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Igernan Limited has proposed an ambitious development unmatched in height and density in the area surrounding Sheppard West subway station. Designed by Hi! Architects Inc., it would feature three towers ranging from 50 to 55 storeys, housing a total of 1,759 residential units. Positioned just a seven-minute walk from the station, the development includes the retention of a significant portion of the site's existing office complex in Toronto’s Downsview Park area.
The site at 20 De Boers Drive spans approximately 13,936m², primarily occupied by a commercial building featuring office units known as the Domo Centre. Nestled between Sheppard Avenue West and Allen Road, the proposal notes the site is the final phase of the Site and Area Specific Policy 55 (SASP 55) area, part of the Official Plan for this wedge-shaped sector. It highlights recent developments within the SASP, including the Avro Condos and WestLine Condos, both completed at 14 storeys. Historically, the surrounding neighbourhood has featured lower heights and densities.
The combined Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment application entails three high-rise towers, reaching 50 (150.3m), 52 (155.95m) and 55 storeys (164.5m) high. They are slated to house 605, 616, and 538 units respectively, with a shared podium ranging from three to seven storeys.
The total proposed Gross Floor Area (GFA) is 110,935m², including 1,329m² of retail space and 5,661m² of office space. The project also retains a significant portion of the existing commercial complex, incorporating it into the new development. With four elevators per tower, this translates to about one elevator for every 152, 154, and 135 suites, indicating significantly longer than preferable wait times for residents, some longer than others.
The development plans include the retention of the existing three levels of underground garage along with six levels of above-grade parking. There would be 707 resident, 109 commercial, and 34 visitor parking spaces, with all residential spaces set to be equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging capabilities. For cyclists, there would be 1,244 long-term and 102 short-term spots.
Plans call for 2,395m² of indoor and 2,696m² of outdoor amenities. At grade, the developer envisions a new grocery store, a daycare centre, and a café or restaurant, revitalizing the Domo Centre.
Sustainability measures include an extensive green roof atop the podium, internal green walls from the existing building, and the exploration of a geothermal energy network. The project would be executed in two phases, with the first focusing on demolishing and rebuilding the eastern half and the second adding a tower to the retained western structure.
Located 350m northwest of Sheppard West station, residents would have easy access to University Line 1, leading variously to such destinations as Downtown, Yorkdale, York University, and Vaughan. The site is also about 1km from Downsview Park station, served by the Barrie GO line as well as the same TTC subway line, with fast trips to Union Station being an option. Metrolinx are currently studying the extension of Sheppard Line 4 to Sheppard West station, indicating potentially faster future transit access to the east. TTC buses pass by, offering finer grained service throughout the city's northwest. Drivers, meanwhile, would have direct access to Sheppard Avenue and Allen Road, with quick connections to Highway 401.
There are other projects and proposals in the area. To the south, nearer to Sheppard West station, plans include a 5-storey office building and a 14-storey mixed-use rental at 1377 and 1050 Sheppard Avenue West respectively. To the east, Greenwich Village is under construction, featuring a 5-storey condo-townhouse development, with nearby proposals at 813 and 824 Sheppard Avenue West for 11 and 12-storey buildings respectively.
Further west, on the other side of Downsview Park, development plans intensify significantly. The Canada Lands Company (CLC), a federal Crown corporation, is spearheading the development of the Downsview Lands through the id8 Downsview program, partnering with Northcrest Developments. This 520-acre master plan includes the Downsview West District, poised to house over 8,000 residential units, and Arbo, set to introduce over 1,400 units in its initial phase and aims for about 4,000 units upon completion.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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| Related Companies: | Arcadis, RWDI Climate and Performance Engineering, Urban Strategies Inc. |
