Judy Lamelza
Special to Ontario Construction News
A proposal to build a 65-storey tower near St. James Park in downtown Toronto is being spearheaded by Stafford Developments and Greybrook Realty Partners.
Situated at 110 and 112 Adelaide St. E. and 85 Lombard St., the proposed site currently houses a four-storey office building. This new development, designed by Arcadis, aims to integrate seamlessly into an area characterized by a mix of heritage buildings and more modern mid-rise structures.
Planning includes addressing shadow impacts on St. James Park and ensuring the new structure enhances, rather than overshadows, the neighborhood’s character. Community feedback and ongoing consultations will play crucial roles in refining the final design.
Demolition of existing structures is scheduled for summer 2025 and construction is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
BlogTo reports that the design creates a sleek, modern aesthetic while respecting the historical context of the area. The tower’s height of over 217 meters poses significant structural engineering challenges. The construction team will need to address issues through innovative engineering solutions, particularly in the building’s foundation and core to ensure stability and safety in Toronto’s dense urban environment.
The project will utilize high-strength concrete and steel to support the slender, high-rise structure. Advanced construction methods such as computerized dynamic analysis for wind and seismic loading, and the use of tuned mass dampers to reduce sway, are essential components of the design, ensuring the tower’s resilience against natural forces.
The tower will house 600 residential units alongside 400 sq. m. of retail space and 330 sq. m. of office space. This mixed-use approach not only enhances the utility of the building but also presents complex logistical challenges during construction, requiring precise scheduling and phasing to minimize disruptions to various workflows.
The plan includes:
- 36,370 sq. m. for residential use
- 400 sq. m. for retail
- 330 sq. m. for office uses
- five elevators
- 1,220 sq. m. of outdoor amenities
- 480 sq. m. of indoor amenities
- 540 long-term and 120 short-term bicycle parking
Reflecting modern construction trends, the project aims for LEED certification with a focus on sustainable building practices. This includes the management of construction waste, the use of recycled materials, and the incorporation of energy-efficient systems and fixtures.
With no vehicular parking planned, the project heavily promotes sustainable transit solutions, including extensive bicycle parking facilities. The proximity to the upcoming Ontario Line’s Moss Park Station adds a layer of complexity to the construction phase, necessitating careful coordination with municipal transit authorities to manage impacts on the surrounding transportation network.