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The University of Toronto has always been a symbolic representation of our city, with it constantly evolving and innovating to meet the needs of the modern world. Rich in history and tradition, the expansive university is truly a city within the city. New glass and steel structures continue to alter the urban fabric of the campus, creating a dynamic mix of architectural diversity. One particular component of the university that we are focusing on today is Loretto College, a women's residence within St. Michael's College. Their current building is located at 70 St. Mary Street, a quiet side street near Bay and Bloor. Loretto College first broadcast their interest in redeveloping their property in July 23, 2010, when they submitted an application for a new 19-storey mixed-use building. After over a year of public inactivity, the college modified their plans and submitted a new application for a 40-storey building. Bousfields, an urban planning firm, was hired to the shepherd the application through the process, while architectsAlliance was engaged to design the building. The planning application can be found here.
On June 26, 2012, the redevelopment of 70 St. Mary Street was presented to the public in greater detail at a community consultation meeting where representatives from the City of Toronto planning department, Loretto College, Bousfields, and architectsAlliance provided information to area residents. The Sisters of Loretto are a religious order dedicated to the Catholic faith, and enriching the lives of young women at the university. As their current facility continues to age and become outdated, the Sisters require a new building to address their needs. The redevelopment proposes that a 38-storey tower rise from a 2-storey podium, to a total of 40 storeys. Institutional and amenity space such as administration and conference offices are planned for the podium levels. A 2-storey chapel along St. Mary Street is planned to be the centrepiece, anchoring the base of the building. A landscaped roof with outdoor amenity space is planned on top of the podium. The Loretto Sisters will continue to provide their current services at the new building.
The tower makes up the residential component of the development. Levels 3 through 5 are designated for the suites of the Loretto Sisters. Levels 4 through 8 are indicated as student residences: the 115 dormitory spaces are planned to house female students of the university. Condominium units above the student residences are planned to help fund the college portion of the new building, so the remaining levels from 9 through 39 are allocated to residential condominiums, totalling 220 units. Indoor amenity space would be located on the 40th floor. Taking inspiration from other colleges within the University of Toronto such a Massey College, the Loretto Sisters are also seeking a prominent courtyard green space as part of their new building.
The 70 St. Mary Street site falls along the edge of two areas with separate zoning designations. To the south and west is a zone reserved for institutional usage, mainly occupied by university buildings. The area to the east is designated as mixed-use and considered suitable for intensification. Although technically situated on the institutional side of the zoning border, the tower portion is planned to rise along the eastern part of the property. That is the side closest to the Bay Street corridor and main part of mixed-use downtown. Another reason for the east-side location of the tower is the limit to visual impact on the south view terminus on St. Thomas Street, establishing 77 Charles Street as the main focal point.
As part of their dedication to the environmental, the Loretto Sisters look to meet or exceed LEED Silver Certification on their new building. The use of materials was also discussed during the meeting, with stone cladding on the podium portion. Fritted glass or stone screen panels will adorn the tower. Balconies will be located on the south and west faces of the building. The terraced balconies will add an extra dimension to the building, creating a double facade appearance. UrbanToronto will provide updates on this development as it progresses. To join the discussion, please check out the forum thread here.
| Related Companies: | architects—Alliance, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners |
