The downtown east side is a district of Toronto that we're watching closely. With the redevelopment of the West Don Lands and the continued construction within the Distillery District, this is an area of Toronto that is sure to see some dramatic changes in its built form. One project in particular has caught our attention, and is already impacting the area. Streetcar Developments and Dundee Realty have paired up for Trinity Lofts — already well under construction — located at Eastern Avenue and Trinity.

Project rendering for Trinity Lofts, image courtesy of Streetcar Developments

Designed by Giannone Petricone Associates, the mid size eight-storey condominium hasn't received its due attention, a side effect of living in a city obsessed with height. We're looking forward to seeing more projects like this popping up around the city, particular after the guidelines set forward under the Avenues and Mid-Rise Study.

Trinity Lofts, image by Edward Skira

The design of Trinity Lofts is definitely unique — the gentle curve references Eastern Avenue's similar curve east of Parliament, as well as mid-century design. The architects broke away from the glass cube architectural vernacular so prolific in Toronto, and while still extensively employing glass have countered it visually through brick bands that indicate floors and reference the site's history. Renderings show the use of wood as well, which will hopefully carry through to the building's interiors.

Trinity Lofts, image by Edward Skira

Trinity Lofts, image by Edward Skira

Built on the southern edge of Corktown, Trinity Lofts is situated in the heart of Toronto's built history; originally home to the waves of Irish immigrants employed in the Distillery District, Corktown has some of the city's oldest buildings, and some of the best examples of early Victorian architecture. The building respectfully situates itself within the neighborhood through its height and materiality, without being overtly historicist.

Trinity Lofts, image by Edward Skira

We've received great feedback on the project so far — the boutique size, unique location and design have impressed those who have been following its progress. We're looking forward to seeing Trinity Lofts completed later this year, and will keep you updated with photos as construction wraps up. For more information including floor plans, check out the dataBase listing, and let us know what you think in the comments below, or the associate project forum.