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The previous home of the popular Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) in Toronto’s Entertainment District is transforming with the continuing rise of 400 King West. Designed by BDP Quadrangle for Plaza, the 48-storey development has made steady progress throughout 2024. Since UrbanToronto’s last update at the end of 2023, forming has moved from the podium to the tower levels, and cladding has now made its first appearance.
In June, 2024 we face east along Charlotte Street to the eight storeys formed of the west volume. A thick concrete transfer slab is seen above the third storey. Above the sixth floor, a step-back and another thick concrete transfer slab can be observed. Beyond that, formwork activities are progressing on the tower levels. Back at grade along the north wall, insulation panels set the stage for the installation of red brick precast exterior cladding, aligning with the area’s brick warehouse heritage.
A month later, the application of precast cladding has proceeded to the third level, where bevels provide a textural contrast to the flat panels below. The third level — with indoor amenity uses — will feature four columns of vertical windows, with thin grey mullions and spandrel panels, which will transition to a more extensive window wall system in the residential storeys above.
Looking south to the east end of the north elevation in July, 2024, precast brick-faced cladding also covers much of the first two storeys here. An outdoor amenity terrace will be found above the third floor parapet wall atop the base. Above this are two further step-backs positioned above the sixth and tenth storeys. Additionally, to the right, there are seven storeys formed for the northward-extending arm, forming an L-shaped massing above the base levels.
This month, looking northeast across King and Charlotte streets, construction has reached 15 storeys. Above the 16th level, a concrete boom pump stands to the right side of the crane. The south elevation showcases projecting balconies on the upper levels of the podium, which precede another outdoor amenity area designed to transition into the tower section. Currently, seven storeys of the tower have been formed, set to feature windows surrounded by white piers. A construction hoist is installed against the south elevation near its southwest corner, so far extending up to the bottom of the tower.
Looking southwest across Peter Street, the building's massing is prominently displayed with the two step-backs along the east side. To the right, the northwest arm features a step-back above the sixth floor, with four levels formed above. The north facade is clad with pre-cast brick panels up to the step-back. At the topmost visible floor, the 16th, active formwork is evident, with concrete columns and exposed rebar on the east end, alongside formwork along the north side, preparing for subsequent concrete pours.
Upon completion, 400 King West will ascend to a final height of 157.37m, housing 612 residential units plus commercial space on the first two levels.
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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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
