Location: 328 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Developer: First Capital
Architect: BDP Quadrangle
A major intersection in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood could be getting another high-rise addition if new development plans are approved.
Earlier this month, a zoning by-law amendment and draft plan of subdivision application was put forward to city planners to construct a 37-storey mixed-use tower with 366 units at 328 Bloor Street West. The developer, First Capital, is known for its plans to build a vertical forest condo in Yorkville, and transform the former Mr. Christie cookie factory site.
The rectangular development area is located on the northeast corner of Bloor Street West and Spadina Road, at 320, 328 and 332 Bloor Street West. A series of two- and three-storey buildings with office and commercial uses currently occupy the site. One of the entrances to the Spadina TTC station also exists next door.
The proposal is directly across the street from another high-rise development application pitched for 334 Bloor Street West by The Brown Group of Companies, which entails new condo, retail and office space.
If approved, the application would see the creation of a 37-storey mixed-use tower with an eight-storey base building and two new privately owned, publicly accessible spaces (POPS). Of the 366 units proposed for the building, the breakdown would include 221 one-bedroom, 107 two-bedroom and 38 three-bedroom suites. Juliette balconies would be integrated throughout the development in lieu of formal balconies in order to reinforce “the elegance of the tower.”
Designed by BDP Quadrangle, the high-rise would showcase a metal calling architectural ribbon containing vertical terracotta panels and vision glass on the exterior, arranged in a way that would give the “illusion of the building being unwrapped on all facades, extending to the building base,” according to the planning rationale.
The main entrance to the tower would be located in the northwest corner of the site off of Spadina Road, connecting to a secondary entrance at the east side of the building via a corridor.
The tower’s setback from the road would create an “increased pedestrian realm,” that would function as a POPS on the south and east sides, framed by the tower’s architectural pillars. The perimeter of the ground floor would be surrounded by a band of angled pavers, along with seating areas and planters. A mid-block woonerf on the east side of the tower would lend entry to the underground parking garage and a pedestrian connection to the nearby Paul Martel Park. Commercial entrances would front onto Bloor Street West and the POPS.
Long- and short-term bicycle storage would occupy the base building’s second floor, while a mix of residential units, indoor and outdoor amenity space would be included on the third level. Additional amenity space would be added on the tower’s ninth and 29th levels, inclusive of outdoor terraces with seating and barbeque areas.
A two-level underground parking garage would provide 61 spaces for vehicles. A total of 447 bicycle parking spots would also be included throughout the site.
In the neighbourhood, sales continue at 321 Davenport Condos and Cielo Condos.
