Along the banks of the Humber River, new trees and plants are sprouting from the fertile valley soils. Across the street though, a different kind of structure is taking root. Pianosi Development Corporation is working on transforming a former dull and dreary suburban strip mall into a vibrant two-towered condominium development along the scenic river valley.

Perspective Condominiums by Turner Fleischer Architects for Pianosi Development Group

Over the past year crews have been busy demolishing the old building and excavating the massive pit for the 250-unit Perspective Condominiums soon to occupy the site. With most units housing two bedrooms, Pianosi are gearing this towards a family oriented market, a stark difference between the predominantly one-bedroom unit buildings on offer downtown.

Former strip mall turned sales office at Perspective Condominiums, Streetview image courtesy of Google Maps

Exacavation pit at Perspective Condominiums with the Humber Valley lining the left side, image by Brandon Leal

Toronto's underlying Dundas shale is close to the surface at the Perspective site, so crews have been able to dig down here without the need for extensive shoring work as there is virtually no earth to have to hold back. Instead of pile drivers on this site, backhoes here use hammers to bust the rock up.

Crews work to straighten the excavated walls, image by Brandon Leal

Crane assembly underway at Perspective Condominiums, image by Brandon Leal

Work on the excavation has now finished and the first of the two cranes on site has been raised. Residents of the Turner Fleischer Architects-designed development will occupy the 12 and 18 storey towers' upper floors, while much needed commercial retail spaces will be found at street level. City planners acknowledged the risks the developer was taking with the commercial spaces given the low foot traffic in the area, while praising Pianosi for following the following the direction for new mixed-use development. Several other buildings in the area and surrounding neighbourhoods should provide customers for the new merchants here.

Street level Retail Component at Perspective Condominiums, image courtesy fo Pianosi Development Group

The combination of the river, adjacent golf course and existing stable low-rise neighbourhoods surrounding the site means residents will be guaranteed spectacular views of the city and natural valley lands for many years to come. Outdoor amenity spaces, designed by The MBTW Group / Watchorn Architect, include outdoor dining and lounging spaces encircling a stone fireplace. Indoors residents will be able to enjoy a pool, home theatre space, and a virtual golf simulator, all designed by Bryon Patton and Associates.

Outdoor amenity space at Perspective Condominiums, image courtesy of Pianosi Development Group

Though the site may not be downtown, residents will be able to make their way across the city with easy access to two major arterial roads, the nearby 427 and 401 highways, along with frequent TTC 24-Hour bus service and a future western extension of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

As the building takes shape, UrbanToronto will keep you posted on the latest construction updates. Check out our dataBase entry below, and have your say about the latest addition to the Humber Ravine by joining the discussion in one of our associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.