In a strategy of intensification of its main avenues, Toronto is seeing more and more mid-rise buildings adding density—and sometimes even character—to streets and neighbourhoods whose urban environment do not allow for the insertion of tall buildings. The Ossington area is going through such a phase of transformation, and Abacus Lofts is both a symbol of a new era in Toronto urbanism and a standout example that other developers might want to follow in future developments around the city.

The East side of the building is now full covered with charcoal bricks, picture by agoraflaneur

The 8-storey building has a bold and innovative design, especially in evidence on the north side in the form of wedges which progressively break with Dundas' off-grid alignment. On the south side the building steps down to match the height of houses boarding Skey Lane and Grove Avenue. Designed by Quadrangle Architects and RAW, Abacus is an unmistakable addition to the trendy and on-the-spot surroundings.

The black facade adds a very modern feeling to Dundas Street West, picture by agoraflaneur

Since our last update where the concrete shell was sealed out by black-tinted windows and frames, the building has seen some progress with the charcoal brick now fully applied on the east wall as well as on the concrete battens in between the windows, while the west side of the building is still being coated with the same grey-toned material. Quite prominent when walking down the street, these blank walls on each side of the building will actually allow for optimal future developments along that strip without interfering with the views from the units. 

The West side of the building is being full covered with charcoal bricks, picture by agoraflaneur

Developed by DAZ and builder 59 Project Management between Ossignton Road and Dufferin Street, Abacus has replaced an auto-repair shop in this exciting part of town benefiting from a growing offer of shops, restaurants and other cultural and food venues. Right on the Dundas streetcar line—and for when temperatures will rise again, steps away from Trinity Bellwoods Park—residents of the 39 suites will enjoy the proximity of a lot of what's best in Toronto. Originally scheduled to be completed in 2014, we are looking forward to seeing move-ins to both the condominiums suites and the retail space on the ground floor later this year, bringing life to the triangular patio space created by the shape of the building.

View of Abacus Lofts from the North side of Dundas Street West, picture by agoraflaneur

Additional information and renderings can be found in our dataBase file for the project, linked below. If you wish to get involved in the discussion, check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.

Related Companies:  BDP Quadrangle, MGI Construction Corp., RAW Design, Tarra Engineering & Structural Consultants Inc