The first renderings for the Bjarke Ingels Group's (BIG) much-anticipated project at 489-539 King West have now come to light, peeling back the curtain on a transformative intervention on the Toronto streetscape. Designed for Westbank Corp and Allied Properties REIT, the residential development—reported in the Globe and Mail—introduces an aesthetic typology that declaratively stands apart from Toronto's recent built form.

Skyline of BIG's proposal for 489 King Street West, looking southeast, image by B.I.G.

A complex interplay of stacked rectilinear volumes characterizes the project's impact in the local skyline. Preserving some of the established character along the King West street wall, the massing strategy would see the tallest volumes set back from the street, with a number of restored heritage buildings at ground level.

Rising to a maximum height of 17 storeys, the varied rectilinear volumes surround a large interior courtyard, designed to invite both residents and passerby into a more intimate communal environment. Above, the rectilinear volumes are topped by extensive greenery, which will be appointed by the Toronto-based Public Work. 

Sheltered part of pedestrian realm with open piazza behind, image by B.I.G.

Fronting 189 metres of King Street, the site includes heritage properties at 511 through 529 King West. Meanwhile, the contemporary forms surrounding these around them would recede from the street, inviting pedestrians into the courtyard while deferring a measure of aesthetic prominence to the site's historic buildings. 

Map retrieved from Google Maps, cartography overlaid by Craig White

Throughout the residential levels, the configuration of stacked volumes maximizes residents' outdoor space, with units facing out onto a tight collage of terraces. As it stands, approximately 500 residential units are planned for the development, which follows Allied's previous proposal for a 12-storey Sweeny&Co-designed office building on the site.

Partial skyline of BIG's proposal for 489 King Street West, looking southeast, image by B.I.G.

The 'BIG' news comes just ahead of February 23rd's "Yes is More: in Conversation with Bjarke Ingels," which will see the renowned Danish architect join an expert panel to discuss the question of "how can architecture create communities?" The event will be held at Koerner Hall from 7-9 PM.

This edition of UrbanToronto's annual Growth to Watch For series heads east into Scarborough to take a look at development that is happening across the expansive borough. There is a lot more going on in Scarborough than just a long and bitter quarrel over public transit, and the populous eastern edge of Toronto is seeing its fair share of development. Density is focused, unsurprisingly, along major corridors and near transit hubs, while a pair of educational institutions are continuing their recent expansion.

We will take you through a list of development happening throughout Scarborough, beginning with projects currently under construction or nearing completion, and ending with a look at proposed and approved projects that are soon to come.

Under Construction

Beginning in the northwest of Scarborough, land clearance has begun for City Core Developments and Fortress Real Developments'Harmony Village Sheppard, located near Sheppard East and Warden Avenue. Designed by Page + Steele / IBI Architects, the project will see two towers of 30 storeys constructed in its first phase, totalling 291 residential units. The development is targeted for seniors and baby boomers looking to downsize, and comes with a host of amenities catered to an older crowd, with health and wellness as a central theme. Phase 2 would see a mid-rise building and townhouses added to the site. Look for the excavation for the towers to begin later this year.

Site of Harmony Village Sheppard, image by Jack Landau

Moving east to north of Sheppard at Kennedy Road, Gemterra's Joy Condos has nearly completed excavation and will soon begin to rise out of the ground. The 21-storey condo tower designed by Turner Fleischer Architects follows the recent completion of Phase 1 of the development, the highly successful Love Condos.

Construction of Joy Condos, image by Jack Landau

Love Condos, image by Jack Landau

A few blocks south at the rapidly densifying neighbourhood around Kennedy Road and the 401, the 35-storey Avani condo tower by Tridel is nearing completion. Designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects, this condo tower joins the Metrogate community, a cluster of new high-rise towers and townhouses surrounding Metrogate Park.

Avani at Metrogate, image retrieved from Tridel's webcam

Jumping to the east, Centennial College will unveil the newest addition to their Scarborough campus this year with the Centennial College Residence and Culinary Arts Centre. Built by Knightstone Capital and designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the building will house a new 740-bed residence comprised mainly of two- and four-bedroom suites, while the ground floor will be dedicated to the college's Culinary Arts Centre, providing new classrooms, laboratories, and a new teaching restaurant. Currently, the building has topped off with the exterior cladding largely complete as it prepares for occupancy in the summer.

Centennial College Residence and Culinary Arts Centre, image retrieved from Centennial College webcam

Heading south on Markham Road, Lash Group of Companies'ME Living Condos is wrapping up demolition and gearing up for excavation on Phase 1 of their master-planned community at the corner of Markham and Ellesmere Road. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, the 28-storey condo will be the first of four towers and a series of townhomes, adding nearly 900 residential units in total to the eastern Scarborough location.

Moving back west to the Kennedy corridor, construction is now moving above grade on Phase 2 of 2150 Condos, a project by VHL Developments at the corner of Birchmount and Lawrence East. Joining the recently completed Phase 1 of the project, the second Master Building Inc.-designed tower will rise 16 storeys and add 203 new units to the complex.

Phase 1 of 2015 Condos, image by Jack Landau

Phase 2 of 2015 Condos, image by Jack Landau

Heading south, Insoho Developments is preparing for completion this year of Imagine Condos, located at the corner of Kennedy Road and St. Clair Avenue East. The four-storey building, designed by KFA Architects + Planners, will add 92 new suites to the central Scarborough location. The building topped off last year, with the exterior cladding is now nearly complete.

Imagine Condos, image by Jack Landau

Finally, excavation is well underway on a new mid-rise complex along Kingston Road with VHL Developments' third venture in Scarborough, Haven On The Bluffs Condos. Designed by Master Building Inc.and located within Cliffside Village, the building comprises two 11-storey towers with a common podium, and takes full advantage of its proximity to Lake Ontario with breathtaking views toward the lake and nearby Scarborough Bluffs.

Excavation underway at the site of Haven On The Bluffs, image courtesy of Forum contributor OneC.

Future Growth: Approved and Proposed Developments

Scarborough is seeing its fair share of Toronto's development boom, with a host of new buildings proposed for the borough. Beginning in the northwest, a cluster of towers are looking to add to the recent densification of Sheppard Avenue East between Victoria Park Avenue and Warden Avenue. Sail Condominiums, an 18-storey Keith Loffler McAlpine Architects-designed tower by Opearl Developments, has been approved by City Council near the intersection of Victoria Park and Sheppard East, and is currently in sales. A massive proposal for the corner of Victoria Park Avenue and Consumers Road (just across the boundary in North York, actually) that would see three towers of 30, 25 and 25 storeys added to the under-utilized site has been sitting in City Planning for a few years now, with no recent news on the development. Further east along Sheppard, two more towers are moving through planning, with a 30-storey building proposed at 3105 Sheppard East, and a 20-storey building planned for 3220 Sheppard East.

A rendering of Sail Condominiums, image courtesy of Opearl Developments.

Further east, Avani 2, the 35-storey second phase to Tridel's development at Metrogate mentioned above, is currently approved and in sales. Tridel is interested in having a final residential tower added to the northeast corner of the site. Also looking to join the building frenzy along the Sheppard East-401 corridor in Scarborough is a redevelopment of the Delta Hotel site (seen at the bottom of the Metrogate aerial photo below), while a nearby four tower development of 13, 20, 20 and 21 storeys at 22 Metropolitan Road (at the southeast corner of Warden Avenue and Highway 401) has been gathering some dust lately.

Aerial rendering of Avani and Avani 2 at Metrogate, image courtesy of Tridel.

Venturing south into central Scarborough, three more developments have been slowly inching their way through planning: a 35-storey tower at 2655 Lawrence East near Midland Avenue; a 40-storey tower proposed at 1891 Eglinton East near Pharmacy Avenue; and finally, a 10-storey mid-rise at 611-631 Kennedy Road just south of Eglinton.

Southern Scarborough has a few mid-rise developments on offer, beginning with two along Danforth Road. Spice Urban Towns by Hi-Rise Group, a 4-storey condo building near the corner of Danforth Road and Danforth Avenue, is currently approved and in sales, while just north of Warden, Time Development Group's Danforth Square, a 9-storey mid-rise condo building, is also approved and in sales. Just to the west, a pair of condo towers are proposed at 411 Victoria Park Avenue, while further to the east, a 9-storey mid-rise is proposed at 2799-2815 Kingston Road.

Rendering of Spice Urban Towns, image courtesy of Hi-Rise Group.

Rendering of Danforth Square, image courtesy of Time Development Group.

Moving to eastern Scarborough, the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus is proposing yet another building to add to its recent expansion. Following the completion of the Toronto Pan Am Sport Centre and the UTSC Environmental Science and Chemistry Building, the university is proposing to build Highland Hall, a five-storey academic building connected to the athletics centre that would provide additional classrooms, study spaces, and facilities for the students and faculty. Also in the neighbourhood, two residential proposals, with The Academy Condos, a 26-storey tower in sales at Ellesmere Road and Morningside Avenue, and a mid-rise development at 4111 Lawrence Avenue East near Kingston Road in planning.

Rendering of The Academy Condos, image courtesy of LeMine Investment Group and Devron Developments.

Our Growth to Watch For series will continue soon with an overview of the development coming to Toronto East o the Don. To catch up with our series so far, check out our previous GtWF stories about North York, Midtown Toronto; St. Clair; Chinatown, U of T, and The Annex; Bloor West; the Entertainment District; Southwest Toronto; and Etobicoke South.

What do you think of the projects that are transforming this area? Leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or join in on the conversation on one of our associated Forum threads. For additional information, check out our dataBase files (linked below) and Forum threads.

Today's Photo of the Day highlights the changing face of University Avenue. Submitted to the UrbanToronto Flickr Pool by Lori Whelan, this shot features the barcode-like north facade of the recently-completed Residences at the RCMI, and the ongoing concrete grille removal for the Residences of 488 University Avenue in the foreground. A Canadian flag and the exposed steel beams of the 488 University project add a shot of colour near the bottom of the image.

Buildings lining the west side of University Avenue at Dundas, image by Lori Whelan via Flickr

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 the new and improved UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page!

Don Valley Gondola? Don't build just one; TTC wants to integrate Wheel-Trans into rest of transit; There’s A New Subway On The Way; and more news...

Don Valley Gondola? Don't build just one: Hume (Toronto Star)

TTC wants to integrate Wheel-Trans into rest of transit (Metro News)

There’s A New Subway On The Way (Steve Munro)

Toronto inside workers begin work to rule campaign (Globe and Mail)

Chris Selley: TTC Wi-Fi connectivity all the time — soon. Until then, cartoon steam escapes my ears (National Post)

More world news from our sister site SkyriseCities.com:

T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to Open Spring 2016 (Las Vegas)

Moshe Safdie's Sky Habitat Completed in Singapore (Singapore)

It has been five weeks since we last visited the side-by-side construction sites for Lago at the Waterfront and Riva del Lago in Etobicoke's Humber Bay Shores area. The two Graziani + Corazza Architects-designed condominium developments are rising to heights of 49 and 14 storeys respectively, and both have made significant progress since our January update. 

Riva del Lago (foreground) and Lago (background), image by Craig White

At the time of our last visit, the Monarch Group/Mattamy Homes and the Biddington Group developments stood at heights of 39 and 4 storeys. In the time since, Lago has risen another 6 levels, and now stands 45 storeys, while Riva del Lago has more than doubled in height, reaching 9 storeys, with work in progress on the 10th level.

Riva del Lago (foreground) and Lago (background), image by Craig White

While Riva del Lago is still awaiting the first of its exterior finishes, window wall cladding and balcony glazing continue to seal off the much taller Lago at the Waterfront. Lago's main exterior design feature is the effect created by repeated shifting four-level volumes of alternating black and white slab-edge underpainting matched with dark-tinted and clear balcony glazing.

Riva del Lago (L) and Lago at the Waterfront (R), image by Craig White

While not as obvious in the image above, this design feature appears much more prominently when viewed from near-vertical angles at the base of the tower.

Acute view of Lago at the Waterfront, image by Craig White

With just 4 residential floors before work begins on the mechanical penthouse level above, we expect to see Lago at the Waterfront top off in the next two months, while neighbouring Riva del Lago will follow soon after in the Spring. The taller Lago at the Waterfront will very shortly be the tallest structure in the Humber Bay Shores area, though this title will pass on to Empire Communities' nearby Eau du Soleil, likely in mid-2017.

Lago at the Waterfront on the Humber Bay Shores skyline, image by Craig White

Additional information along with renderings of the projects can be found in our dataBase files for Lago at the Waterfront and Riva del Lago, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.

The current home of the MLS' Toronto FC and future home of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, BMO Field, is in the midst of a major renovation that is upgrading the stadium for Canadian football use while greatly expanding seating capacity and fan comfort. Led by Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, with builders PCL Constructors, and architects Gensler, the project attained a significant milestone over the weekend, when PCL crews carefully hoisted a roof section above the stadium's south stands following the successful installation of the east and west roof sections.

The process of raising the 490 metric tonne (980,000 pound) roof, which can be seen in the time lapse video above, was accomplished with the use of two lattice boom crawler cranes, each capable of hoisting 500 tonnes. The cranes, one of which was so large it had to be transported to the site using over 100 tractor trailers, lifted and crawled the 377 by 68 foot roof structure into place in tandem.

South canopy in place at BMO field, image courtesy of MLSE

A statement by PCL Toronto senior project manager Neil Barrows reads “A critical lift such as the one we performed to raise the roof on BMO Field is an orchestration of precision and patience to ensure that every element goes exactly as planned. We have been methodically planning for this moment for over two years in coordination with our partners to ensure it’s done right for the safety of all workers and the enjoyment of fans.”

Following the 2014-2015 expansion of the field's seating capacity, work on the second phase commenced this past October following the conclusion of the Toronto FC's season. Though all three canopies have been successfully installed, there is still much more work to do before upcoming events like the May 7th TFC home opener versus FC Dallas, the June 23rd Toronto Argonauts home opener versus the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and the 2016 Grey Cup scheduled for November 27th.

Unlike the smaller south canopy that was lifted in one piece, the east and west canopies were assembled on site, and are only now in the process of being fitted with the panels that will provide weather protection for the fans seated below.

Aerial rendering of BMO field, image courtesy of MLSE

The east and west canopies are currently supported by temporary shoring towers (seen in blue, below) rising from the sidelines of the field. Once work on these canopies is complete, the temporary shoring towers will be removed leaving the canopies supported by four massive white-painted steel super-columns. They transfer the massive structural loads down to the bedrock below via a system of micro piles drilled 7 metres below ground.

Temporary shoring towers, image courtesy of UT Forum contributor G.L.17

Additional information and renderings of the BMO Field Renovations 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 space provided at the bottom of this page.

Designed by TACT Architecture, the upcoming ConneXion townhome community is set to add new urban density to Etobicoke's growing Six Points area. Now close to sold out, North Star Homes' development—located on Fieldway Road near Islington Village—is set to add new residential 150 units to the growing neighbourhood.

Many units will feature ample outdoor space, with greenscaping surrounding each building, image courtesy of North Star Homes

While much of the Six Points area is experiencing radically transformative growth—with single-storey homes often replaced by high-rise towers—ConneXion's six townhome rows bring the neighbourhood a more subtle dose of urban density.

Inside the model suite, image by Jack Landau

Touring the model suite at the on-site sales centre, the 729 ft² 'Vixen' unit gives us an early glimpse into the project's interior aesthetic. The one-bedroom + den suite presents a relatively spacious entry point into home ownership, with interior decor revealing a clean and modern design aesthetic. 

The 'Vixen' suite's den, image by Jack Landau

A range of standard and premium finishes is available, making for customizable interiors to suit buyers' individual tastes. The interiors will also be characterized by 9' ceilings on each unit's first and second floors, with a choice of kitchen cabinetry (with modern and 'traditional' options) and bathroom ceramics. All suites will also feature the 'TJ Silent Flooring System,' allowing for an exceptional sense of privacy, with additional sound insulation also installed between floors and in party walls. 

The living area looks out onto the open-concept living/dining space, image courtesy of North Star Homes

ConneXion is also specifically catered to give first-time buyers an accessible entry point into the market, with North Star's Worry-Free Program providing an extended down payment deposit structure as well as a number of longer-term financial incentives. 

Another view of the exterior, image courtesy of North Star Homes

With large down-payments proving an obstacle for some buyers, ConneXion's extended deposit structure allows buyers to space out their payments over a longer period of time, making the initial step into home ownership more accessible. In addition, the Worry-Free Program waives the first year of maintenance fees, taxes, and utilities, making for an easier transition period. Buyers can also receive a 25% discount on internet, phone, and cable service for two full years.

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 space provided at the bottom of this page.

When B+H Architects' Lisa Bate arrived in Shanghai in 2012, the Toronto architect set out to help improve the green standards of the Chinese development industry. Bringing a wealth of international experience to a market not known for its ecological and architectural standards, Bate—elected as Canada's representative to the World Green Building Council—worked to implement sustainable design principles and green building technology in a part of the world that western eyes often see as lagging behind in environmental standards.

In returning to Toronto, however, it's Bate's foreign experience that now helps guide some of B+H's Canadian practices. "Ironically, in this case it's the east leading the west," Bate tells us, explaining the Chinese Gigabase system that comprehensively tracks building and material performance. Together with its associated RESET app, the GIGA database "provides a huge collection of raw data," with the compiled information facilitating a more thorough overview of buildings and individual materials.

B+H's Lisa Bate, image courtesy of B+H

"The RESET app allows developers and architects to monitor air quality and environmental conditions—including ambient temperature, CO2, and humidity—in buildings real-time," Bate tells us, "while the [GIGA] database provides a comprehensive listing of individual materials and their energy performance." Launched in 2009, the cloud-based material management software also includes the RESET app, which analyze the environmental performance of buildings in real time. 

Created by a team of architects who struggled to improve green building standards in China, the GIGA system—which includes the Gigabase and the RESET app—has made implementing better standards easier by providing a more comprehensive data pool. Launched "as an open source database listing the greenest materials available in China's construction marketplace," the project's official website lists a wealth of green building projects made possible—in part—by the software, which has since received international support from the Clinton Foundation. 

In the Canadian context, Bate argues that the RESET app can prove particularly impactful. "Typically, the environmental health of buildings isn't as closely monitored once occupancy begins," Bate tells us, describing industry standards that analyze indoor environmental quality in the "flush-out" period that follows construction completion but precedes occupancy. "With RESET, though, environmental conditions are tracked over the long-term, giving us a better idea of how buildings age and what kind of environmental concerns develop over time."

Illustrative depiction of potential air quality throughout early lifecycle (illustrative purposes only), image courtesy of RESET

"For example, one of our buildings saw a sudden change in air quality when cleaning staff switched the types of products they were using. If we hadn't been monitoring the indoor environment so closely, we never would've been able to isolate that variable," Bate tells us, explaining that the air quality inside buildings can change substantially without any notice or acknowledgment, particularly as buildings age. "It's very important to know how good the air inside a building is, and how well it's performing."

"Here in Toronto, though, our outdoor air quality is generally very good, so the circumstances aren't the same. In China, it's about keeping the bad air out, but here, the bad air is typically inside," Bate explains, describing the "sick building syndrome" that is increasingly becoming recognized as a health hazard. Using RESET, Bate notes that the impact of every change or retrofit made to a building can be effectively tracked, giving architects, developers, property managers and tenants a more transparent overview of long-term conditions.

The Toronto skyline, image by Jack Landau

For developers and architects, the Gigabase system provides a large data pool of materials and their performance. "The system allows us to ping manufacturers directly to inquire about materials, while the data itself can be filtered for performance in particular climates and environments," Bate tells us, describing the database as a useful tool in finding the best manufacturers and an effective predictor of long-term performance.

Now back in Toronto, Bate characterizes our green building industry as an increasingly assertive leader in innovation. "In many cases, it's the industry leading the way and working to innovate. We don't have a culture of just responding to meet the green standards that are mandated. For much of the industry, the benchmark that we aim to set is higher. We don't get things handed down to us. We hand them up."

First Canadian Place dominates the Financial District skyline, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

"Being back in Toronto is particularly interesting, since we (B+H) have the chance to work on so many of our projects over a long period. For example, First Canadian Place was a B+H design, but we also had the chance to work on re-cladding the building decades later. From a long-term green energy perspective, it's very valuable to have those opportunities."

While Bate touts the wealth of data provided by the GIGA software as an important tool, "it's ultimately just that, a tool. What really matters is how we use that information and what we try to learn from it, how much we strive to innovate... What really matters is what we choose to do."

Although the ambitious urban reclamation project that's planned Under the Gardiner is capturing many headlines lately, a drive along Toronto's waterfront expressway provides good vantage points of many of the city's most talked-about construction projects. Thanks to UrbanToronto Forum member G.L. 17's recent photos, a trip down the Gardiner offers us a close look at a wealth of ongoing construction. 

Beginning west of Downtown near Exhibition Place, MLSE's BMO Field expansion is seen to the south of the Gardiner. While today's earlier editorial provides a more in-depth look at the intricately co-ordianted raising of the south roof, a view from the north offers a view of the east and west stands help up by temporary shoring towers as installation of the Gensler-designed canopies nears completion.

The BMO Field renovations in process, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

Moving east, driving down the Gardiner presents a full of view of construction at Local at Fort York, seen through the fences erected for the Gardiner's own rehabilitation project. The Onni Group's 13-storey Page + Steele / IBI Group design is now topped off, with much of the exterior cladding now installed. The building—which is rather intimately close to the Gardiner—is set to complete later this year. 

The 13-storey Local at Fort York is seen just south of the Gardiner, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

Continuing east, Newton and Forward at Concord CityPlace will eventually be seen on the north side of the expressway, but for the moment both the 30-storey Forward and the 18-storey Newton are just beginning to climb towards grade from the bottom of their excavation pit, so we're cheating and bringing you a shot from street level. As with Local at Fort York to the west, these towers boast a Page + Steele / IBI Group design. 

Cheating slightly, this photo of Newton and Forward isn't taken from the Gardiner, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

Arriving in Toronto's growing south core, two of the city's tallest new towers can be seen rising alongside the Gardiner. Both are just south of the highway, and follow the splitting lanes off the York, Bay, and Yonge Streets. Currently easier to see even though it's the further east of the two, is Menkes and HOOPPS' Sun Life Financial Tower and Harbour Plaza Residences complex. The shimmering glass wall of the Sweeney &Co-designed Sun Life Tower, which has topped off at 35 storeys is the focal point for the moment. Behind it are the architectsAlliance-designed Harbour Plaza towers, almost the same height now, but is set to climb to 62 and 66 storeys.

A Harbour Plaza tower is seen rising behind the 35-storey Sun Life Tower, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

Tridel's 65-storey Ten York Street is still much shorter, but now makes a distinct impact in the area, rising a level above the elevated expressway. Designed by Wallman Architects, the 224-metre tower is one of the tallest projects now under construction in the city. 

Ten York drives a visual wedge through the Gardiner, Sun Life Tower seen behind, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

After you pass Ten York and the Sun Life Tower, and start the spiral down to York Street, the Harbour Plaza Residences come into view on the left, becoming more noticeable all the time with their noticed balconies. 

The Harbour Plaza Residence towers seen from the York and Bay street spiral ramp, image by UT Forum contributor G.L.17

We will keep you updated as these projects continue to take shape, with further "gifts of the Gardiner" forthcoming. In the meantime, make sure to check out our associated dataBase files for more information about each development. Want to share your thoughts? Feel free to leave a message in the space below this page, or join in the conversation on one of our associated Forum threads, which feature many more photos!

Today's Photo of the Day, submitted to the UrbanToronto Flickr Pool by Vik Pahwa, highlights the Old Don Jail, a historic prison-turned healthcare facility on Toronto's east side. Constructed between 1858 and 1864, the jail's original wing closed in 1977, while the remaining structure was closed in 2013 to make way for restoration work and incorporation into the new Bridgepoint Hospital complex.

Old Don Jail, image by Vik Pahwa via Flickr

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 the new and improved UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page!

Finch LRT contract to be awarded next year; Struggling UP Express to cut fare by more than half; Demand Projections for Relief Lines; and more news...

Finch LRT contract to be awarded next year (Metro News)

Demand Projections for Relief Lines (Steve Munro)

Struggling UP Express to cut fare by more than half (Metro News)

Prime Minister, Premier, and Mayor to Participate in Pride (Torontoist)

"MiWay 5" service plan: Public meetings, March 7, 8, 9, 10 (Transit Toronto)

More world news from our sister site SkyriseCities.com:

Vauxhall Square to Bring New Density to Wandsworth Borough (London)

Competition Winners Announced for Massive Shanghai Project (Shanghai)

Brickell City Centre Taking Shape In Downtown Miami (Miami)

Photos Capture Royal Alberta Museum Construction (Edmonton)

Toronto is a vibrant and fun city to live in and moving there can open the door to a lot of opportunities and great experiences. However, the process of moving can be a little bit stressful. There are a lot of things you will need to think about and organize before you can successfully relocate yourself in this Canadian metropolis. Here are some of the steps that you need to take in order to settle into your new home in Toronto:

Map out Your Community before You Arrive

Once you know your address in Toronto, you can use the internet to get to know your local area before you even get there. Use Google Maps to find out where the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, post office, doctor’s office, dentist and other necessities are located. Take a look at the streets around you and the public transport options. When you do this in advance you’ll already have an idea of your local surroundings even when you first arrive.

Find Your Routine

Establishing a routine in your new location can help you to feel more grounded and at home. Perhaps it involves visiting a local bakery to pick up fresh bagels every Sunday morning, or taking a walk in your local park with the dog every day after work. Find the things that you like in your neighbourhood and make them part of your routine, so that they start to become comforting and familiar.

DelSuites suite interior, image courtesy of DelSuites

Use Your Resources

When you are moving to Toronto you are not alone, there are many people who can help you to settle in. Get to know your neighbours and ask them for local advice and tips. Take advantage of newcomers groups to ease yourself into the community. If you are moving into a DelSuites furnished apartment, our team will be there to make the move as easy as possible. We can offer airport pick up and drop off, safety essentials, home furnishings, babysitting services and more – just contact us.

Join a Group or Club

Another great way to settle into your home in Toronto is to join a group or a club associated with a hobby that you enjoy. Whether it’s a book club, a hiking group, a writer’s circle, a local amateur sports team or any other activity, this will be a wonderful way to make friends who share your interest. By doing something you enjoy in your new home you will really start to feel like you belong.

DelSuites suite interior, image courtesy of DelSuites

Have a Housewarming Party

Once you are starting to feel comfortable, invite some friends and neighbours over to a housewarming party. It will be a great way to break the ice and get to know people in your community – and possibly the beginning of great friendships!

These are just a few of the ways that you can settle in when you relocate to Toronto, so that this city will start feeling like home.

Following a somewhat lengthy gestation, Diamante's The Diamond Condominiums on Yonge is now set to launch, eight years after a 25-storey tower was approved for the site. Located just west of Yonge Street along the quickly growing North York corridor, Diamond Condominiums shares a city block with the rebuilt St. George's Church on Canterbury Place.

Looking east, the garden area is shown facing the quieter residential neighbourhood to the west, image courtesy of Diamante

Designed by Scott Shields Architects, we got our first glimpse of the tower—now 30 storeys tall—in December. Characterized by a rectilinear form accented with white detailing, a sharp contrast between the dark glazing and lighter accents is likely to prove Diamond's most conspicuous feature in the area skyline.

The lobby, image courtesy of Diamante Development

The first interior renderings of the 385-unit development depict a modern marble-patterned lobby, with a prominent wood tone grounding the space, drawing a line through the open lobby to the concierge desk. Below, the tower is set to feature 390 parking spots, allowing a spot for each unit.

The party room at dusk, image courtesy of Diamante Development

Meanwhile, a rendering of the ground-floor party room shows a warm space overlooking a spacious outdoor garden. An interplay of calm earth tones lends the space a relaxed character, while a closer look at the garden just past the high floor-to-ceiling windows shows an extensive greenscaped space. 

A closer look at the extensively greenscaped garden, image courtesy of Diamante Development

The stone walls that help shape the aesthetic quality of the garden are also seen along the lobby entrance, which—like the interior—is given a note of character by the warm wood tone. While the entrance is steps away from nearby Yonge Street, the garden area west of the tower is slightly more secluded from the urban bustle, facing out onto the neighbourhood streets to the west. 

The main entrance is also surrounded by ground-level greenscaping, image courtesy of Diamante Development

We will keep you updated as additional details and new information about the project continue to emerge. In the meantime, additional information and renderings can be found in the project's dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.

Standard of Dwelling will bring together three Toronto-based architects and the developers they work with to discuss housing in Toronto — from the condo tower to the townhouse. Over the course of the afternoon, the discussion will address issues such as housing trends and needs, the relationship between architecture and real estate development, the evolution of housing in cities, and our ability to creatively respond to the pressures facing urban growth.

Los Angeles-based architect Michael Maltzan — whose awarding-winning work has included multi-family, single-family, affordable, and transitional housing — will present the keynote lecture, providing, through an exploration of his work in Los Angeles, an outside perspective on the Toronto-focused discussion that will take place in the afternoon.

Standard of Dwelling symposium
Symposium
1:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Friday, February 26, 2016
Room 103, 230 College Street
This is a free and public event, no registration is required

Top: Ibelings, Clewes, Graham, Haggart Bottom: Battiston, Petricone, Wex, Maltzan

Dialogues:
1:00 – 1:45pm
Peter Clewes, architectsAlliance, and David Wex, Urban Capital

2:00 - 2:45pm
Meg Graham, superkül, and Julian Battiston, Oben Flats

3:00 - 3:45pm
Pina Petricone, Giannone Petricone Associates, and Niall Haggart, The Daniels Corporation

Roundtable Discussion:
4:00 - 4:45 pm
Featuring all participants, moderated by Hans Ibelings

Reception:
5:00 – 6:00pm
Refreshments will be provided

Keynote lecture:
6:00 – 7:30pm
Featuring architect Michael Maltzan

For more information, see the official event page for the Standard of Dwelling Symposium.

Plans for a 3-storey addition to the 4-storey converted office buildings at 35 McCaul Street were announced at a pre-application consultation in Toronto's Ward 20 yesterday. The development would expand and modernize the office space currently provided in the converted warehouse buildings on the site, owned by The Commercial Realty Group. Designed by Giancarlo Garofalo, the modern addition would marginally exceed existing zoning regulations, requiring only a minor variance in lieu of the re-zoning applications that typically accompany larger developments.

Looking east on McCaul Street, photo of rendering by Giancarlo Garofalo Architect Inc.

Commercial Realty Group President Clayton Smith identified the success of the site's tenants as a key driving force of the expansion plans. "Some of our biggest tenants are interested in expanding, and we'd like to make that possible" Smith told community members. Smith also noted that two restaurant or cafe spaces of about 3,000 and 1,000 square feet would be created on the ground floor, bringing a more "vibrant presence" to the street.

While current zoning allows for a maximum height of 24 metres, the new building would rise to a height of 26 metres, rising marginally above its neighbours to the north and south. Like the existing building, the expanded office facility would not feature automobile parking or loading space, although a total of 32 bicycle spaces have been earmarked for the development, comfortable surpassing the city's requirement of 15 spaces. Meeting the City's green standards, a green roof would cover 20% of the roof surface area.

The existing four-storey building, image by Stefan Novakovic

If approved, Smith's "dream scenario" for the project would see steel frame construction begin this summer, with an aggressive 5-6 month timeline targeted for completion. Pre-fabricated floor plates would be lifted into place from a staging area in a nearby parking lot, making for an accelerated process. "The really noisy, disruptive work would probably be limited to two Saturdays," Smith assured the community members.

Looking south on McCaul Street, the addition would fill a gap in the street wall, photo of rendering by GG Architect Inc.

"We can put away the fierce, sharp pitchforks," Ward 20 Councillor Joe Cressy joked, "this isn't a 220-storey condo." Nonetheless, Cressy was adamant in ensuring that any concerns from community members would be taken into account, with increased traffic and noise cited as particular points of concern. The councillor assured community members—many of whom were direct neighbours to the development—that the proposal's cumulative impact on the neighbourhood would be diligently studied before a decision is made.

We will make sure to keep you updated as the project continues to take shape. In the meantime, make sure to check out our dataBase file for more information. Want to share your thoughts about the project? Feel free to leave a comment in the space below this page, or join in the ongoing conversation on our associated Forum thread.

The semicircular John Street Roundhouse, built in 1931, is one of Toronto's most unique historical landmarks. Situated at 255 Bremner Boulevard just across the street from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Ripley's Aquarium, the brick-clad building is now home to the Toronto Railway Museum, Steam Whistle Brewing, and Leon's Furniture. Now, after occupying the western portion of the building for seven years, Leon's has announced they're vacating their only downtown location, making way for the entertainment giant Cineplex to set up shop. 

The John Street Roundhouse from above, image by Michael Muraz via Flickr

Marketed as "Canada's new premier social destination", Cineplex has announced their plans for The Rec Room: a 40,000-square-foot dining and entertainment space. The facility will boast an upscale casual restaurant with an open kitchen and "eatertainment-style" dining in a designated games area. This attractions space will feature a range of interactive and amusement games complementing traditional recreational activities like pool, shuffleboard and ping pong. Rivalling Real Sports Bar & Grill at the Air Canada Centre, a bar area will come equipped with a large high-definition screen. An auditorium-style space will provide a venue for live entertainment, including comedy and musical performances. The entertainment rewards program SCENE will be integrated with the new facility. 

The existing Leon's store at the John Street Roundhouse, image retrieved from Google Maps

When Leon's announced they would occupy space at the Roundhouse, there were questions about how branding would be balanced with heritage preservation. Those concerns were mostly settled when the final product was unveiled, sans Leon's trademark yellow signage. As another impending renovation of this sensitive heritage structure looms closer, those concerns will likely arise once again. The new facility however will not require any expansion of the Roundhouse footprint, rather, it will be accommodated within the existing Leon's space. "We of course recognize that this is an important heritage site for Toronto and intend to work closely and respectfully with the city and other stakeholders as we finalize the design plans," said Sarah Van Lange, Director of Communications at Cineplex Entertainment. No renderings of the scheme are available yet as the design phase is still ongoing. 

Rec Room locations have already been announced for Edmonton and Calgary, with other national sites expected to be revealed over the next few years. Work is scheduled to begin on the Toronto site this summer, with completion in the first quarter of 2017. 

You can stay up to date on the discussion by visiting the designated Forum thread. Alternatively, leave a comment in the field provided below to let us know what you think the Cineplex Rec Room plans.

At the TTC and Metrolinx transit consultation meeting on Feb 20th in Etobicoke, local speakers voiced their opposition to the part of the newly-unveiled overall transit plan that calls for an LRT along Eglinton west of Mount Dennis, citing concerns about traffic flow dating back to 2009 when an LRT was first suggested as part of then Mayor David Miller's Transit City plan.

Even on a Saturday morning the public consultation drew a large crowd

Hilary Holden, Toronto’s director of Transit and Sustainable Transportation Planning, said that the original plan, which would have been over ground for its entire length and had 17 stations was only one of several possible configurations, including as few as five stations and some underground sections if necessary.

Original path of the Crosstown western extension

Responding to those calling for the LRT to run underground, Holden remarked that while this would be considered in part or whole, “the more you do underground the more expensive it is and therefore the less likely it is to happen sooner”. When another speaker called for a bus rapid transit (BRT) alternative to be considered, supported by others in the audience, Holden agreed to add that as an alternative for consideration before the next consultation meeting. She was, however, adamant that using the space allocated for an LRT to increase the number of lanes in each direction from two to three as some in the audience suggested was not consistent with city policy – “as we grow we are getting more demand for travel, and we need to make sure that we are encouraging people to use public transport for those journeys.”

Other residents were disappointed that those presenting could not provide detailed traffic assessments for the new options based on the studies done six years ago, but Holden said that an environmental assessment would have to be done again in any case because traffic and where people are moving from and to have changed since then. 

The LRT option (or BRT if that turned out to be the preferred option) would replace John Tory's original proposal for a heavy rail SmartTrack Western corridor. Heavy rail—essentially GO Trains running along Eglinton West—was found by a recently-published feasibility study to not be cost effective.

Today's Photo of the Day, submitted to the UrbanToronto Flickr Pool by Lori Whelan, presents a view of Toronto's Financial District. This layered shot is centred on Royal Bank Plaza, known for it's distinctive gold-tinted glazing, framed on both sides by the Modernist towers of the Toronto-Dominion Centre.

Layers of the Financial District, image by Lori Whelan via Flickr

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 the new and improved UrbanToronto Flickr Pool for your chance to be featured on our Front Page!

Ontario confirms price cut for Toronto airport train; Saks valet parking that would interrupt bike lane 'a non-starter,' Toronto officials say; Purpose-built residential rental market picking up steam in Canada; and more news

Ontario confirms price cut for Toronto airport train (Globe and Mail)

Saks valet parking that would interrupt bike lane 'a non-starter,' Toronto officials say (Metro News)

Purpose-built residential rental market picking up steam in Canada, new report suggests (Financial Post)

Union Pearson Express raises big questions for larger transit projects (Globe and Mail)

A New Transit Plan for Toronto: But How Much Will Be Built? (Torontoist)

Roundhouse to get Cineplex ‘social destination’ for dining, entertainment (Metro News)

More world news from our sister site SkyriseCities.com:

Renderings Revealed for 105-Storey Seoul Tower (Seoul)

Pininfarina Brings Bold Design to São Paulo (São Paulo)

New Luxury Highrise Coming to Boston's Back Bay Neighbourhood (Boston)

Scotts Tower 'Vertical City' Under Construction (Singapore)

With the first two towers of the master-planned community at Daniels Erin Mills now rising in Mississauga, the Daniels Corporation has announced a third building for the site, with the first renderings of Arc revealing a flowing design that departs from the rectilinear form of the first two towers.

Arc at Daniels Erin Mills, looking southwest, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Like the Skyrise and West Tower buildings currently under construction on the site (below), Arc features a design by Kirkor Architects Planners. Interiors will be appointed by HOK, and the 19-storey mixed-use tower is also set to feature retail and office space at its lower levels. 

The West Tower and Skyrise tower (l-r) are already well underway, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Renderings show a public plaza meeting the intersection, leading to the retail podium that fronts the tower's northern elevation. Landscaping is also seen along Erin Mills and—to a lesser extent—Eglinton Avenue West, while the double-height ground floor gives way to a large terrace on the tower's second level.

A closer look at the ground-level plaza and retail space, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Moving up the tower, the building's curving form is underlined by rows of wrap-around balconies. 

Closer in on the balcony pattern, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Located at the eastern side of the Daniels Erin Mills community, Arc is set to rise just southwest of the Eglinton and Erin Mills intersection as the third of four buildings on the site. With Skyrise and the West Tower already asserting a presence in the area's fledgling skyline, the Phase III Arc is set to be joined by a townhouse building on the south side of the site.

The master-planned community's four buildings will surround a central green space, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Immediately northwest of Arc, the 25-storey Skyrise rental tower is now in the closing stages of construction, with occupancy of this first phase building expected to begin in the coming months.  

Aerial view of the Phase I Skyrise rental tower, image courtesy of The Daniels Corporation

Meanwhile, the West Tower—where excavation had reached full depth at the time of our last update in April 2015—is also seeing significant progress. As seen below, cladding is now installed along much of the shorter Phase II condominium tower. Finally, a row of townhomes will eventually enclose a shared green space—marketed as a 'community courtyard'—from the south.

We will keep you updated as information continues to become available. In the meantime, additional renderings of the master-planned community can be found in our dataBase file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out our associated Forum thread, or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.