Photos: James Bombales
The latest phase of Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes’ waterfront development has added an eye-catching addition to Toronto’s skyline. The master-planned community, located at the foot of Yonge Street, already consists of a series of mid-rise buildings connected by glass and steel bridges, which were completed in 2014. The third phase was launched in 2016 and adds a 35-storey tower into the mix.
Designed by architectsAlliance, Pier 27 Tower boasts a striking, stacked design created by its staggered floor plates that rise from a 10-storey podium. The daring design contrasts with the first two phases, though the tower’s all-white facade and unique shape match the colour scheme and geometric details on the two mid-rises.
Construction on Pier 27 Tower began in 2017 with the excavation of its four-level underground parking garage. In 2018, crews reached the top floor of the podium level marking the start of the staggered floor plates on subsequent floors. However, the podium’s northeastern facade does incorporate the geometric design as the balconies on this corner shift at varying degrees from the rest of the podium’s linear shape.
The project topped off in 2019 and in early 2020 most of the exterior work was completed as crews removed the last section of the construction hoist and installed the final pieces of balcony glass. Today, many residents have already moved in with occupancy expected to reach up to the 34th floor by mid-July.
Around the site, the overhead protection and hoarding along Queens Quay East are expected to be removed later this summer. Landscaping, including paving stones, plants and shrubs, is also expected to be completed this summer, while a public art piece is scheduled to be installed over the ramp to the north parking lot before the end of the year.
