As the price of land skyrockets around the GTA, developers are densifying areas of Toronto which might at first glance not appeal particularly. This stretch of Highway 427 in Etobicoke, just north of Bloor St W, is one area that some would scoff at, but it has proven to be a sales success with two particular projects. At present the roadway is lined primarily with rental apartment buildings, medium-rise commercial, and some older condos, but West Village and One Valhalla are two major projects that are refreshing the area's skyline.

West Village and One Valhalla along the 427, image by UT Forum member drum118

Currently in construction, the multi-phased masterplan for Tridel's West Village at 399 the West Mall, immediately adjacent to the major roadway, includes 4 residential towers built in an enclave with green space, pedestrian pathways and condo/neighbourhood amenities. 

West Village masterplan, image courtesy of Tridel

The two southernmost 30-ish storey towers are more than halfway complete, with Tower 1's uppermost levels being formed and poured and Tower 2 closing in just behind, as illustrated in the photo below.

West Village, image by UT Forum member drum118

At Tower 1, (above, to the left), precast has been completed up to the 12th floor, just ahead of the ongoing window installation. Drywalling of the interiors has started on the lower levels. Concrete pours continue at Tower 2, (above, to the right), where precast and glazing also make their way up the exterior. UT forum member Tridelwebmaster has provided us with photos but you can watch the progress online as the West Village live construction camera updates every 30 minutes with a new photo. The project, designed by Rafael + Bigauskas Architects, is registered with the Canada Green Building Council to pursue certification by the LEED® Green Building Rating System.

Entrance at West Village, image by UT forum member Tridelwebmaster

Below is a shot of the two-storey entrance lobby's interior. 

Two-storey lobby at West Village, image by UT forum member Tridelwebmaster

This is a view looking out over the 427 towards leafy low-rise suburbs from one of the suites in Tower 1. Tower 2 is just to the front.

View looking out towards Tower 2 at West Village, image by UT forum member Tridelwebmaster

And on the east side of the 427, almost neck and neck with West Village, is Edilcan's condo complex, One Valhalla.

One Valhalla, image by UT forum member drum118

The project is located on the site of the former Valhalla Inn which closed its doors in 2009. The site includes a one-acre landscaped podium from which three glass towers will rise, from to 22 to 35 storeys, and 68 private townhomes, two and three stories in height. The first tower is now occupying, while the second tower, the tallest, dubbed 'Thunderbird', is now rising. The third phase, dubbed 'Triumph', is currently registering.

One Valhalla masterplan, image courtesy of Edilcan

The architect of record for One Valhalla is Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects in collaboration with ERA Architects, and the surrounding landscaping is designed by Schollen & Company Inc. Many elements of the original swinging-sixites-Scandinavian design of the Valhalla Inn have been preserved, and will be woven into the complex's amenities by Munge Leung.

Townhomes at One Valhalla, image by Nigel Terpstra

To see more renderings or learn more about the projects, check out the dataBase listings below or join the discussion in our Forum.