We have a photo update on the ongoing expansion at Yorkdale Mall, courtesy of Forum member drum118. This is a significant building project adding onto one of the largest shopping malls in the country, already containing over 250 stores. Owners Oxford Properties and AIMCO have enlisted MMC Architects to design the additional 145,000 square feet being added.

Yorkdale Mall expansion, image by drum118

Yorkdale Mall expansion, image by drum118

Yorkdale was first opened back in the 1960s, and has subsequently undergone several extensive renovations in order to enlarge the interior spaces and update materials and finishings. Exterior cladding is already being applied to the newest additions, expected to be completed later this year, just in time for the holiday season.

Yorkdale Mall expansion, image by drum118

Yorkdale Mall expansion, image by drum118

The design doesn't break from the traditional suburban mall vernacular — the building continues the low-rise form of the existing mall, and while there's a noted increase in glass, the majority of the exterior will still present a relatively blank wall to the surrounding parking lot. For those drivers already frustrated with the persistent circling of the parking lot during peak season, don't be too distressed, an underground parklot with an 800-car capacity will open, including a "premium valet service" for those too bag-laden to make it to the car.

Site plan showing expansion in yellow, image courtesy of Oxford Properties

The expansion will cost a projected total of $220 million, which won't be too difficult to earn back with the 40 new "first to market" brands that Yorkdale is attracting as tenants. They've also made room for another food court to serve the 400,000+ weekly visitors Yorkdale attracts. While the continued sprawl of Yorkdale is less than ideal from an urban planning and environmental perspective, they're adding 65,000 square feet of green roof as part of their sustainablity initiative in an attempt to reduce atmospheric heating.

West perspective rendering, image courtesy of Oxford Properties

For those city suburban residents looking forward to spending Toronto's scorching summer days within the air-conditioned mall, why not snap a few pictures of the construction while you're there. You can also head over to the project Forum or the dataBase listing to keep up to date with the latest news about the expansion.

Related Companies:  Kramer Design Associates Limited, LiveRoof Ontario Inc, LRI Engineering Inc., Priestly Demolition Inc., RJC Engineers, Urban Strategies Inc.