While a cacophony of cranes and construction already flanks Queens Quay East, Toronto's East Bayfront community appears to have plenty further to go in the coming years, with a wealth of new projects continuing to come online. Adding to Tridel and Hines' growing cluster of water-themed condominiums, the under-construction 'Aquavista' and 'Aqualina' are now set to be joined by a 14-storey building marketed as 'AQUABELLA at Bayside.'
Designed by Danish firm 3XN in partnership with Toronto's Kirkor Architects, preliminary details of the project were introduced in April, with the architects on hand to present a distinctive massing strategy that maximizes outdoor spaces and views of the water. With marketing for the L-shaped building now underway, more information has come to light.
Looking north, image courtesy of Tridel
The distinct massing strategy along the upper levels creates landscaped 'outdoor rooms', providing views of the water with garden borders. The "human-scaled volumes" of the building's terraced roofline are 3XN's translation of the typology of single-family homes across a much larger form.
A view of one of AQUABELLA's terraces, image courtesy of Tridel
Finalized plans for the project will see 173 units join the nascent waterfront community. Ranging in size from 551 ft² to 4,326 ft², the project's units feature 9' and 10' ceilings, with interiors appointed by II BY IV DESIGN. According to Tridel's Jim Ritchie, the development will be an "end-user dominated" project, with many of the upper-level terrace suites well suited to young families.
Balcony view, image courtesy of Tridel
Landscaping will be appointed by Toronto's Scott Torrance, with customizable programming planned for the shopwiece terraces. Meanwhile, the seventh floor will feature an amenity terrace, with an outdoor swimming pool offering views of the lake. Other amenities will include a gym and party room, as well as guest parking in the 186-spot underground garage. Street-level retail space is also planned, with details to come.
The L-shaped AQUABELLA in its area context, image via submission to Waterfront Toronto Design Review Panel
Once complete, the 13 acre Bayside neighbourhood will feature six residential and two commercial office buildings, and will bring approximately 1,800 new homes to the waterfront. Along Queens Quay the neighbourhood is growing: portions of Daniels Waterfront- City of the Arts now rise above grade, and Great Gulf's Moshe Safdie-designed Monde is also under construction across from Aqualina and Aquavista. Meanwhile to the west, Menkes' plans for the LCBO Lands could bring a huge influx of new residents and employees to the area, making it in one of the densest—and tallest—in Canada.
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We will keep you updated as more information about the project—which targets a late 2020 completion—becomes available. In the meantime, make sure to check out our dataBase file, linked below, for further details. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment in the space provided on this page, or join the conversation in our associated Forum threads.