dt_toronto_geek
Superstar
This is great news, I really look forward to this project moving ahead.
Toronto Five St Joseph | 160.93m | 48s | Five St. Joseph | Hariri Pontarini
condovo
Senior Member
Facade retention is not good enough. Toronto's not some backlot at MGM.
Last edited:
adma
Superstar
Nope. Weasel Toronto lawyer vs pompous South African architect.
cdr108
Senior Member
it's not just facade retention according to the article and other stuff i've read:
here's a good pic of the site, courtesy of smuncky from the Murano thread ...
Last edited:
SP!RE
°°°°°°
Those of you who are fans of this proposal and how it treats Yonge Street (like myself) will be glad to know that the Downtown Yonge BIA is pretty much using this as their preferred model of development along Yonge Street. This project is just outside the BIA, but it's what's being used as an example of how to manage development along Yonge Street in the BIA.
Last edited:
yyzer
Senior Member
from today's Globe....
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published on Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2009 12:00AM EST
Last updated on Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2009 3:37AM EST
YONGE ST. CONDO PLANS WIN FANS
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
Yonge Street merchant Mark Citron was all set to fight a proposed 45-storey condo that would loom above his family's third-generation clothing store, Cat's Cradle, on a historic stretch of Toronto's main street.
Then he heard what the developer had in mind at Yonge and St. Joseph streets: restoration of 19th-century heritage buildings on the half-acre site, not just retention of the facades as often happens on such projects.
"When I found out how they are restoring the buildings, they kind of got me over," said Mr. Citron, though he's still a little uneasy over the height of the condo.
Yesterday, without debate, city council approved the $100-million project that, despite some resident opposition, has support from others as a hopeful sign for the future regeneration of the city's most important street.
"Toronto is not a world-class city without a world-class Main Street," said Mr. Citron, who with his partners has refurbished his own heritage building and wants the city to do more to protect its architectural history. "This is our Main Street."
The large scale of the project, spread over a half-city block at Yonge and St. Joseph, gave the developer, Diamondcorp, unusual flexibility to assemble key pieces in creative ways that appealed to city officials.
For example, the 45-storey tower is set back from streets on three sides, including 30 metres from Yonge to protect its pedestrian-friendly character.
The restored historic commercial buildings, including the vacant Rawlinson Warehouse most recently used as an after-hours club, will be turned into retail and office space, as well as some live-work units.
In the end, the city gave rezoning approval to put up a tall tower with 412 residential units and 2,800 square metres of commercial/retail space, with occupancy by 2012. The project received unanimous endorsement from the Toronto Preservation Board.
"Their reinvestment in the heritage of Yonge Street is unparalleled for a major developer and the tower makes it possible for that reinvestment to occur," said local Councillor Kyle Rae (Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale).
But some in the neighbourhood are not happy.
"This is the second shoe to drop," said Paul Farrelly, a member of the Bay Corridor Community Association, whose members unsuccessfully fought a 28-storey condo about a block to the north and appeared at Toronto and East York community council to question an even taller tower.
Mr. Farrelly says there has been too little consultation with area residents, beyond one required community meeting in advance of approval from city hall. "The developer is having it all his own way," he said.
Standing at the corner of Yonge and St. Joseph, developer Stephen Diamond, president of Diamondcorp., describes his plans to refurbish a row of heritage buildings, whose original red brick has been obscured by paint and gaudy modern signage.
"This part of Yonge Street needs a bit of a lift," he said. But he says other projects under way, including a 80-storey tower at Yonge and Bloor and a recently approved 28-storey condo several blocks north off Yonge, should add momentum to renewal of a major artery.
Among those hopeful of what's to come is James Robison, executive director of the Downtown Yonge business improvement area, which represents retail interests south of Mr. Diamond's project.
"It's a critical project and a model development on Yonge Street," he said.
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
Published on Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2009 12:00AM EST
Last updated on Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2009 3:37AM EST
YONGE ST. CONDO PLANS WIN FANS
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
Yonge Street merchant Mark Citron was all set to fight a proposed 45-storey condo that would loom above his family's third-generation clothing store, Cat's Cradle, on a historic stretch of Toronto's main street.
Then he heard what the developer had in mind at Yonge and St. Joseph streets: restoration of 19th-century heritage buildings on the half-acre site, not just retention of the facades as often happens on such projects.
"When I found out how they are restoring the buildings, they kind of got me over," said Mr. Citron, though he's still a little uneasy over the height of the condo.
Yesterday, without debate, city council approved the $100-million project that, despite some resident opposition, has support from others as a hopeful sign for the future regeneration of the city's most important street.
"Toronto is not a world-class city without a world-class Main Street," said Mr. Citron, who with his partners has refurbished his own heritage building and wants the city to do more to protect its architectural history. "This is our Main Street."
The large scale of the project, spread over a half-city block at Yonge and St. Joseph, gave the developer, Diamondcorp, unusual flexibility to assemble key pieces in creative ways that appealed to city officials.
For example, the 45-storey tower is set back from streets on three sides, including 30 metres from Yonge to protect its pedestrian-friendly character.
The restored historic commercial buildings, including the vacant Rawlinson Warehouse most recently used as an after-hours club, will be turned into retail and office space, as well as some live-work units.
In the end, the city gave rezoning approval to put up a tall tower with 412 residential units and 2,800 square metres of commercial/retail space, with occupancy by 2012. The project received unanimous endorsement from the Toronto Preservation Board.
"Their reinvestment in the heritage of Yonge Street is unparalleled for a major developer and the tower makes it possible for that reinvestment to occur," said local Councillor Kyle Rae (Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale).
But some in the neighbourhood are not happy.
"This is the second shoe to drop," said Paul Farrelly, a member of the Bay Corridor Community Association, whose members unsuccessfully fought a 28-storey condo about a block to the north and appeared at Toronto and East York community council to question an even taller tower.
Mr. Farrelly says there has been too little consultation with area residents, beyond one required community meeting in advance of approval from city hall. "The developer is having it all his own way," he said.
Standing at the corner of Yonge and St. Joseph, developer Stephen Diamond, president of Diamondcorp., describes his plans to refurbish a row of heritage buildings, whose original red brick has been obscured by paint and gaudy modern signage.
"This part of Yonge Street needs a bit of a lift," he said. But he says other projects under way, including a 80-storey tower at Yonge and Bloor and a recently approved 28-storey condo several blocks north off Yonge, should add momentum to renewal of a major artery.
Among those hopeful of what's to come is James Robison, executive director of the Downtown Yonge business improvement area, which represents retail interests south of Mr. Diamond's project.
"It's a critical project and a model development on Yonge Street," he said.
SP!RE
°°°°°°
"Too little consultation with area residents?"
If they consulted any longer, the project would never have a chance of happening!
I hope this is the model for Yonge Street too.... towers set back, heritage facades kept down out front (when the buildings are of historical significance), perhaps someday wider sidewalks on Yonge.
If they consulted any longer, the project would never have a chance of happening!
I hope this is the model for Yonge Street too.... towers set back, heritage facades kept down out front (when the buildings are of historical significance), perhaps someday wider sidewalks on Yonge.
whatever
Senior Member
I wonder how well this one will sell. If the prices are right I could see it selling out almost immediately. I know I'd rather live here than at X2.
Automation Gallery
Superstar
Uncle Teddy
Senior Member
Just because its not under construction right now doesn't mean its not coming.
eloodi95
New Member
I live about a block from this project, and it will be a welcome addition. Any investment to spruce up that area of Yonge/St. Nicholas will be very positive.
In terms of pricing, etc, I noticed in the Staff Report that the 317 of the 400 or so units are termed "one bedroom" with only ninety as "two bedroom"...that ratio usually suggests it won't be a luxury type building, but rather more basic - though with the location the prices will still be steep.
I've been in the rental building right next to it - lovely on the outside, with beautiful common areas. The hallways and units themselves, though, are rather dingy and cheaply finished.
In terms of pricing, etc, I noticed in the Staff Report that the 317 of the 400 or so units are termed "one bedroom" with only ninety as "two bedroom"...that ratio usually suggests it won't be a luxury type building, but rather more basic - though with the location the prices will still be steep.
I've been in the rental building right next to it - lovely on the outside, with beautiful common areas. The hallways and units themselves, though, are rather dingy and cheaply finished.
luxome
Active Member
just curious, is the rental building by the same builder? if not, then i'm sure the interior finishes will be better (i hope..hehe), since it is not a rental building (or will it?)
Automation Gallery
Superstar
Yeah i know....Its the 80 storey that i think is not correct.
cdr108
Senior Member
what rental building? i thought everything around there was condos except for the SE corner of Bay/Wellesley?
