Renderings and Toronto planning documents can only tell us so much about a building pre-construction, a knowledge gap best filled in by an architectural scale model. We recently had the chance to explore the scale model for Plaza's Bijou on Bloor, on display in the condominium project's Bloor West Village presentation centre.

Bijou on Bloor scale model, image by Craig White

Built by Myles Burke Architectural Models—the creators of many of the scale models seen in presentation centres across the region—the model serves as the centrepiece of Bijou's sales centre. Visitors can explore all sides of the 12-storey, Quadrangle-designed building in detail, helping to fill in the blanks for prospective buyers by showing areas not prominently featured in marketing images.

Bijou on Bloor scale model, image by Craig White

A view of the building's rear at the north side of the site shows how the terraced massing creates several private terraces for residents. This view also shows the parking garage's entrance and a glimpse of the north-facing podium-top outdoor amenity deck.

Bijou on Bloor scale model, image by Craig White

A closer look at the amenity deck shows a collection of seating and dining areas with landscaping, as well as one of the building's green roofed areas.

Bijou on Bloor scale model, image by Craig White

The project is replacing a block of mostly two-storey retail and commercial buildings, including the recently shuttered Humber Cinemas. Upon completion, the project will bring 195 new homes plus new street-fronting retail units to Bloor, just steps from Jane subway station.

Bijou on Bloor scale model, image by Craig White