When we last checked in on construction progress at the Bay Adelaide Centre East, the tower's complex, self-climbing cranes were in the process of being dismantled, while the 44 storey building's striking heritage elements were unveiled in the podium. Now, the first commercial tenant for the complex's unique podium has been announced, as exterior work continues to near completion.

The East Tower (left) following the dismantling of the west crane, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Nastapoka

The project by Brookfield Properties—featuring design by KPMB and Adamsson Assiociates Architects—is notable for its unique heritage treatment, which imbues historical preservation with explicitly new elements.

The new facade, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Nastapoka

Featuring what heritage specialists ERA Architects describe as a ghost wall, the podium features a preserved heritage facade alongside a modern addition. While the historical building was originally situated on the northwest corner of Yonge and Adelaide, the construction process saw the 19th century facade moved half a block to the north, making way for a new podium on the corner.

A closeup of the ghost wall, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Nastapoka

The new frontage, however, is significantly longer than the heritage facade, leading to the bold addition of the replicated ghost wall, which was cast from a mold of the original building. Compared to the original, the new addiction is at once a faithful replica, and a striking departure.

Looking south on Temperance street, the heritage facade will house new retail, imgage by UrbanToronto Forum contributor condovo

Now, as the last of the cranes have descended the building and exterior work nears completion, Sud Forno has been announced as a commercial tenant for the Bay Adelaide Centre's heritage podium. For the artisanal Italian bakery—a branch of the popular Terroni restaurants—the Bay Adelaide outpost will be the popular Queen West takeout spot's second location. 

A closeup of the future retail space, image by Craig White

Featuring an extensive selection of handcrafted southern Italian bread and sandwiches, the bakery will add a serious splash of character and vibrancy to the Financial District's largely corporate retail landscape. 

Another view of the soon-to-be retail space, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor condovo

We will keep you updated ahead of Bay Adelaide East's opening in 2016, with new announcements and construction updates forthcoming. Until then, additional information about the project can be found in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or add your voice in the comments section provided at the bottom of this page.