Work is underway at Lawrence Avenue and Dufferin Street in North York to prepare for construction of the first phase at Lanterra Developments' large Treviso Condominium community. UrbanToronto member Drum188 brings us this late December shot of the completed demolition of two big box stores, the first step in the process of constructing the U shaped phase, marked by a 20-storey point tower rising over 8-storey podiums.

Demolition has begun at the site of Treviso I by Lanterra Developments, image by Drum118, 2011.12.25

The view above looks southeast towards Lawrence Avenue. The view below, taken in June of last year before the stores came down, is taken from the opposite corner of this site, looking west across the parking lot. In sight beyond the billboard and the fence is the roofline of Treviso's presentation centre.

Looking west across the future site of Treviso I by Lanterra Developments, image by Drum118, 2011.06.18

Treviso, kitty corner from the Columbus Centre, the cultural heart of Toronto's significant Italian commnity, has been designed by Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects with Italian sensibilities in mind. Phases I and II will be centered around a piazza-like meeting space. Separating the two phases will be a canal running north-south, bridged twice. Running west from the canal between the arms of Phase II will be two bocce courts. Between the arms of Phase I to the east will be a raised sun deck with trellis, gardens, and hot tub. Design of the outdoor spaces here is by the NAK Design Strategies.

Looking down on the central piazza at Treviso Condominiums by Lanterra Developments

While these courtyard areas will be recreation spaces for Treviso's residents, much of ground level which face the surrounding streets will given over to retail. Below, a view looking northeast across Lawrence Avenue to a new location for Shppers Drug Mart, currently located on a portion of the site which will eventually feature Phase III.

Looking northeast across Lawrence to Treviso I and ground level retail

Treviso's suites are all provided with deep, generous balconies. Those in the podium sections feature large built-in planters which should bring out the green thumbs of the residents.

Here is how Treviso's site plan works, at the northeast corner of Lawrnece and Dufferin:

Site plan of the Treviso community by Lanterra Developments

UrbanToronto has recently expanded our dataBase listing for Treviso with another dozen renderings, some of which you see above, and which taken together give you a good overall view of how Phases I and II will appear when complete. You can visit it at the link below, or choose the Projects & Construction Forum thread link if you would like to see more photos of the site or join in the discussion! The associated Real Estate Forum thread is a place for pruchasers or interested parties to talk about their upcoming new home.