail corridors. Recently, Metrolinx announced that trains would likely operate express along this part of the line south of Unionville, which likely requires it to build those turning tracks at that station. Unionville is also the terminus for the City of Toronto's frequent SmartTrack service along the same corridor.

What do you think about the project? Join the discussion by leaving your comments in the space provided on his page, or by participating in our dedicated Forum thread.

A successful marketing run is bringing Lifetime Developments' Panda Condominiums closer to construction on Edward Street, just northwest of Toronto's bustling Yonge and Dundas intersection. Lifetime has now sold 95% of the 560 units on offer in the 30-storey Turner Fleischer Architects-designed condominium tower, and has now released the building's terrace and penthouse collections.

Panda Condos, image courtesy of Lifetime Developments

The newly-released layouts offer high ceilings and spacious outdoor living spaces equipped with natural gas lines for barbecues. The terrace collection includes layouts ranging from one-bedroom units up to three-bedroom-plus-den suites. Among the collection, layout P826-B is a two-bedroom-plus-den suite found on the 5th floor of the building, just atop the podium. 826 ft² in area, this suite offers a 179 ft² outdoor terrace with views to the north and east.

P826-B floorplan at Panda Condos, image courtesy of Lifetime Developments

Stepping up in size, the penthouse units include two-bedroom+den and three-bedroom+den layouts, including suite P1904, a three-bedroom-plus-den layout found on the tower's 29th floor. Sized at 1,904 ft² with a 157 ft² terrace facing south and west, this is the largest floorplan listed for the project. The layout includes three bathrooms including an ensuite with a double sink, and four walk-in closets.

P1904 floorplan at Panda Condos, image courtesy of Lifetime Developments

With the vas bulk of units spoken for, a permit application was filed for standalone excavation and shoring for soil remediation last week. Construction of the project is expected to begin in the coming months, with occupancy tentatively scheduled for May 2021.

Suite interior at Panda Condos, image courtesy of Lifetime Developments

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

Now three phases into its five-phase rebuild, Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood continues to be re-made using a mixed-income model led by private developer The Daniels Corporation working with Toronto Community Housing (TCH). The latest development proposal in the neighbourhood was submitted to the City Planning department last month, seeking Site Plan Approval (SPA) for 11 and 33-storey market condominium buildings on Block 17S of the neighbourhood, between River Street and Tubman Avenue.

Dundas Street elevation, Block 17S, image via submission to City of Toronto

Designed by Quadrangle, the new Daniels Corporation project would include a 33-storey, 108.45-metre-high point tower located along River Street and an 11-storey, 42.45-metre mid-rise building along Tubman Avenue, joined by a shared two-to-three-storey podium fronting Dundas Street East. The podium levels would bring 2,522 m² of retail to the Dundas frontage, housed at grade and on the second floor. The podium would also house residential and live-work units at-grade, and residential amenity space above.

Living Lane elevation, Block 17S, image via submission to City of Toronto

Above, the two towers would contain a combined total of 451 condominium units, divided between 341 units in the 33-storey east point tower and 110 within the west mid-rise building. Below, the building would be served by a three-level underground parking garage with 355 spaces, divided among 248 residential parking spaces, 73 for the retail component, and an additional 27 spaces for visitors. 469 bicycle parking spaces would also be provided within secure bicycle rooms on the ground floor and second floor.

River Street elevation, Block 17S, image via submission to City of Toronto

In its current form, the proposed tower and mid-rise buildings presented in the SPA application exceed the height permissions set out in the by-law associated with the site, and Minor Variance approval will be sought.

Tubman Avenue elevation, Block 17S, image via submission to City of Toronto

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

Today's Photo of the Day takes us to the Bisha Hotel and Residences for a view of Toronto's Entertainment District. Facing east from atop the hotel and condo tower's podium, this view looks over the low-rise buildings of Mercer Street, where Nobu Residences Toronto will soon rise with a pair of 45-storey towers.

East view over Mercer Street in Toronto's Entertainment District, image by Jack Landau

Want to see your work featured as Photo of the Day? Head over to the City Photos & Videos section of the Forum, or submit your images to our Instagram or UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

TTC internal report on fare evasion raises red flags over lost revenue; Toronto facing a massive $1.42 billion budget gap in five years; Eight times drivers couldn’t resist the pull of the Queens Quay streetcar tunnel; and more news:

TTC internal report on fare evasion raises red flags over lost revenue (Toronto Star)

Civic Tech: Hackers! To Your Stations! (Torontoist)

Christopher Hume: Toronto's political masters are the biggest threat to a plan to improve public space (Toronto Star)

A breakdown of the Toronto references in North York’s famous laundromat mural (Toronto Life)

Toronto facing a massive $1.42 billion budget gap in five years (Metro News)

Eight times drivers couldn’t resist the pull of the Queens Quay streetcar tunnel (Toronto Life)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

Stantec Designs Residential Addition to Boston's Dock Square Garage (Boston)

Altus Group: Residential Land Buoys Vancouver Commercial Real Estate Investment (Vancouver)

Matco Group Developing Transit-Oriented Community Around Westbrook LRT Station (Calgary)

Raymond Block on Whyte Tops Off, Announces Retail Tenants (Edmonton)

Work is underway at the Bloor and Parliament streets site of Tridel's Via Bloor, a complex of 38 and 46-storey condominium towers. Designed by architectsAlliance, Via Bloor advanced into the preliminary construction stages earlier this year after the project's construction management plan was approved by the Toronto & East York Community Council in January, allowing Tridel to obtain a hoarding permit and move forward with activity on the site.

Facing northwest to Via Bloor, image courtesy of Tridel

Crews from Michael Bros Excavation arrived at the site just over a month ago to begin grading the wedge-shaped lot in advance of shoring work. Most recently, drilling rigs from Deep Foundations have joined the Michael Bros digging equipment, boring holes around the site's perimeter to construct the shoring. The below-grade system consists of vertical retaining walls to hold back the surrounding earth and allow for a safe excavation of the site's four-level underground parking garage.

Shoring at Via Bloor site viewed from Howard Street, image by Forum contributor Benito

The phase is expected to last five months, scheduled to conclude in July. Excavation will be followed by the 23-month forming phase for the shared podium and towers, scheduled to conclude in May 2020. Installation of the building envelope is expected to commence in May 2019 and continue for 16 months, with the plan to have the towers fully clad in August 2020. Interior work will last an expected 26 months, from September 2019 to October 2020, and streetscaping will take place for 6 months, from August 2020 to January 2021. The first occupancies are targeted to begin in February 2021, with the final residents expected to move in that October.

Facing east across the Via Bloor site, image via Tridel construction webcam

Via Bloor aerial view, image courtesy of Tridel

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

The vacant site of Honest Ed's is turning heads at Toronto's Bathurst and Bloor intersection following the iconic retailer's recent demolition. The stored monument to kitsch was just one of many buildings on the over 200,000 ft² footprint to become a multi-tower rental and retail community. Mirvish Village, retaining the name of the Markham Street shops it will incorporate, is being remade by Westbank. Selective demolition of smaller structures continues to the south and west, with many to be maintained and restored.

Facing southeast across the former Honest Ed's footprint, image by Forum contributor ponyboy

Along Bloor just west of Markham Street and the former Honest Ed's site, a two-storey building that used to contain a karaoke bar has been demolished. The abutting three-storey structure at the corner will have its heritage facade saved, while the structure behind will come down to be replaced by a modern one. 

Demolition at the rear of property along Bloor, image by Forum contributor ponyboy

To the south, work continues along both sides of Markham Street, where preserved Victorian residential architecture will mingle with contemporary buildings and new public spaces.

Demolition along Markham Street, image by Forum contributor ponyboy

The scope of the demolition activity is illustrated in a construction diagram from builder EllisDon, included below. This colour-coded diagram shows in light green which buildings are being demolished, and which buildings or facades are being incorporated into the new development by heritage specialists ERA Architects. You can expand the image by clicking on it for a closer look at the legend.

Demolition plan for Mirvish Village, image via mirvish-village.com

Following demolition, there will be months of work involved to facilitate the rise of the development's 13, 19, 24, 25, and 26-storey towers, designed by Henriquez Partners Architects of Vancouver with Toronto-based Architect of Record Diamond Schmitt. This phase of work will be followed by pre-excavation works including basement removals, backfilling, shoring and de-watering. A diagram outlining this phase indicates that caisson wall shoring system will be used, with the site's east side and northwest quadrant to be shored separately.

Shoring and excavation plan for Mirvish Village, image via mirvish-village.com

Once shoring has wrapped up, a crane raising will mark the start of forming for the site's five-level underground parking garage. At the peak of activity, five tower cranes will operate on the site simultaneously. Early-occupancy plans would see the three tallest towers continue construction as rental occupancy begins for the two shorter towers and smaller buildings to the south and west.

Aerial view of Mirvish Village facing north, image retrieved from submission to City of Toronto

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

Early this month, a plan was submitted to the City of Toronto seeking rezoning to permit a 12-storey, mixed-use building on a 2,917 m² site at 540-544 King Street West and 1 -7 Morrison Street. The plan from developers Allied Properties REIT and Great Gulf calls for a 27,625 m² building designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, containing 15,483 m² of office uses and 2,962 m² of retail uses, with the remaining 8,937 m² space for 77 residential condominium units. Allied would be leading the commercial component, with Great Gulf in charge of the residential elements.

Site of the proposed development, image via submission to City of Toronto

Rising to a 51.85-metre height (170.1 feet), the building would add to the established mid-rise streetwall along this stretch of King West. Along the main King Street frontage, a two-storey ground level treatment would feature vertical stone pilasters, set back to create areas for café seating and patios. Double height ceilings and extensive glazing will offer views from and into the lower levels, fostering interaction between the retail and lobby spaces and passersby. The various entrances to the residential, office and retail components would feature bronzed metal canopy arbors.

Facing north to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

Above, the building's second tier—on levels three through seven—would be differentiated with a series of horizontal bands of bronzed metal panels and glass wrap. Above level 7, the massing is set back for levels 8 through 12, with projecting balconies and terraces respecting the horizontal emphasis of the commercial levels below.

Facing northwest to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

The 77 condo units are proposed in a mix of 4 one-bedroom units, 49 two-bedroom units and 24 three-bedroom units. Approximately 94% of the proposed units include two and three-bedroom layouts are geared towards larger households. The units would be accessed via a separate lobby space fronting onto Morrison Street to the north.

Aerial view facing southeast to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

Residents would have access to a proposed 117 m² indoor amenity space, connecting with a 150 m² outdoor terrace. Amenity space is also proposed for the office component, with 223 m² of indoor space connecting with two outdoor rooftop terraces.

Aerial view facing southwest to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

The site would be served by a three-level underground garage containing a total of 125 vehicular parking spaces, including 53 resident spaces and 72 commercial spaces for office and retail uses. 161 bicycle parking spaces are also proposed, with 77 bicycle spaces dedicated to building residents and 84 reserved for the commercial component.

Aerial view facing northeast to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

This proposal follows on an earlier plan for an 8-storey office building on the western portion of the site, which was approved in 2009. The expanded footprint and increased density will require amendments to an existing by-law for the site before the project can proceed.

Aerial view facing northwest to 544 King West, image via submission to City of Toronto

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

Today's Photo of the Day features an aerial shot of Downtown Burlington, captured by drone and submitted to our Forum by contributor Jasonzed. This view faces northwest over the city's waterfront, showing the Brant Street Pier and the new multi-tower Bridgewater Residences development under construction on the south side of Lakeshore Road.

Aerial view of Downtown Burlington, image by Forum contributor Jasonzed

Want to see your work featured as Photo of the Day? Head over to the City Photos & Videos section of the Forum, or submit your images to our Instagram or UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

TTC proposes deeper discounts for college and university students; With Ford out of the running, Toronto mayoral race now wide open; Residents oppose plans to build meat packing plant in vacant lot near the Junction; and more news:

TTC proposes deeper discounts for college and university students (Toronto Star)

Chris Selley: With Ford out of the running, Toronto mayoral race now wide open (National Post)

Residents oppose plans to build meat packing plant in vacant lot near the Junction (Toronto Star)

Toronto could help Habitat for Humanity home buyers with down payments (Inside Toronto)

Inside Markham’s stunning new $52-million community centre, with a climbing wall, teaching kitchen and glow-in-the-dark playroom (Toronto Life)

Ryerson University investigating possible bedbugs in class (Metro News)

Learn more about proposed SmartTrack/GO stations, Unilever Precinct (Inside Toronto)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

Curtain Wall Covers Chamfered Corners of 1326 South Michigan in Chicago (Chicago)

Fencing Seals Glass Dome at Hastings and Seymour, 25-Storey Tower Coming (Vancouver)

Norman Block's Contribution to Stephen Avenue (Calgary)

RE/MAX Field: The Other Green Monster (Edmonton)

It has been just weeks since CentreCourt Developments' ZEN King West project broke ground south of King on Strachan in Toronto's Liberty Village area, but the dig has already progressed significantly. Shoring began in January for the 32-storey, IBI Group-designed condominium tower, and the excavation which has followed is already approximately three storeys into the ground. 

Facing northwest across the ZEN King West site, image by Forum contributor ProjectEnd

Crews from Michael Bros Excavation will continue digging for a few more months before the pit bottoms out: this one is gong an unusually deep seven storeys. Holding the earth back is a pile and lagging shoring system, with horizontal timber 'lagging' slotted between vertical steel 'soldier piles'. Most of the lagging is hidden behind orange tarpaulin in the photos above and below.

Facing southwest across the ZEN King West site, image by Forum contributor agoraflaneur

Once the pit bottoms out at approximately 21 metres deep, a tower crane will be put in place to begin forming of the project's garage. Upon completion, it will provide 228 parking spaces for residents of the development's 481 condominium units.

ZEN King West, image courtesy of CentreCourt Developments

Residents will have access to a range of amenities, including a 5,000 ft² fitness facility offering a multipurpose room, a dedicated crossfit space, weight and cardio rooms, and a 200-metre outdoor running track. You can get a more thorough look at the amenities by visiting a recent article looking into them in more depth.

Sky Track at ZEN King West, image courtesy of CentreCourt Developments

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

Last month we covered Aoyuan Property Holdings' entry into the Toronto housing market with their purchase of the 8.6-acre Newtonbrook Plaza on Yonge Street at Cummer Avenue in North York (highlighted by the pin near the top of the aerial view below). The Guangzhou, China-based developer is now seeking Site Plan Approval for the first phase of three phases of the shopping plaza's long-term redevelopment. Planning documents have since been posted by the City, with details of the first phase's two mixed-use towers and podium, to be marketed as M2M Condos, a nod to the local postal code.

Site of Newtonbrook Plaza, image via Apple Maps

Wallman Architects—who designed the development in its early planning stages prior to Aoyuan's acquisition of the site—have been retained to advance the plan. The first phase is proposed as 34 and 36-storey towers rising from a shared 8-storey podium. The towers would reach heights of 110.5 and 116.4 metres respectively. The project's gross floor area of 73,346 m² includes 65,100 m² of residential space, 3,714 m² of retail space, and 3,915 m² of commercial/office space.

Yonge Street frontage of M2M Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto

The taller tower contains a total of 291 residential units, coming in a mix of 9 one-bedroom units, 109 one-bedroom+den units, 148 two-bedroom units, 6 two-bedroom+den units, and 19 two-bedroom+den/three-bedroom units. The shorter tower houses an additional 250 units, coming in a mix of 25 one-bedroom units, 58 one-bedroom+den units, 98 two-bedroom units, 46 two-bedroom+den units, and 23 two-bedroom+den/three-bedroom units.

The units, as well as the commercial component, would be served by four-level underground garage containing 874 parking spaces, with 699 for residential use, 81 for residential visitors, 36 for retail use, and 58 for office use. Residents are to be provided with a collection of amenity spaces. On the podium’s third floor, residents would have access to an 87 m² indoor amenity space and a 174 m² exterior amenity terrace. One level above, the fourth floor would include a 346 m² double-height gym.

Podium of M2M Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto

Architectural plans for the project detail the various exterior material finishes. These include translucent and clear glazing, curtainwall glazing with prefinished aluminum, prefinished metal cladding, brick masonry, and wood.

Skyline of M2M Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto

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

This instalment of our Growth to Watch For series heads to the busy neighbourhoods east of Downtown and west of the Don Valley, exploring a diverse range of developments spanning across some of the oldest districts in Toronto. There are several hotspots of development in Downtown East, including the Canary District, the accelerating development of the King-Parliament district, the continued revitalization of Regent Park, and the further densification of St. James Town. 

Beginning in the Canary District and Corktown, we zigzag our way northward, staying within the boundaries of the Don Valley to the east, the rail corridor to the south, Sherbourne Street to the west, and Bloor Street to the north. Along the way, we give an overview of all projects about to be completed, all buildings currently under construction, and all proposals working their way through the planning process.

Map outlining the area covered, image via Google Earth.

+ + +

We left off last time heading south on the Bayview Extension from the Evergreen Brick Works. At the south end, we turn to the west and begin our journey in the West Don Lands, where we stop to stare at the arresting volumes taking shape at Urban Capital's River City Condos Phase 3. The unique 29-storey 333-unit tower is joining its Phase 1 and 2 neighbours, all of which feature contemporary design by renowned Montreal-based firm Saucier + Perrotte Architectes in association with local firm ZAS Architects. The tower has now topped off, with its condo suites appearing as the shifted drawers of a huge dresser. Look for the building cladding to be complete later in the year.

Looking east along the Eastern Avenue flyover towards River City 3, image by UT Forum contributor skycandy

The team of Urban Capital, Saucier + Perrotte Architectes, and ZAS Architects are not done there, as Phase 4 of River City, dubbed Harris Square, has begun construction now too. The 13-storey 150-unit building is being built on the empty lot immediately west of Phase 3, and once again features an edgy design with the architects' signature black finishes. No shifted drawers this time: Harris Square is more like overlaid wedges.

Looking west across the Harris Square site, shoring underway, Toronto skyline behind, image by UT Forum contributor skycandy

Turning west on Front Street, we enter the Canary District, one of Toronto's newest neighbourhoods, and a legacy of the 2015 Pan Am and ParaPan Am Games. Development of the district is continuing, with DundeeKilmer now constructing a new 12-storey condo at 460 Front East called Canary Block. Designed by KPMB Architects, the building will add 197 new condo units to the growing neighbourhood.

Looking northwest across the Canary Block excavation, image by UT Forum contributor mcornett

Immediately to the south of Canary Block, the next area condominium from DundeeKilmer to rise here will be Canary Commons, designed by architectsAlliance. Now in sales, the 388-unit, 12-storey building is awaiting Site Plan Approval from the City.

Looking southeast to Canary Commons, designed by architectsAlliance for DundeeKilmer

On the second block to the west, the Government of Ontario donated a block of land at the southeast corner of Front and Cherry streets to Anishnawbe Health for the establishment of a Toronto Aboriginal Hub. The new Aboriginal health and community centre will allow the organization to consolidate its three locations onto one site, while also expanding services and providing complementary programs for users and local residents. The complex, now being designed by Quadrangle and Stantec, will also include approximately 250,000 square feet of rental and condo residential space. The development will incorporate the restoration of the old Canary Restaurant building at the corner, with new food and retail offerings to come. Designs for the whole complex are conceptual at this point, but should advance enough this year for there to be an SPA (and ZBA if necessary) submitted to the City before 2019.

Anishnawbe Health Concept Massing, design by Quadrangle and Stantec

Kitty corner from the future Toronto Aboriginal Centre, to the northwest of Front and Cherry, the Rekai Centres and Options for Homes are planning Cherry Place, one half seniors housing with varying degrees of care available, and one half affordable housing. The development is also in a conceptual stage at the moment, and the design team of Montgomery Sisam Architects and Architecture Unfolded are working towards a ZBA and SPA submission to the City. Current plans are for a 10-storey south wing, and a 29-storey tower at the north end on the corner of Cherry and Eastern.

Looking southwest towards Cheery Place, design by Montgomery Sisam and Architecture Unfolded

South a block on Cherry to the Distillery District, and then west on Mill, at the northeast corner with Trinity we find Rack House D. One of the last buildings from the Gooderham and Worts Distillery to remain disused, a plan surfaced in 2011 to build the Gansevoort Hotel & Condo, 34-storeys tall, rising out of the Rack House's preserved walls. The proposal fro 60 Mill was appealed to the OMB, and a settlement was worked out between developers Cityscape and Dream and the City, and was approved by the OMB last Spring wth significantly altered massing. The settlement allows a maximum height of 40 metres (131 ft) including the mechanical penthouse, which amounts to a roughly 9-12 storey tower. The zoning by-law was amended to allow office, hotel, retail, restaurant, and/or residential uses, with a maximum hotel or residential gross floor area (GFA) of 12,750 m2, and a maximum office GFA of 10,100 m2. Heritage played an important part of the settlement: the east, south, and west walls of the heritage building must be retained in situ, while the north wall may be dismantled and rebuilt. In addition, space on the ground floor of the building must be set aside for a publicly-accessible heritage interpretation area. Saucier + Perrotte have remained as the architects of the project. An SPA has not yet been submitted to the City.

Looking north towards 60 Mill from the Distillery, image courtesy of Cityscape and Dream

Proceeding south on Trinity Street through the Distillery District, we come to a trio of towers which are looking to transform what is known as the Triangle Lands, a sliver of underdeveloped land at the southwest corner of the Distillery bordered by Parliament Street, Distillery Lane, and the rail corridor.

First up is a development site at 31R Parliament Street, initially proposed by Cityscape and Dream, but put up for sale last year after an OMB ruling to allow a 47-storey, 165.7 m tall tower, with a 23.5 m tall building to extend to the east towards Cheery Street along the southern edge of the Distillery District. The "Ribbon Building", as it is referred to, would shield the Distillery District from the noise of the rail corridor. Office, hotel, retail, and residential uses are all permitted. There has been no word on the fate of the commercial property sale.

Looking southeast towards 31R Parliament, concept rendering by KPMB Architects for Cityscape and Dream

The second proposal tower in the Triangle Lands has been appealed by The Goldberg Group to the OMB. Proposing a 49-storey, 167 metre-high, 495-unit condo tower at 31 Parliament Street at the southwest corner of the block, the tower designed by the New York office of Arquitectonica with staggered top floors has faced opposition from the City's Planning Department, bee harshly received by Toronto's Design Review Panel, and raised the ire of local residents. The developer appealed to the OMB, with the hearing scheduled to start in June 2018.

Rendering of 31 Parliament Street podium, image courtesy of The Goldberg Group.

The third tower was a new proposal in 2017, submitted to the City in August by Graywood Developments, immediately to the north of the 31 Parliament at 33 Parliament Street. The 39-storey tower with a 15-storey podium is designed by architectsAlliance and would add 622 residential units to the area, with retail at ground level. The development was refused by City Council on January 31, 2018, essentially being regarded as overdevelopment of the site. The developer appealed to the OMB, but no hearings been scheduled yet.

Looking southeast towards 33 Parliament, concept rendering by architectsAlliance for Graywood Developments

Proceeding north on Parliament, after passing Front we arrive at King Street, and turn east. A couple short blocks along on King we come to a small-scale infill project at Virgin Place, where popular restaurateurs Gusto are planning to open a new location for another Italian eatery with Gusto 501. The announcement of the new restaurant was made a few years ago and was put on hold, but recent site clearance means that construction activity is about to begin. Renderings posted on PARTISANS' website, the designers for the project, show several eye-catching designs for a central feature staircase in the building.

Rendering of Gusto 501, image courtesy of Zoocorp 3 Inc.

Following Virgin Place to Sumach and then Eastern, we turn west and arrive at 18 Eastern Avenue, where a development is proposed to take the entire north side of the block between Sackville Street and Gilead Place. Here, Alterra has enlisted Teeple Architects to design a 12-storey mid-rise in the heart of Corktown. Looking to add 331 new condo units to the area with ground floor retail, the proposal was appealed to the OMB in 2017. The first pre-hearing conference occurred in January, establishing parties and participants; the second in June will set the hearing date.

Looking northwest to 18 Eastern, designed by Teeple Architects for Alterra

We now come to three potentially intriguing development sites huddled around Front and Parliament Streets that are currently lying dormant. At the southeast corner of the intersection, demolition was carried out in 2016 on the former library buildings at 281 Front Street East. The site was obtained by BRL Realty via a land swap with the City for the 'First Parliament Site' on the opposite side of the street, and they are soliciting interest in a data centre for the property, to be built and run by Urbacon. It was BRL and Urbacon who built the architecturally acclaimed Parliament Street Data Centre to the immediate south a few years ago.

Looking southeast to the Downtown Data Centre, image courtesy of Urbacon Data Centre Solutions

Across Parliament at the First Parliament Site—currently occupied by a car wash and auto dealership—the City intends to begin planning this year a mixed-use project that will includes a relocated library branch, public space, and some form of commemoration for the site of Upper Canada's first parliament buildings. To redevelopment is tentatively scheduled to open in 2025.

Finally in this immediate vicinity, across Front from the the First Parliament site is 250 Front East at the corner of Berkeley Street, currently occupied by a Staples store. It was purchased by Greenpark Homes in 2011, with a ZBA application submitted to the City for a 19-storey U-shaped building in December 2017.

Massing study for 250 Front East, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Greenpark Homes

This area—King-Parliament—is one of two 'shoulder' areas of Downtown Toronto, along with King-Spadina, targeted for growth in the City's 2006 Official Plan. While not quite experiencing the explosion of height and density currently happening in the Entertainment District, King-Parliament has had a steady stream of development over the past decade, and is now seeing an increase in interest with taller, larger, and denser proposals popping up in greater numbers.

For the former Sobey's site at 177 Front Street East, the Pemberton Group has both zoning approval and demolition permits to start work at their Time and Space Condos site. The complex, with 1,586 condo units and ground-level retail, is designed by Wallman Architects in a U-shape surrounding a Privately Owned Publicly accessible Space (POPS) fronting onto The Esplanade. The two tallest volumes measure in at 29 storeys and are located along Front Street, while the volumes drop to 18 storeys at the centre of the site before stepping down again to 10 storeys along The Esplanade.

Rendering of Time and Space Condos, image courtesy of the Pemberton Group.

A block west on the north side at 158 Front East, construction started recently on St. Lawrence Condos from developers Cityzen and Fernbrook Homes. The pair of 26-storey towers will replace a surface parking lot that stretches the full block between Sherbourne and Frederick. Designed by architectsAlliance, the project will add 490 new condo units to the neighbourhood.

Rendering of St. Lawrence Condos, image courtesy of Cityzen and Fernbrook Homes.

Heading north on Frederick and then east on Adelaide Street, Greenpark Homes and Fieldgate Homes' Axiom Condos has topped off alongside the busy thoroughfare. The pair of towers designed by Kirkor Architects now rise 19 and 21 storeys and will add a total of 527 new condo units to the growing neighbourhood. Look for the towers to complete later in the year.

Looking north to Axiom in late February, 2018, image by UT Forum contributor dusk

On the south side of the street across from Axiom, a massive redevelopment was proposed in October 2016 by ODC Holdings for 254 King Street East, encompassing the entire block bordered by Adelaide, Ontario, King, and Princess Streets. A pair of 32-storey towers designed by IBI Group would replace most of the buildings on the site save for a pair of heritage facades. They would include a total of 938 residential units with grade-level retail and a pair of bridges connecting them. The project hit a major setback, however, when City Council rejected the application in January, 2017 citing "excessive height, excessively large tower floor plates, insufficient tower separation, and insufficient tower step-backs" leading to an overall incompatibility with the existing context, in addition to the proposal not providing enough office space to replace the existing on site. The development was appealed to the OMB and had its first pre-hearing meeting in October 2017, but a follow-up scheduled for March 1, 2018 did not happen. 

Rendering of 254 King Street East, image courtesy of ODC Holdings.

Immediately across Ontario Street at Adelaide, First Gulf is following up the success of their nearby Globe and Mail Centre with another office tower at 25 Ontario Street called The Shift. Featuring an angular design from Sweeny &Co Architects, the 22-storey tower will preserve the entire facade of the heritage-designated Drug Trading Company Building while incorporating retail into the ground floor. The building has zoning approval and is being marketed to potential tenants.

Rendering of 25 Ontario Street, image courtesy of First Gulf.

On the same block, just to the south and one property east at 284 King, Lamb Development Corp submitted a ZBA in late March, 2017, for a 30-storey condominium tower called Bauhaus Condos. Toronto Planning issued a rejection report in October, 2017, citing overdevelopment of the site, and the developer subsequently appealed the proposal for the architectsAlliance-designed building to the OMB. Its first pre-hearing meeting is scheduled for June of this year.

Looking northwest to Bauhaus, designed by architectsAlliance for Lambdevcorp

A block further east, one property north of Adelaide, and running through from Berkeley to Parliament, construction is well underway at East United Condos, a 24-storey 279-unit condo building by SigNature Communities, Berkshire Axis Developments, and Andiel Homes. Designed by Giannone Petricone Associates, the tower will from ton Parliament, while a shorter arm to the west will rise from the preserved walls of a heritage building. Retail and office uses will be found in the podium. Look for the building to top off later this year.

East United Condos under construction in March, 2018, image by UT Forum contributor Edward Skira

Across Parliament from East United is where Great Gulf and Hullmark's home: Power and Adelaide will be built. The condo project will take the entire block bounded by Adelaide, Power, Richmond, and Parliament Streets. Designed by Core Architects, the City and developer have recently reached a settlement on the plans, and ratification by the OMB is close, pending a couple of technical matters being taken care of. Joined towers of 19 and 22 storeys will sit atop a 5-storey podium. Retail will be found on the first two storeys, with 520 residential units above. Building permits have been applied for.

Looking west towards 'home' and the Downtown Toronto skyline, image courtesy of Great Gulf and Hullmark

Turning west onto Richmond Street, a block along at Berkeley Street, construction has begun for East FiftyFive, a 25-storey condo. Developed by Lamb Developments and Hyde Park Homes and designed by architectsAlliance, the building is located just south of Richmond at 55 Ontario Street, and will add 274 new condo units to the growing area. According to the developer, construction is scheduled to wrap up in 2020.

Shoring underway for East FiftyFive in February, 2018, image by UT Forum contributor CalebCho

Another block west at Ontario Street, we run into a huge proposal to redevelop the block bordered by Richmond, Ontario, Queen, and McFarrens Lane. Designed by Arquitectonica, S9 Architecture, and Sweeny &Co Architects, the 245 Queen East project by ONE Properties was initially proposed in 2015 as a trio of towers rising 39, 39, and 45 storeys atop a podium rising as high as 11 storeys. Following the identification of Sherbourne and Queen as a likely station on the future 'Relief Line' subway, the proposal was tweaked in late 2016/early 2017, with the heights increasing to 47, 52, and 56 storeys, while the number of residential units has jumped from 1,645 up to 1,820. Also included in the revised proposal is a new 150-room hotel component, and a greater proportion of the heritage buildings retained on the site. The substantial retail and office space incorporated in the podium still remains, while the height of the base building increased slightly to 12 and 14 storeys.

Since last year's updated submission, the application has not advanced on the City's website. It is possible that ONE Properties are waiting for confirmation of a subway station here before proceeding.

Rendering of 245 Queen Street East, image courtesy of ONE Properties.

One block east, another tower is proposed at 301 Queen Street East on the southwest corner of Queen and Berkeley Streets, where Berkeley Events is planning a 25-storey residential tower constructed adjacent to the heritage-designated Berkeley Church. The church would be preserved in its entirety, and would continue to operate as an event space. The Quadrangle-designed tower would contain 206 new condo units, with grade-level retail incorporated into the 4-storey podium. After the City failed to render a decision in the specified time frame, the proposal was appealed to the OMB last year. An OMB-led mediation took place in February, 2018, but the results of that have not yet been made public.

Rendering of 301 Queen East, image courtesy of Berkeley Events.

On the southeast corner of Queen and Parliament, ONE Properties has another land assembly proposed for redevelopment. To fill the northern two thirds of the block bordered by Queen, Power, Richmond, and Parliament, the site at 351 Queen East, currently filled with low-rise buildings, would be replaced with two residential towers rising from a retail podium. Not yet submitted to the City, the preliminary massing concept below shows towers of 24 and 27 storeys plus mechanical penthouses.

Looking northeast at ONE Properties' massing concept for 351 Queen East

Just north of Queen and Parliament, the Downing Street Group is proposing a mixed-use mid-rise at 191 Parliament. Designed by Kohn Partnership Architects, the 11-storey building would house retail on the ground floor, with office spaces provided on the four floors above. The upper storeys of the tower would be home to 30 live-work units, with amenities and a medical penthouse on the top level. The application, for OPA, ZBA, and SPA, resubmitted in February 2018, awaits approvals from the City.

Looking northeast to 191 Parliament, designed by Kohn Partnership Archtects for the Downing Street Group

Returning to Queen to continue eastward, we turn north at River Street and come to 28 River, a site currently occupied by The Beer Store, where Rosewater Capital is proposing to construct a 15-storey condo. Featuring architecture from RAW Design, the building would house 162 new condo units, with retail integrated into the ground floor of the podium. The proposal was appealed to the OMB, and two pre-hearings have already taken place. A third is scheduled in July.

Rendering of 28 River Street, image courtesy of Rosewater Capital.

Across the street to the north, a five-storey residential project is being planned at 41 River Street, just south of Shuter. Featuring 26 units, the Studio JCI design would introduce comparatively gentle density to the area, while fronting River Street with a trio of art studio suites at ground level. Initially submitted for Site Plan Approval in May of 2016, an updated SPA was tabled in late December of last year, advancing the submission. 

41 River Street, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Further north, another tower is planned for 77 River, on the southeast corner at Labatt Street, where TAS Developments is proposing a 38-storey residential tower designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects. The tower comprises 584 new residential units and would sit atop an 11-storey podium with retail integrated into the ground floor. The project has zoning approval, but no SPA has been submitted yet, and no word on when marketing might begin.

Rendering of 77 River Street, image courtesy of TAS Developments.

East on Labatt, at the northeast corner with Defries is a proposal that backs of the Don Valley. A former industrial site, Marlin Spring Developments is proposing a 36-storey condo tower designed by Graziani + Corazza Archtects at 5 Defries Street. With 570 suites, the proposal, submitted on December 1, 2017, seeks OPA and ZBA approval.

Looking northeast to 5 DeFries Street, designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects for Marlin Spring Developments

Returning on Labatt Avenue to River, at the northeast corner, Broccolini is proposing a 38-storey condo with a 7-storey podium, and a total of 410 suites. Submitted for OPA and ZBA in May 2017, the IBI Group-designed 83 River Street, was refused by City Council in October, 2017, essentially considered overdevelopment of the lot. The proposal has subsequently been appealed to the OMB, but no hearings have been scheduled yet.

Looking southeast to 83 River, designed by the IBI Group for Broccolini

We're now at the southeast corner of the high-profile Regent Park neighbourhood, a complete reconstruction of which began in 2005. Phases 1 and 2 are all but complete now, and the majority of blocks in Phase 3 are either under construction or submitted for site plan approval at the City. Phases 4 and 5 are still to start at an undetermined date in the future.

Phasing plan for Regent Park, image courtesy of Toronto Community Housing

Across the street from the 77 and 83 River proposals is Regent Park Block 30. Here, The Daniels Corporation has begun construction of a mixed-use tower and townhouse complex designed by the IBI Group. The southern portion of the site will house a 28-storey tower with 4 and 6-storey podium arms, comprising a total of 346 rental units with retail integrated in the ground floor along River and Shuter Streets. The northern portion of the site will house two blocks of 3-storey townhouses, totalling 24 condo units. Shoring and excavation were underway as of February, 2018.

Rendering of Block 30, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation.

Across the Regent Park Athletic Grounds from Block 30 is where The Daniels Corporation is constructing a 12-storey seniors building designed by SvN Architects. The building, called The Sumach for the street it fronts, will have 332 units and be operated by Chartwell. The photo below from artificial-turf-level in late February, 2018, shows that the building is within a couple floors of topping off, and that midway through the year it will appear complete on the exterior.

Looking west across the Regent Park Athletic Grounds to The Sumach by Chartwell, image by UT Forum contributor skycandy

We follow Sumch north to Wyatt Avenue, then turn east. Along the north side of the street, The Wyatt now rises a half dozen storeys, but will be a 27-storey condo when complete next year. To be the next Regent Park market condo from The Daniels Corporation to occupy, the building will front on Dundas Street. Designed by KPMB Architects with the IBI Group, the development will add 342 new condo units to the neighbourhood, with retail spaces planned for the ground floor.

Looking northwest towards The Wyatt in late February, image by UT Forum contributor Razz

On the south side of Wyatt past a line of townhomes, a small but important building is awaiting SPA from the City. The Dixon Hall Youth Centre is looking to construct a new 4-storey home on the southwest corner of Wyatt and Nicholas avenues, housing community services and social spaces for local youth. Designed by LGA Architectural Partners, the site is cleared and ready for construction to begin once approvals are received, hopefully this year.

Looking northeast to the Dixon Hall Youth Centre, designed by LGA Architectural Partners for Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

We now turn north onto Tubman Avenue, another of the new streets added to reintroduce a fine-grained road network to the area. To our right, on the southeast corner with Dundas, are the 10 and 29-storey buildings of Block 27. Now topped off, (the image below is from mid-February 2018), the affordable housing complex is designed by RAW for TCHC. The 29-storey tower will house 181 rental units while the 10-storey building contains 95 units. Retail is integrated on the ground floor, while amenity spaces are shared between the two buildings. Occupancy will begin later this year.

Looking northwest across River Street to the TCHC Block 27 buildings, image by Jack Landau

Crossing to the north side of Dundas on Tubman, to our left is the site of Daniels DuEast, where shoring and excavation started a couple of months ago. A market condo by The Daniels Corporation, the complex is designed by Core Architects. To the west will be a 29-storey 318-unit condo tower, while an 11-storey boutique 126-unit condo will rise at Dundas and Tubman. The two buildings will be connected by a 5-storey podium with retail and commercial spaces fronting Dundas Street.

Looking northwest to Daniels DuEast, designed by Core Architects for The Daniels Corporation

Across Tubman to the east is Regent Park's 'Block 17 South', the most recent site to be subject to an SPA submission, filed with the City in February. Here, The Daniels Corporation is proposing a residential complex with 10 and 33-storey towers rising from a two and three-storey podium. Designed by Quadrangle, the complex would bring 451 residential units to the block along wth street-level retail.

Looking north to the Block 17 South proposal, designed by Quadrangle for The Daniels Corporation

To the northwest across Tubman, Block 16 North is slated for a 12-storey affordable housing development from TCHC, stepping down to 7 and 3 storeys along Oak and Tubman streets respectively. Designed by RAW, the building would add 181 new rental units to the neighbourhood, and with the set cleared in preparation, is currently awaiting SPA from the City.

Rendering of Block 16 North, image courtesy of TCHC.

Across Tubman on the southeast corner at Oak Street is Block 17 North. To be a market rental building 11 storeys-high along River Street, it steps down to 6 and 3 storeys along Oak and Tubman Streets respectively. Designed by Wallman Architects, the colourfully clad TCHC building will provide 158 rental and townhouse suites. It is now three storeys above ground, will top off later this year, and open in 2019.

Rendering of Block 17 North, image courtesy of TCHC.

That's it for active projects in the Regent Park Revitalization. Turning east on Oak Street, we arrive back at River Street. On the east side of River, Linwood Management wants to expand its Oak Heights rental community with a 32-storey rental tower at 230 Oak Street. Proposed to be constructed adjacent to the existing 22-storey tower on underused land overlooking the Don Valley in the Tower-in-the-Park complex, the Sweeny &Co Architects-designed building would add 330 new units to the area. The proposal has been appealed to the OMB for the failure of the City to come to a decision regarding its OPA and ZBA within the required time. A first pre-hearing conference has taken place, with a second scheduled for November, 2018.

Looking north to Oak Heights, image courtesy of Linwood Management Corporation.

Heading west on Gerrard Street from River, we cross Parliament before coming to another Beer Store site that will give way to a development, as Rosewater Capital is planning a 7-storey mixed-use project at 227 Gerrard Street East, running the block between Ontario and Seaton streets. Designed by Architecture Unfolded, the project will add 93 residential units with grade-level retail to the relatively low-rise neighbourhood. Resubmitted to the City in November 2017, it has since been appealed to the OMB for failure of the City to respond within the required time. The proposal's first pre-hearing is scheduled for August, 2018.

Looking southeast towards 227 Gerrard East, designed by Architecture Unfolded for Rosewater Capital

Two blocks west at the southeast corner of Gerrard and Sherbourne Streets, Oben Flats is planning to add another mid-rise to their collection of rental buildings. Addressed to 307 Sherbourne Street and designed by superkül, the 13-storey building would add 94 condo units to the area and would replace a vacant lot at the busy intersection. Requiring OPA and ZBA, the proposal has been appealed to the OMB, and has had two pre-hearngs so far. The hearing is scheduled for November, 2018.

Looking southeast to 307 Sherbourne, designed by superkül for Open Flats

Heading north on Sherbourne, we come to 159SW Condos at the southwest corner of Sherbourne and Wellesley Streets, where Alterra is building a 36-storey tower in the busy neighbourhood. Designed by Richmond Architects, the tower will add 360 new condo units and grade-level retail to the area, across the street from the dense forest of towers in St. James Town. 159SW is currently excavated to 2 storeys below ground level, and will be under construciton through the year.

Rendering of 159SW Condos, image courtesy of Alterra.

Turning east on Wellesley, immediately on the left is the Wellesley Community Centre. Opened a few years ago, it's now being expanded with an Aquatic Centre along the Bleecker Street side. Designed by recreation centre specialists MJMA, construction will continue through 2018.

Following Wellesley east, we arrive at Parliament. Just to the south of the intersection, a proposal at 595 Parliament would rework a two-storey commercial building, adding three storeys of residential atop while improving the street realm. The design, submitted to the City in November 2017 for ZBA, by Keith Loffler McAlpine Architects, would bring 11 3-storey, 3-bedroom condo suites to the property.  

Looking southeast towards 595 Parliament, image by Keith Loffler McAlpine Architects

We head north on Parliament and arrive at Howard Street, just south of Bloor. Here on the west side of Parliament, sandwiched between Howard and Bloor is a long vacant lot, now being redeveloped as Via Bloor. A two-tower development by Tridel, it will rise 38 and 46 storeys from a shared podium. The architectsAlliance-designed development will 769 up-market condominiums to an area with high rental density, while looking to draw Bloor Street retail further east. Shoring for the excavation began this month.

Heading west on Howard Street, we pass Victorian homes on both Howard and Glen Road which have been restored, one of them moved, as part of the the Via Bloor development and the next development to the west, dubbed for the time being as North St. James Town. Taken through the rezoning process by Lanterra, (also with an architectsAlliance design), it was reported in December, 2017 that the development site is now up for sale. At the northeast corner of Sherbourne and Howard Streets, zoning approvals allow a 45-storey tower atop a two-storey retail base, along with a row of 4-storey townhouses on Redrocket Lane to the east of the tower. 

Rendering of Block 1 of North St. James Town, image courtesy of Lanterra.

Directly across Sherbourne from the end of Howard, The Selby has topped off. MOD Developments and Tricon Capital are constructing a 50-storey 441-unit luxury rental tower on the site of a shifted and restored historic mansion. Designed by bKL Architecture, cladding is working its way to the top while interior work is underway on the lower floors. In the image from March 1, 2018, below, the Gooderham Mansion at the tower's base is currently surrounded in wraps as the heritage structure undergoes restoration. 

Looking west along Howard to The Selby, image by UT Forum contributor stjames2queenwest

Across the street from both The Selby and the North St. James Town project, Medallion Corporation has proposed a 51-storey rental tower at 591 Sherbourne Street, at the southeast corner at Howard. Designed by the IBI Group, the building comprises 525 units, retail on the ground floor, a restored heritage component at the corner, and an expanded park on the southern portion of the site. The project is currently awaiting ZBA approval.

Looking southwest across Howard Street toward 591 Sherbourne Street, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

+ + +

Just to the south, Medallion is wrapping up interior work at 561 Sherbourne Street, a 43-storey rental tower with retail at the base. Designed by the IBI Group, it will fully open over the course of the year. We're going to turn west onto Isabella, however, where we'll pick up wth our next Growth to Watch For instalment. It will head south on Jarvis to The Esplanade, then north on Church, exploring development along two of the fastest-growing corridors in the city. In the meantime, make sure to check out the dataBase files and associated Forum threads for each of the projects mentioned in this instalment for more information. You can tell us what you think of all the developments happening in the city by joining the discussions in the threads, or by leaving a comment in the space provided on this page.

Today's Photo of the Day takes us to the base of Menkes Developments' 87 Peter project in Toronto's Entertainment District. The topped-out project by Core Architects includes an above-grade parking component, sheltered from view by a public art installation, which is now being installed. In this view, captured by Forum contributor Red Mars, we can see the topography map-inspired art installation taking shape along the building's Peter Street frontage.

Public art being installed at 87 Peter, image by Forum contributor Red Mars

Want to see your work featured as Photo of the Day? Head over to the City Photos & Videos section of the Forum, or submit your images to our Instagram or UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.

Toronto transit plans get major boost from federal, provincial governments; Toronto’s Long-Term Financial Plan; Leslieville condo dwellers start a climate change movement; and more news:

Toronto transit plans get major boost from federal, provincial governments (Toronto Star)

Community starts petition urging TRCA not to sell Rockcliffe property (Inside Toronto)

Toronto’s Long-Term Financial Plan: The Bill is Due (Steve Munro)

Leslieville condo dwellers start a climate change movement (Inside Toronto)

Ryerson University confirms students' reports of bedbugs in a classroom (Metro News)

Ontario pledges to match federal transit funding for Toronto (CTV News)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

Work on Megatall Jeddah Tower Resumes After Delays (Jeddah)

PortLiving's Midtown Modern Rises in Mount Pleasant (Vancouver)

MoDA Announces Construction of GROW in Bankview (Calgary)

The Vermillion Resumes Construction After Lengthy Pause (Edmonton)

This week's Throwback Thursday turns the clocks back 7 years for a before and after comparison of an infill office project in Toronto's Bay and Bloor area. Back in December 2010, a block of Victorian Bay and Gable-style houses at the southeast corner of St. Thomas and Sultan Streets awaited redevelopment as preliminary planning was underway for a new mid-rise office building on site.

Southeast corner of St. Thomas and Sultan Streets, 2010, image by Forum contributor androiduk

Seven years later, following years of work and the attendant mess, the same southeast-facing view of the intersection shows the new Hariri Pontarini Architects-designed office building at 7 St. Thomas, magically popped in behind the heritage house-fronts, as if nothing ever happened in between. Construction of the nine-storey building by St. Thomas Commercial Developments wrapped up last year, leaving the neighbourhood with the striking addition of an undulating office building juxtaposed above Victorian geometries.

Southeast corner of St. Thomas and Sultan Streets, 2017, image by Forum contributor Benito

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

The proposal for a new condo tower on the northwest corner of Church and Wellesley streets in Toronto's Gay Village has evolved with a resubmission to the City. Originally proposed as a 43-storey, 162-metre-high tower, it was rejected by City Council on December 5, 2017, on the advice of the Planning Department. The Department laid out several reasons to refuse the application in their background report for Council, including that the site—falling within the Church Street Village Character Area as identified in the Official Plan—is not considered a tall building site. 

Looking west to Church and Wellesley, designed by 3XN for ONE Properties

The developer ONE Properties subsequently appealed Council's decision to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), and a pre-hearing has been scheduled for June 28 of this year. In the time since the appeal was launched, the developer has now submitted a revised proposal for the 3XN-designed development to the City.

Looking northwest up Church Street, image retrieved from Google Street View

The revised proposal encompasses a larger site: the original proposal covered an assembly of properties at 552 through 570 Church Street, and 66 Wellesley Street East. Now, 64 Wellesley Street East has been added to the assemblage, allowing the tower to be shifted somewhat to the west. The additional property—the four storey building with blue sign—is seen at left in the image below. The proposal also includes the narrow public lane between 64 and 66 Wellesley, and therefore its success depends upon the City's willingness to sell and close the lane.

Looking northeast across Wellesley Street, image retrieved from Google Street View

The new proposal of February 2018 is 4 storeys and 21 metres shorter, now 39 storeys and 141 metres. Along with 442 units, it proposes parking spaces for 140 on 3 underground levels, and lockups for 487 bikes. At ground level, 5 retail units are planned, 2 fronting Wellesley and 3 fronting Church. At the north end of the Church Street frontage, another doorway would give access to escalators to take shoppers up to a full second level grocery store. Finally, at the corner of Church and Wellesley, a sheltered two-level-high, 320 square metre public plaza is proposed—one which can be left open to the street during good weather, but which can be closed off behind sliding glass doors in poor weather. It would be available for community events throughout the year.

Looking northeast to the public plaza, image from before the property was extended west, courtesy of ONE Properties

Many of those attending public consultations have supported the public plaza as a major benefit to the community, but many also see the proposal as too big overall. Grand facilities depend upon large developments to shoulder the cost of building them, so the eventual construction of such a space will no doubt come down to the size of the development the City is willing to approve here.

Looking southwest: massing study for the new proposal, including balcony area, image retrieved from submission to the City

The developer intends to continue talking with the City in advance of the OMB proceedings. If a settlement can be reached before the OMB hearing, what might have taken a couple of weeks to argue in front of the board could instead become a quickly presented settlement ratification. It remains to be seen how the City will react to the revised plan, and ow far off an OMB hearing date might be.

Looking southwest past Church and Wellesley, designed by 3XN for ONE Properties

Want to know more about the Church and Wellesley proposal? We have more renderings and statistics in our database file for the development, linked below. Want to talk about it? You can visit the associated Forum thread to get in on the conversation, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

Today's Photo of the Day takes us to the top of DNA3 in Toronto's King West Village area, for a view of the city skyline. This shot from Forum contributor agoraflaneur captures an east-facing view over King Street from above the 15-storey condominium development.

Toronto skyline from DNA3, image by Forum contributor agoraflaneur

Want to see your work featured as Photo of the Day? Head over to the City Photos & Videos section of the Forum, or submit your images to our Instagram or UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page.