As Toronto continues to grow vertically, much of the city seems caught in sharp and sudden divides between imposing skyscrapers and single-family homes. In a relatively young city facing such a rapid influx of high-rise development, finding a middle ground between these two extremes can sometimes be difficult. Yet, there are nonetheless parts of Toronto where an intimately scaled urban character can be found. Foremost among them is St. Clair Avenue west of Yonge, where Madison Homes and Fieldgate Homes' ZIGG Condos is set to add 11 storeys and 166 units of modest density.

Rendering of ZIGG Condos from viewed from St. Clair West, image courtesy of Madison/Fieldgate

For much of its length, St. Clair west of Yonge epitomizes the sort of modestly scaled urbanism that exists in somewhat short supply throughout the city. The combination of a streetcar ROW and mid-rise buildings lends the stretch an urban yet intimately scaled ambiance. Sensitively fitting into the character of the area, ZIGG Condos will be located at the intersection St. Clair Avenue West and Poplar Plains Road, just west of Avenue.

Aerial rendering showing the graduated terraces, image courtesy of Madison/Fieldgate

The 11-storey building is in keeping with the mid-rise character of the neighborhood, while the graduated terraces on the south side of the building provide the privacy and scale of a small backyard or patio. Overlooking Downtown Toronto, the recessed terraces—which give the building the ziggurat-like shape (seen above) for which the project is named—offer an intimate yet spacious space only steps away from two of Toronto's major midtown arteries.

Designed by Kirkor Architects, the development will bring 166 units to the neighborhood, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, and approximately 500 to 1,800 square feet. The layout and ambiance of the units are previewed in an online 3D virtual tour (above). Featuring 9 foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the units promise a spacious and open atmosphere, while ZIGG's amenities include a communal rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the skyline in addition to barbecues, an indoor bar, and a lounge space.

Rendering of the rooftop amenity area, image courtesy of Madison/Fieldgate

The amenity offerings, appointed by The Design Agency, will also include a fitness facility and party room—including a dining room and kitchen—on the ground floor.

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