The North St. James Town area is quickly becoming one of the tallest neighbourhoods in Downtown Toronto, with several large-scale projects previously and currently being built out along Sherbourne Street just south of Bloor. Medallion Corporation has gradually been remaking their properties on the east side of Sherbourne along the stretch from Howard Street to Earl Street over the past decade, including a renovation and expansion of the retail podium, the construction of the 43-storey infill tower at 561 Sherbourne, and the construction of 3-storey townhouse blocks fronting onto Bleecker Street.

Context plan of the Medallion-owned properties, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

The latest—and largest—addition to the neighbourhood by Medallion is currently advancing through the planning process with a proposal for a 51-storey 532-unit rental tower at 591 Sherbourne Street. Located at the southeast corner of Sherbourne and Howard Street, the tower would replace all the low-rise properties along Sherbourne except for the heritage-designated 1902-built Thomas Cruttenden Building at the corner of the intersection, which will be retained in its entirety. The new tower features a design from IBI Group, and was submitted to the City for Site Plan Approval last month.

Rendering of 591 Sherbourne, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

The current proposal is a revision of a previous version, which would have seen a 58-storey 640-unit building constructed on the site. The current version keeps much of the architectural features, but presents a scaled-down version of the tower. As well, modifications to the 3-storey podium have been made to better integrate the base with its surroundings.

Rendering of 591 Sherbourne, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

The tower is clad in glazing with brick accents, while the podium will be composed mainly of brick with reddish-brown aluminum infill panels. The podium is meant to mimic typical historic Toronto storefronts with the use of red brick and the division of the facade into narrow bays, aiming to better relate the tower to its surroundings.

Rendering of the podium, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

Also included in the proposal is a redesign of St. James Town West Park, located directly to the south of the new tower. Situated above an existing parking garage, the park is actually a privately-owned public space that is leased to the City, and this arrangement will be maintained. Previous designs indicated that the park would be designed with an Indigenous theme, however, it is unknown if this is still the intent, as recent documents do not provide details on the park design.

Preliminary park design from the previous iteration in 2016, image courtesy of Medallion Corporation.

We will keep you updated as 591 Sherbourne continues to work its way through the planning process. In the meantime, you can visit our database file for the project, linked below, or tell us what you think by checking out the associated Forum thread or by leaving a comment in the space provided on this page.

In mid-April, we took an in-depth look at the four shortlisted finalists in a design competition to redevelop Pier 8 on Hamilton's waterfront. The four teams of developers and architects were competing to win the commission for the 5.24-hectare redevelopment, set to include new condominiums, affordable housing, and public infrastructure upgrades.

Waterfront Shores Aerial, image via CNW Group/Waterfront Shores Corporation

Yesterday, it was officially announced that the Waterfront Shores Corporation team has been selected as the Preferred Proponent for the large-scale project, consisting of developers Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes, architects KPMB, superkül, Omar Gandhi, and GH3, contractor GFL Environmental, and asset managers Greybrook Realty Partners Inc. Other teams included GulfDream (Great Gulf and Dream Unlimited) with a design by Hariri Pontarini Architects and McCallum Sather Architects, an architectsAlliance-designed plan from Tridel, and a team consisting of developers Urban Capital Property Group, Milborne Group, and Core Urban Inc., with architecture by Saucier + Perrotte, RAW Design, and Public Work.

Birds-eye view of Pier 8, image via City of Hamilton

"We are honoured and excited to have been selected and look forward to bringing revitalization to Hamilton's Waterfront" reads a statement from Cityzen Development President, Sam Crignano. "This puts into motion a major development to turn Hamilton's West Harbour into what its Mayor, Fred Eisenberger, calls a 'waterfront jewel.'"

Looking along waterfront at Pier 8, image via City of Hamilton

The winning bid would build out the site with residential, commercial, and institutional space spread across nine development blocks. 20 new buildings would support almost 1,300 new residential units, including 65 homes to be administered as affordable housing by Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. The plan targets LEED Gold certification in addition to WELL certification, a relatively new building standard focused on the health and wellness of building occupants.

Looking along pedestrian walkway at Pier 8, image via City of Hamilton

"Having grown up in Hamilton, I'm extremely excited to be part of this incredible development," reads a statement from Bruce Kuwabara, Partner at KPMB Architects. "At Pier 8, we'll be creating a series of modern and progressive buildings in a diverse and walkable neighbourhood that is the future of urban living. It will celebrate Hamilton's industrial roots and embrace its future of culture and creativity."

You can learn more by visiting 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 in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Copenhagen-based architects 3XN are making a splash in Toronto. Their first building design here, Aquabella, is now under construction in the East Bayfront area for Tridel and Hines, while their adjacent Aqualuna development is in sales for the same companies. Now, the architectural firm's design for a multifamily rental building with retail and office space at 64-86 Bathurst Street just south of King has been submitted to the City for zoning approval.

Aerial view of the site, image via Apple Maps

While planning documents are not yet available for the project, renderings sent to us by Hines are providing a first glimpse at the development concept. Images show a three-storey podium supporting an articulated slab-style building which rises from 17 storeys at the south end to 20 storeys plus mechanical penthouse closest to King Street.  stepbacks that transition the height down from north to south. Alternating facade treatments on the Bathurst Street side break the mass into less impactful volumes.

64-86 Bathurst, image courtesy of Hines

Renderings shows a glass-clad ground floor along Bathurst with retail and restaurant spaces, building lobbies, and a mid-block pedestrian passageway through the building. The two levels above feature office space behind a mix of glazing and translucent white panels. The fourth floor is recessed, providing landscaped terrace space above the podium, amenities behind, and creating a visual separation for the residential suites above.

Street-level rendering of 64-86 Bathurst, image courtesy of Hines

Street-level rendering of 64-86 Bathurst, image courtesy of Hines

Outdoor amenity deck at 64-86 Bathurst, image courtesy of Hines

The upper floors are clad in alternating sections of gold toned mullions and balcony screens, and white ones. The residential units are to be rental tenure, with a focus placed on larger family-sized suites. Outdoor amenity landscaping at ground level and above is designed by Janet Rosenberg + Studio.

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 Ward's Island for a view of the changing Toronto skyline. Submitted by Forum contributor G.L.17, this view faces north over the harbour, showing recent additions to the South Core and East Bayfront skylines adding to this popular postcard angle.

Toronto skyline, image by forum contributor G.L.17

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.

A pedestrian, a cyclist and a driver share their views of the crisis on Toronto’s streets; Massey Hall squeezes in a star-studded birthday party before closing for two years; For Toronto’s cyclists, the fear is real, and it’s holding them back; and more news:

Walk, ride, drive for your life: A pedestrian, a cyclist and a driver share their views of the crisis on Toronto’s streets (Toronto Star)

Massey Hall squeezes in a star-studded birthday party before closing for two years (Inside Toronto)

For Toronto’s cyclists, the fear is real, and it’s holding them back (Toronto Star)

An inside look at the $35-million Banksy exhibit in a warehouse on Sterling Road (Toronto Life)

Chris Selley: How to make Toronto safer for cyclists? Focus on the motorists (National Post)

No fence-sitting in this neighbourhood soccer field debate in the Upper Beaches (Toronto Star)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

Citizen360 Brings Holistic Living to NYC's Upper East Side (New York)

RiverSky Tops Off in New Westminster (Vancouver)

Telus Sky Continues its Ascent (Calgary)

Last Call at the Glenora Bed & Breakfast Inn (Edmonton)

Roughly one month since the launch of Aqualuna—the fourth and final phase of Tridel and Hines’ Bayside community—new information continues to roll out for the upcoming condominium development on Toronto’s waterfront. We’ve already taken a close look at the project’s design by Copenhagen-based architects 3XN, as well as a glimpse of the planned outdoor amenity deck, and today we return for a look into the project’s spacious terrace suites.

Aqualuna at Bayside, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

With the combined indoor-outdoor total living space sizes ranging from 2,163 ft² to 3,677 ft², all either two or three-bedroom layouts, the ten different unit types on offer in the terrace collection all feature expansive outdoor terraces, some as large as 1,200 ft².

Terrace suite at Aqualuna, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

At the smaller end of the terrace suites, unit T2D has 1,807 ft² of indoor living space with two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This 7th floor suite also boasts two outdoor spaces—one terrace, one balcony—with a combined area of 356 ft², bringing the suite's combined indoor-outdoor living space adds up to 2,163 ft².

Layout T2D, Aqualuna at Bayside, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

Stepping up in square footage, suite T2HH is a 12th floor layout offering 2,695 ft² of indoor living space, including two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room. This suite also counts three outdoor living areas—two east-facing balconies and a south-facing terrace—adding up to 556 ft², bringing the suite's total size to 3,251 ft².

Layout T2HH, Aqualuna at Bayside, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

On the 10th floor, suite T2N also includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room, spread across 2,223 ft² of indoor living space. A west-facing balcony accessed from the living room and a west-facing terrace accessed from the dining room and master bedroom. The two outdoor spaces combine to 356 ft², for a total unit size of 2,579 ft².

Layout T2N, Aqualuna at Bayside, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

Among the largest suites on offer in the terrace collection, layout T3A is a large 7th floor suite offering 2,515 ft² of indoor living space, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a powder room. The layout also features three separate outdoor spaces that add up to 601 ft², for a total combined living area of 3,116 ft². At the north end of the suite, an east-facing balcony overlooks the Parliament Slip, while a pair of terraces to the south look over the resort-style outdoor amenity deck one level below.

Layout T3A, Aqualuna at Bayside, image courtesy of Tridel/Hines

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 thread, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

A new project from CentreCourt Developments is adding to the skyline of Toronto's Church and Wellesley neighbourhood, as 411 Church rises above its surroundings just north of Carlton Street. The site of the 38-storey, IBI Group-designed condominium tower has been active since demolition began in late 2016, and following the completion of shoring and excavation, has been rising steadily since mid-2017.

411 Church viewed from the southwest, image by Forum contributor steveve

At the time of our last update a month ago, forming had just wrapped up for the project's six-storey podium, and work had just begun for the first tower level above. The first tower floor has since been followed by the rapid ascent of seven new levels in just 32 days, and forming is now in full swing for the building's 15th floor, about 40% of the way to tower's final height of 122 metres/400 feet.

411 Church viewed from the southwest, image by Forum contributor steveve

As the tower rises taller, the honeycomb pattern that will set 411 Church apart from its neighbours is growing more apparent along the north and south facades. These crimped floorplates will soon be finished with balcony guards, and the dividers that will form the honeycomb cells' vertical walls.

Cladding and honeycomb pattern at 411 Church, image by Forum contributor Rascacielo

The image above also shows the ongoing installation of cladding on the building's lower levels. 411 Church is being clad in a window wall system with dark aluminum mullions framing reflective glazing and dark grey spandrel panels. Cladding installation had progressed up to the third floor of the podium at the time of our last update and has since enclosed another couple of floors, leaving just the sixth and final podium level awaiting cladding.

411 Church viewed from the northeast, image by Forum contributor Rascacielo

Additional information and renderings 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.

Toronto is a vibrant city, with a rich history of recognition and celebration of the city’s diverse people and places. This weekend, Heritage Toronto, a charitable non-profit organization seeking to promote a greater appreciation for the city’s rich architectural, cultural, archaeological and natural heritage, is launching their latest community-based initiative—the Dundas + Carlaw Heritage Plaque District. 

The building of Palmolive factory (1917), image courtesy of Heritage Toronto

This program is part of the City's Dundas/Carlaw Public Realm Improvements plan. The community-based initiative advocated by Councillor Paula Fletcher, with the support of City Council, focuses on the area’s industrial heritage. The district will see the installation of 10 commemorative and informative plaques, tied together to create a self-guided tour. The area is the first in Toronto to be comprehensively interpreted by the Plaques and Public Education Program.

Wrigley's production team (1940s), image courtesy of Heritage Toronto

The aim is to explore and enhance understanding of the area’s rich history, telling the story of the connection between the landscape, the industry, and the people that eventually transformed the district into an arts and cultural hub. The themes focus on the men & women that helped shape the community during times of war, and urban transformation, which set the area on course for post-industrial revitalization.

Postcard of Woods Co. Factory (1919), image courtesy of Heritage Toronto

Members of the public are invited to attend the unveiling of the Heritage Plaque District this at 1:00 PM this Sunday, June 17th. The event will begin with brief remarks at Jimmie Simpson Park (872 Queen Street East) and will be followed by a 90-minute guided tour of the area. 

Toronto’s CityPlace and Fort York neighbourhoods have been steadily growing in population over the past several years. While the area has much to offer young urban professionals, a lack of schools has become acutely felt as the singles who started here have paired up and started families. Now, construction is well underway on paired Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) elementary schools, along with a community recreation and childcare centre that will share facilities. The greater complex is to bw known as the Canoe Landing Centre.

Looking south over the active roof of the Canoe Landing Centre, image courtesy of ZAS Architects

Led by the City of Toronto and funded through development levies, the ZAS Architects-designed two-and-three-storey facility has been under construction since September 2017, with forming beginning shortly after the site broke ground. Two tower cranes were in place by October, and in the months since, steel and concrete structural forming have made much progress.

Panorama of the site from June 4th, image by Forum contributor majic

At the site's northeast corner at the intersection of Bremner Boulevard and Brunel Court, a steel skeleton has emerged, revealing the first signs of the building's angular massing. The roof structure will form part of the site's accessible multi-planar green and active roof—landscaping designed by The Planning Partnership—conforming to Toronto's Green Standards, and mitigating the urban heat island effect, while also creating an outdoor accessible space. 

Steel structure at Bremner and Brunel, image by Forum contributor G.L.17

Upon completion in 2019, the Toronto District School Board's Jean Lumb Public School and the Toronto Catholic District School Board's Bishop Macdonell Catholic School will each accommodate 550 children from kindergarten to grade eight.

Looking west along Fort York Boulevard past the Canoe Landing Centre, image courtesy of ZAS Architects

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 thread, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Cycling as a means of alternative transportation has gained increasing popularity amongst Toronto residents in the past few years. With frustrations mounting regarding more traditional means of moving throughout the city, sustainable alternatives are on the rise. Toronto has seen unprecedented growth in the use of bicycles, and is also seeing infrastructure improvements to support the trend and make it safer. At the same time, innovative endeavours are flourishing in order to adapt to Torontonian's desire to get around more sustainably and actively. 

One of the latest ventures is new partnership between Tridel, one of Toronto's largest condominium developers, and award-winning e-bike manufacturer Elby. The project will make electric bicycles more affordable and accessible to Tridel community members. According to Jim Ritchie, Tridel's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, the partnership is aimed at "raising awareness of the importance of alternative methods of transportation in urban areas".

Image courtesy of Elby

The partnership comes along at a time where municipal regulations have resulted in a substantial decrease in vehicular parking spots in new developments, and a significant rise in bicycle parking spaces. Elby e-bikes can be perfectly accommodated by both existing and future bicycle lockups within Tridel properties. On top of that, the batteries may be unlocked and removed, and charged in the owner’s home. Tridel and Elby are also in discussions regarding the possibility of integrating a bike-sharing system within their future developments.

Image courtesy of Elby

To celebrate this innovative partnership, Tridel and Elby are giving away three e-bikes this summer. Contest details are available at tridel.com/innovation. Prospective condo buyers can also request a referral code at Tridel Presentation Centres for a 15% discount toward the purchase of an Elby e-bike. 

Today's Photo of the Day features the curving exterior of Great Gulf's 76-storey One Bloor East at Toronto's Yonge and Bloor intersection. Submitted by Forum contributor androiduk, this acute angle view shows the undulating curves of the Hariri Pontarini-designed condominium tower's north facade over Bloor Street.

One Bloor East, image by Forum contributor androiduk

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. 

Curious minds drawn to opening of Sidewalk Toronto workshop; Massey Hall gets celebratory sendoff before closing for renovations; Metrolinx board member described hydrogen train plan as ‘madness’; and more news:

Curious minds drawn to opening of Sidewalk Toronto workshop (Toronto Star)

Massey Hall gets celebratory sendoff before closing for renovations (Globe and Mail)

Metrolinx board member described hydrogen train plan as ‘madness’ (Toronto Star)

Humber Loop reopens (Transit Toronto)

Cutting traffic islands is a hit-and-miss job (Toronto Star)

The Junction gets a pay-what-you-can grocery store (Inside Toronto)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

727 West Madison Nearing Completion in Chicago's West Loop (Chicago)

Demolition Underway at 3681 Victoria Drive and 1915 Stainsbury Avenue (Vancouver)

Royal on the Rise in Calgary's Beltline (Calgary)

ETS to Celebrate 40 Years of LRT Service with Public Event (Edmonton)

A few weeks following the launch by TAS and Fiera Properties of their new mid-rise condominium development in Toronto’s Downsview Park area, the continued rollout of marketing material is bringing new details about The Keeley. The 12-storey, Teeple Architects-designed development on Keele Street offers 308 units, available in one-to-three-bedroom layouts, and sized from 389 ft² to 2,000 ft². We are now learning more about the various amenities that will be offered to residents, featuring interiors by TACT Architecture and outdoor spaces with landscaping by Ferris + Associates Inc.

The first space residents and guests will experience is the ground floor lobby, framed in floor-to-ceiling glazing to maximize sightlines to Downsview Park. This space will offer a 24-hour concierge and a lounge/seating area, and will provide access to a handful of other ground-floor amenity spaces.

Lobby at The Keeley, image courtesy of TAS

A floorplan for the ground floor amenities shows the lobby flanked by several amenity spaces, including a family room, a media den, a kitchen and dining area, a reading and study library, a social gathering room, a fitness centre, and a dog and bike wash station. The plan also shows retail space fronting Keele Street.

Ground floor amenities at The Keeley, image courtesy of TAS

At the rear of the ground floor, the U-shaped building's wings will frame a courtyard space featuring planters, shade trees, seating, and a children's playground area. A breezeway carved through the north arm of the building provides access from Maryport Avenue to the north.

Courtyard and rooftop amenity at The Keeley, image courtesy of TAS

Overlooking the ground-floor courtyard, a 7th-floor outdoor amenity deck will top the building's north wing. This space will include a sun lounge with a wood deck, places to chat, a gas fireplace, a "harvest table", gas grills for outdoor cooking, and even urban agriculture planters for community gardening.

Rooftop amenity plan at The Keeley, image courtesy of TAS

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 City of Toronto has recently received an application seeking rezoning for a parcel of land near the intersection of Perth Avenue and Bloor Street West, in the Junction Triangle neighbourhood. 72 Perth’s developer Valentine Coleman Inc. has hired Urban Strategies, and the IBI Group to plan and design a new residential and live-work development. 

Southwest facing view of 72 Perth, image retrieved via submission to the City of Toronto

The site is situated in the west end of the city, south of Bloor, and between the intersections of Dundas Street West and Lansdowne Avenue. Within walking distance of significant transit infrastructure, Bloor GO Station with Union Pearson Express and the Dundas West subway station are a few minutes walk to the west. The site backs directly on to the Toronto West Rail Path and is located directly between a new townhome development to the south and a proposed 12 storey mixed-use development to the north.  

Map of the transit infrastructure in the surrounding area, image via submission to City of Toronto

The existing building on the site, the Church of the First Born will be relocating geographically closer to their parish. As such, the existing building will be demolished and replaced by the proposed development. The 8,809 m² building, of which 8,325 will be for rental apartment units, and the remaining 484 m² would be allocated to approximately 6 at-grade commercial units/ ‘maker spaces’ geared to local artists. The building would support affordable housing units and would provide the commercial units/ ‘maker’s space’ at below market rents. 

Site and surroundings, image via submission to City of Toronto

The design is meant to reflect the area's existing and historical context and complement nearby building forms and character, mainly through the prominent use of brick. 72 Perth would contribute to the public realm through a new sidewalk and additional trees planted, enhancing the pedestrian experience and improving the visual quality of the street.

Aerial northwest facing view of 72 Perth and adjacent developments, image via submission to City of Toronto

The proposal outlines plan for 105 dwellings, of which 43 would be one-bedrooms, 52 would be two-bedrooms, and 10 three-bedroom units. The building’s tenants would have access to 35 underground parking spaces and building visitors would be able to access 12 above grade motor vehicle parking spaces. The maker spaces and residential lobby located on the ground level would extend upward into the mezzanine level above the ground floor. At the rear of the mezzanine level are provisions for resident bicycle parking, lockers, and other mechanical and storage spaces. Floors 2 through 11 would comprise of amenity space, and residential units. 

At-grade southwest-facing view of Perth Avenue

Additional information and renderings 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.

Roughly two months after demolition concluded, the construction phase of Tricon's 57 Spadina Avenue is officially underway as shoring activities began on site in May. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the rental tower will consist of 286 total units, made up of 15 studios, 171 one-bedrooms, 74 two-bedrooms, and 26 three-bedrooms. In addition, there will be  2,690 m² of commercial space, 1,619 m² of retail space, and 879 m² of residential amenity space.

Rendering looking north to 57 Spadina, image retrieved via submission to City of Toronto

When we last looked at the site in August of last year, the plans for this development (initially proposed as a condo), had been revised and resubmitted to the City as a rental tower. Since then, the site was fenced, demolition of the Winners store wrapped up in April, and shoring following shortly after and continues today.

Demolition at 57 Spadina Avenue, Image via Forum Contributor 'Red Mars'

Over the course of the next month or so, shoring rigs will drill many boreholes around the site's perimeter, the first step in creating below-grade retaining walls in preparation for the upcoming excavation. Once shoring is complete, the site will be excavated down to a depth of five storeys, followed by the start of forming for the foundations of the building and the underground garage.

Shoring Equipment and Materials on Site, Image via Forum Contributor 'Red Mars'

According to The Globe and Mail, the number of people who call King-Spadina home is expected to double to 40,000-plus by 2020. A development summary for the Entertainment District, which includes King-Spadina, shows more than 1.5 million square metres of residential space being added to the area. (See our Growth-To-Watch 2018 for the Entertainment District here.)

57 Spadina is located west of Toronto's downtown core in the Entertainment District, a mixed residential and commercial area experiencing high demand for new residential space. The mixed-use tower comprises residential units from the 5th floor to the 36th floor, while commercial and retail units are spread over floors one through four. 

Projected Population Change in Toronto. Image Courtesy of The Globe and Mail

In the coming months we will return with updates as construction progresses. In the meantime, additional information and images of the current and previous proposals 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 in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

In the weeks prior to Graywood Developments and Alterra Group of Companies’ announcement of their “Wonder” condominium project on Toronto’s Eastern Avenue in May, City Council stated its intention to give heritage designation the former Brown’s Breads + Weston Bakery, the exterior of which is planned to be incorporated into the eight-storey, Diamond Schmitt Architects-designed project. 

Wonder at 462 Eastern Avenue, image courtesy of Graywood/Alterra

Originally proposed at 7 storeys with a design by Turner Fleischer Architects back in early 2012, the initial proposal was never reviewed by City staff due to a land use issue with the site. Following a redesignation of the site’s land use, the project was resubmitted with a new design in late 2016. While the former facility at 462 Eastern Avenue was not identified for heritage designation at the time of the proposal’s initial submission and subsequent resubmission, incorporation of the former factory facades has been part of the plan from day 1.

Wonder at 462 Eastern Avenue, image courtesy of Graywood/Alterra

A heritage impact statement from GBCA Architects pre-dating the most recent resubmission outlines the retention and restoration plan for the exterior's heritage elements. Plans call for modifications of the building’s main four-storey facade over Eastern, Logan, and Booth Avenues, as well as the partial in-situ retention of two-storey sections along Logan and Booth. Other portions of the exterior—many with previous alterations to door and window openings—would be demolished.

462 Eastern Avenue, image via Google Street View

The factory's original fenestration pattern would be preserved, but with some modifications—including the enlargement of punched windows—made necessary by City light requirements, as well as the differing floor heights and interior layouts between the existing and proposed buildings. The large, multipane industrial windows present on the ground and second floors will be preserved while being returned to the original aesthetic, while the two storey volume at the corner of Eastern and Logan will have brick sections removed to create a more porous ground floor. Other defining elements, such as the original stone lintels on the third and fourth floors, will be preserved in-situ to visually express the original location. 

Wonder will introduce 286 condominium units to the neighbourhood. Prices start from the $400,000s.

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 a layered view of high-rise density in Toronto's Entertainment and Financial Districts. Submitted by Forum contributor smuncky, this east-facing view shows a sliver of King Blue Condos on the rise at the Entertainment District's King Street West and Blue Jays Way intersection.

King Blue rising into the Entertainment District skyline, image by Forum contributor smuncky

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. 

Here are the four elements of a cyclist-friendly ‘protected intersection’; Annex residents allege heritage home is being intentionally left to rot; Coalition aims to make road safety a major Toronto election issue; and more news:

Here are the four elements of a cyclist-friendly ‘protected intersection’ (Toronto Star)

Annex residents allege heritage home is being intentionally left to rot (Metro News)

‘People are fed up’: Coalition aims to make road safety a major Toronto election issue (Toronto Star)

5 measures that could increase security at Toronto City Hall:Council reviews report on enhanced measures June 19 (Inside Toronto)

Inside the Saint George, Kimpton’s first boutique hotel in Canada (Toronto Life)

Ontario premier-designate Doug Ford orders public sector hiring freeze (Global News)

Global news from our sister site, SkyriseCities.com:

$9.1 Billion Expansion Planned for Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver)

Cladding Underway as SWITCH|bloc Tops Off in Mount Royal (Calgary)

Stantec Tower Approaching Final Height in Downtown Edmonton (Edmonton)

An application submitted to the City of Toronto earlier this month seeks rezoning to redevelop a pair of low-rise properties at 276-290 Merton Street, situated just west of Mt Pleasant Rd. The plan from developer Rockport Group calls for a 16-storey, Wallman Architects-designed tower to replace existing two- and three-storey buildings with respective addresses of 276 and 290 Merton Street.

Site of 276-290 Merton, image via submission to City of Toronto

Elevation diagrams depict a tower rising 62 metres measured to the top of the mechanical penthouse level. Total residential gross floor area is 10,604 square metres. A five-storey podium would support 11 tower floors above, with the podium matching the massing of neighbouring buildings and the tower featuring slender north and south elevations responding to the site's limited frontage along Merton Street.

South elevation, 276-290 Merton, image via submission to City of Toronto

The plan calls for 100 residential condominium units in a mix of 35 one-bedrooms, 50 two-bedrooms, and 15 three-bedrooms. 2 office units are also proposed. Residents would have access to 212 square metres (2.12 square metres per unit) of indoor amenity space, connecting with a 200 square metre outdoor amenity terrace featuring landscape design by Janet Rosenberg + Studio.

East elevation, 276-290 Merton, image via submission to City of Toronto

A total of 86 parking spaces (76 residential spaces and 10 visitor spaces), as well as 125 bicycle parking spaces (115 for residents and 10 for visitors), would be housed in a three-level underground garage.

North elevation, 276-290 Merton, image via submission to City of Toronto

The plan is now under review by City staff. To move forward, the proposal requires amendments to the existing zoning by-laws for the height they are seeking.

West elevation, 276-290 Merton, 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 thread, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

This past weekend, TAS, Bentall Kennedy, and the Toronto Public Library celebrated a ground breaking for their new mixed-use development at 299 Campbell Avenue. The start of construction for the new 14-storey residential rental-library hybrid building was marked with an event attended by Deputy Mayor and Local Councillor Ana Bailão, author/musician Dave Bidini, and residents of the surrounding Junction Triangle neighbourhood.

L-R:Library Service Manager Eva Lew, Director of Branch Operations and Customer Experience Moe Hosseini-Ara, Lee Warren of Bentall Kennedy, Deputy Mayor and Local Councillor Ana Bailão, TAS president and CEO Mazyar Mortazavi, Adam Hadedorn of Bentall Kennedy, and Celia Smith, TAS Chief Operating Officer, image courtesy of TAS/Bentall Kennedy

Located on the south side of Dupont, a few blocks west of Lansdowne, the project will add residential density and a major community amenity upgrade to the Junction Triangle, with 235 rental units placed atop ground-floor retail and the new 933 m² (10,044 ft²) home of the Toronto Public Library's relocated Perth Dupont Branch. "299 Campbell represents a watershed moment for TAS," TAS President and CEO Mazyar Mortazavi told the crowd. "This project is a culmination of the efforts of our team, Councillor Bailão, the Toronto Public Library, and our community."

TAS President and CEO Mazyar Mortazavi, image courtesy of TAS/Bentall Kennedy

The structure housing the added density and community facility will also bring some visual interest to the site. 299 Campbell will feature a bold design by Teeple Architects, marked by a highly articulated massing with many step backs, and clad primarily in a mix of textured precast concrete panels with a red brick finish and contrasting white aluminum panels.

299 Campbell Avenue, image courtesy of TAS/Bentall Kennedy

Scheduling appearances at ground breaking events for executives and city officials cannot always line up with shovels actually going into the ground, so like many such celebrations, this one predates the actual start of construction. Applications for building permits have been filed, and specific permits for shoring and construction of the new building are currently under review by city inspectors. Shoring is expected to begin shortly after permits are issued.

299 Campbell Avenue, image courtesy of TAS/Bentall Kennedy

Additional information and mages 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 in the field provided at the bottom of this page.