Ontario Construction News special feature
In the heart of Toronto’s financial district, a project is reshaping the city’s skyline and setting new standards for architectural excellence and sustainability. The project at 160 Front Street West, driven by a collaborative effort among key stakeholders, showcases resilience and innovation in overcoming unforeseen challenges.
Fine Line International managed the BIM coordination process for all mechanical services under Modern Niagara, which included HVAC and plumbing systems, producing various types of drawings, including shop drawings, coordination drawings, installation drawings, and fabrication drawings.
Throughout the project, Fine Line collaborated closely with several key stakeholders, including PCL Construction, B+H Architects, Read Jones Christoffersen (RJC), Smith and Andersen, Plan Group, and Johnson Controls (JCI), to optimize efficiency and mitigate potential conflicts.
The project, set to become one of Toronto’s tallest structures by 2025, boasts several unique features that set it apart. With a total gross floor area of approximately 1.63 million square feet, the 46-story tower stands as a testament to modern architectural prowess, offering 1.2 million square feet of office space.
In addition to the 1.2 million square feet of office space, the building features over 12,000 square feet of retail space, catering to the needs of tenants and visitors alike. Additionally, a four-story podium and four levels of below-grade parking accommodate 339 cars and provide bike storage for 507 bikes.
A renovated six-story heritage building adjacent to the tower adds historical charm to the development.
PCL and Cadillac Fairview have implemented innovative SMART building and construction technologies, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. The project is designed to meet LEED® Platinum and WELL Building Standards, prioritizing environmental stewardship and occupant wellness.
Since its inception in 2018, the project has navigated a complex schedule, grappling with initial setbacks that resulted in falling behind schedule. However, the unforeseen pause in construction due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for recalibration and optimization.
“During this hiatus, we seized the chance to reevaluate our processes, bolstering our manpower and refining our strategies to enhance efficiency,” said Andy Daniel at Fineline International. “This proactive approach enabled us to mitigate delays and regain momentum once construction resumed, ultimately positioning us to surpass project milestones and make up for lost time.”
A partnership with Modern Niagara ensured financial viability. Despite potential overruns inherent in large-scale endeavors, our collaborative efforts have safeguarded profitability, underscoring the strength of the partnership and commitment to project success.
Images provided by Fine Line International.