Toronto The Selby | 165.5m | 50s | Tricon | bKL Architecture

[GenerationLee]

Now this should be rising fast, for it has a relatively slim floorplate.

 

[torontologist]

This is what happens when you get an outside firm to design something. It's creative, it's innovative, it's different.

No balconies = A+
Brick = A+
Colour! = A+

Well, it's a purpose built rental, so there's no pressure to appeal to investors who require a balcony/don't care if the building is 50 shades of grey.

 

[Midtown Urbanist]

It looks like there are balconies, but they are just recessed rather than sticking out.

Hopefully they set precedent for developers in this city.

 

[interchange42]

There have been buildings with recessed balconies over the years: this one isn't an indication of a new trend.

42

 

[cd concept]

How long will it take to top this high rise up. I haven't seen a skyscraper go up that isn't blue, green or white and black in years in the downtown core!

 

[stjames2queenwest]

Work on this has been really fast. I live near by and will definitely post pics as soon as I see cladding.

 

[maestro]

Precast with a brick face is not uncommon in Toronto either. It could go either way too depending on the brick selection. RafBig is involved in that selection.

 

[Momin]

Update: http://urbantoronto.ca/news/2016/12/bkl-designed-selby-rising-over-sherbourne-street

 

[GeneralGrievance]

Here are some extra shots from this morning that didn't make it into the story:

 

[TheKingEast]

Looking good already

 

[Edward Skira]

This morning.

 

[Roy G Biv]

The mansion was moved way too close to the street, no? Shouldn't it be at the same set-back as James Cooper?

 

[Tuscani01]

The mansion was moved way too close to the street, no? Shouldn't it be at the same set-back as James Cooper?

James Cooper isn't really that set-back either. The difference is very minimal:

https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6709...4!1snGsJIEFvI2dfRTpZ-Uy7CA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

[GeneralGrievance]

Part of the rationale for moving it so close to the street—aside from making more room for the tower—was to bring in a retail space fronting Sherbourne.
Compared to James Cooper (which, as @Tuscani01 points out, isn't that set-back either), the hope is that the historic frontage will do a bit more to engage the street and invite people in, with a possible cafe or some-such.

 

[stjames2queenwest]

I was surprised by how close to the street they brought it as well, but I think it was a good decision it really has presence. The intersection feels very "grand" now. I suspect that by the time the 3 other nearby projects are done this will be a very exciting and urban spot. Sherbourne has a lot of neglected, but beautiful houses, I am glad that some of them are getting a new life.