Though the majority of Toronto's development is centred in and around downtown, some developers know that there are good sites worth intensifying in other parts of the city. On the edge of the Humber River Valley, just south of Eglinton Avenue West, Pianosi Development Corporation has worked quickly to transform an old strip plaza into the elegant Perspective Condominiums.

Aerial view of Perspective Condos overlooking the scenic Humber Valley and city, image courtesy of Pianosi Development

When we last checked in on the progress in the summer of 2013, crews had just finished excavating their way through the shallow Dundas Shale bedrock and started assembly of the project's two cranes. Much has changed over the last year and the Turner-Fleischer Architects-designed building is now coming to life.

Toronto's brutal 2013-2014 winter certainly didn't help the construction schedule however, and crews did well to brave the snow and infamous "polar vortex" in order to keep the project moving ahead. During these months work was primarily focus on the underground parking lot and mechanical needs of the building.

January: Crews brave the harsh cold to keep construction moving, image by Brandon Leal

As the spring weather improved, the race to make up for lost time was on with the site often in full construction mode not just on weekdays, but on weekends as well. Steady progress helped crews construct much of the 5-storey podium by early August 2014.

August: Podium  and entrance driveway taking shape at Perspective Condos viewed from the west, image courtesy of Pianosi Development

Toronto's even keeled and well mannered Summer 2014 was a blessing to both crews working on this site and contractors across the city looking to make up for lost time. With three cement truck access points and two cranes working non-stop, progress on the towers' construction is limited only by the time needed for the concrete to cure. The 20 and 12-storey project now boasts its completed 5-storey podium and a growing pair of towers now at their 4th and 7th floors respectively.

September: Perspective Condos two towers grow together, image by Brandon Leal

While the quick-paced action above is most noticeable, recent installation of the precast cladding segments on the south podium facade has added a new layer of interest to the construction site.

Precast-concrete cladding on podium of Perspective Condos, image by Brandon Leal

Once the application of the cladding is complete, the precast segments will be accompanied by a mixture of red brick and glass, encasing the much anticipated ground floor retail component. With the additions of shops and businesses to this section of the scenic Humber landscape, local residents and their over 250 soon-to-be new neighbours can expect a much more varied and vibrant neighbourhood centre.

Rendering of retail amenities at Perspective Condos, image courtesy of Pianosi Development

As Perspective Condos and other projects beyond our more scrutinized downtown continue to take shape and fill in the gaps in the city's suburban fabric, UrbanToronto will keep you up to date with the latest details and developments. Want to low more about Perspective? Check out the database file linked below for more information and renderings. Want to get in on the conversation? You can add your voice into the conversation in the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.