Over the past few years University Avenue has seen a string of new development proposals, some like the Shangri-La now realized, all hoping to add height to the streetscape. Should they be designed properly with more porosity at street level to promote more pedestrian engagement, and if the materials and attention to detail are of high quality, the proposals may one day transform the thoroughfare into the truly grand avenue it was originally intended to become.

Another development proposal notice board recently posted on University Avenue furthers that possible transformation, and has been generating quite the buzz amongst our forum members. The owners of 481 University Avenue and 210 Dundas Street West, currently the site of a pair of 8 and 9-storey office buildings along with a smaller 3 and 4-storey pair on Centre Avenue, have applied for a zoning amendment which would allow the construction of a 55-storey mixed use tower containing up to residential 748 units and 378 parking spaces.  

Development proposal board at 481 University Avenue, image by AlbertC

The design seen in the rendering below depicts a tower approximately 186 metres (610 feet) in height, rising from the existing structure. A combination of blue and bronze-hued glass, draws from the neighbourhood’s institutional architecture, both old and new.

Rendering of the proposal as seen on the development proposal board

Not depicted in the rendering above, an arcade would run north from Dundas and University and the ground floor retail would be renewed. The entrance for the new condominium would be on Centre Avenue, for which the two structures seen below would be demolished.

Properties fronting Centre Ave, proposed to be demolished, image from Google Streetview

Owned by Davpart and Smith Company, the limestone-clad office building currently occupying the site was built in 1961 and designed by architects Marani and Morris. Probably not coincidentally, B+H Architects, the architecture firm responsible for the rendering above, has their office within the building.

Current 9-storey structure at 481 University, image from Google Streetview

It is likely that this application is an effort to have the site rezoned for future sale to a big-name developer, and therefore does not represent a fully-realized plan for redevelopment at this time.

We will be sure to return for a closer look as details emerge on this project. In the meantime, to get involved in the discussion, check out the related forum thread, here, or voice your opinion in the comments section below.

Related Companies:  Aercoustics Engineering Ltd, B+H Architects, Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Bousfields, Grounded Engineering Inc., L.A. Inc., Rebar Enterprises Inc, RJC Engineers