It’s been a year unlike any other, for more reasons than we can count on our fingers and toes. For city building in Toronto, the year has brought a number of noteworthy new development proposals, from soaring high-rises to vast master-plans.
Below we’ve compiled seven of the most significant Toronto development applications that were put forward in 2020 to give you an idea of the spaces to watch in the coming years.
1. Filmores Hotel Redevelopment
Developer: Menkes Developments Ltd. and Core Development Group
Architect: Giannone Petricone Associates Inc.
Date proposed: June 2nd
Size: 588 units, 46 storeys
In early 2020, the first signs that a development was in the works for the iconic building began to appear. It was reported in January that Menkes Developments initially purchased the Filmores Hotel building and the adjacent parking lot for a combined price of $51.5 million.
The first rendering of the proposed development appeared in March, depicting a high-rise tower emerging from the existing Filmores Hotel. A development application submitted in June later confirmed that the mixed-use, 46-storey tower designed by Giannone Petricone Associates would include 588 residential units and 11,076 square feet of retail and commercial space.
The Filmores Hotel and its basement gentlemen’s club has occupied the brick building near Jarvis Street and Dundas Street East for the better part of 40 years.
2. 419 College Street Condos
Developer: Ironwood Bay
Architect: BDP Quadrangle
Date proposed: September 4th
Size: 169 units, 13 storeys
Sneaky Dee’s has been a fixture of the Bathurst and College streets area for years, gaining local popularity for its nachos and live music venue. It’s no surprise that when news broke over the Labour Day long weekend that a development had been proposed for the beloved bar, it turned a lot of heads.
The mixed-use proposal put forward by Ironwood Bay imagines a 13-storey mid-rise with 169 residential units. A music venue has been planned for the ground floor as per architectural drawings, adding to the total 7,542 square feet of commercial and retail use that the proposal will contribute.
3. Scarborough Junction
Developer: Republic Developments
Architect: Giannone Petricone Associates Inc.
Date proposed: October 27th
Size: 6,619 units, 12 to 48 storeys
This 25-acre master-planned development pitched in Scarborough’s Birchmount Park would cover an expanse of properties located inside the triangle created by St. Clair Avenue East, Kennedy Road and the CN railway line.
The first portion of this proposal, Site A, was put forward in October, offering to create new retail, park and residential space. A total of 10 development blocks would house 10 buildings ranging from 12 to 48 storeys in height. Sport courts, underground parking, event spaces and pathways have also been included in the application.
4. 506 Church Street Condos
Developer: Graywood Developments Ltd
Architect: Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc.
Date proposed: July 24th
Size: 173 units, 15 storeys
An icon in the Church-Wellesley community, Crews & Tangos is an iconic drag bar that currently occupies an eye-catching blue carriage house near Church and Maitland streets.
Graywood Developments Ltd. acquired the lot in December 2019. Community concern and online petitions quickly followed before Crews & Tangos’ lease was extended by another two years in February. Plans to maintain the presence of Crews & Tangos are said to be a part of the agreement between the developer and the bar’s owner, which would see 6,600 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor of the proposed building.
“Crews & Tangos means as much to me as it does to you, and together, with Graywood, we are committed to finding a solution to maintain this crucial space for the LGBTQ2S+ community,” said owner Michael Ramawad in a statement.
5. 334 Bloor Street West Condos
Developer: The Brown Group of Companies
Architect: IBI Group
Date proposed: September 11th
Size: 380 units, 35 storeys
The intersection of Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue is always bustling in the Annex neighborhood. Adding to the array of late-night eateries and local bars, The Brown Group of Companies has proposed a 35-storey tower on the corner of the major streets.
Below the high-rise element with 404 residential units, the development wants to deliver a concourse- level grocery store and direct access to the TTC Spadina station. Retail and office space, in addition to an outdoor terrace and new landscaping, would also be incorporated if approved.
6. 372 Yonge Street Condos
Developer: TBA
Architect: DIALOG
Date proposed: July 29th
Size: 406 units, 74 storeys
While not the tallest building application proposed so far this year, this 74-storey high-rise is looking to make a statement on Yonge and Gerrard streets.
The tower would integrate the principal facades of the existing heritage buildings on the development lot into its new podium, including the 1929 Dominion Bank.
Two two-storey reveals on the tenth and 43rd floors would help to break up the mass and provide amenity space. The architect, DIALOG, describes the building’s form as a “simple elegant structure that above reflects the fluting of a classical column.”
7. 1200 Bay Street Condos
Developer: Kroonenberg Group and ProWinko
Architect: Herzog & de Meuron and BDP Quadrangle
Date proposed: June 3rd
Size: 332 units, 87 storeys
Dutch real estate developers Kroonenberg Groep and ProWinko want to contribute to the Yorkville skyline with an 87-storey high-rise on Bay Street.
Replacing an existing office tower, the proposal envisions retail and office spaces for the first 16 floors, followed by a private amenities level that would separate the remaining floors of 332 residential suites. A sizable restaurant and a sky lounge are said to top off the tower. One of the tallest residential buildings in the city, The One, is under construction down the street.
