Following the big reveal in August for what will soon become a vibrant destination at the northeast corner of Lake Shore and Bathurst, we're now getting a closer look into the mixed-use elements of West Block and The Lakeshore

The LakeShore tower, left, will be joined by a future 41-storey building, image courtesy of Concord Adex

Loblaw CompaniesChoice Properties REITWittington Properties Limited and Concord Adex are coming together to pump new life into the former Loblaw Groceterias Warehouse and Head Office, which has sat empty since The Daily Bread Food Bank vacated the space in 2000. It was designated a heritage property under the Ontario Heritage Act one year later, but fell into disrepair in subsequent years. 

Looking east at Lake Shore and Bathurst, image by Marcus Mitanis

Now, forty years after Loblaws moved their headquarters to St. Clair Avenue East, the company is re-establishing itself in the historic building, with a 50,000 square foot flagship Loblaws supermarket set to occupy the space. The store will be joined by an additional 87,000 square feet of retail, including a pharmacy, wine store and a clothing boutique, plus an 11,000 square foot restaurant. A cafe and public art installation at the northern end of the site will also help to animate the barren underside of the Gardiner Expressway. 

Model of the office component atop the heritage warehouse, image by Marcus Mitanis

Joining the architectsAlliance-designed retail space, the prolific Toronto firm has also envisioned a two-storey office addition to top of the historic structure (above). The painstaking restoration process of the warehouse will involve the systematic dismantling and labeling and polishing of individual bricks, which will eventually be reassembled on the site. Heritage specialist ERA Architects has been tasked with carrying out the preservation of the Art Deco facade.

Scale model showing courtyard, looking south, image by Marcus Mitanis

Tying the ambitious project together together, two residential towersconsisting of 876 unitsby CityPlace developer Concord Adex will rise above the site. Designed by Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects, the 41- and 37-storey towers will be built in phases. The first tower, positioned at the west end of the site, is readying for sales and has been dubbed The LakeShore. In between the two buildings, a central courtyard featuring a pool and fountains welcomes residents. Concord Adex's Senior Manager of Project Marketing Brian Fong called the project "the definition of timeless design," arguing that more ornamental buildings which implement quirky contemporary architectural trends tend to date themselves quickly. 

Concord Adex Senior Manager of Project Marketing Brian Fong, image by Marcus Mitanis

The LakeShore's amenities include a party room, fitness centre, yoga studio, swim spa, outdoor lounge, theatre, kids play room, pet spa, billiards nook, and guest suites. A roof garden and tea rooms are also proposed for the east tower. An outdoor playground, mini golf, hopscotch, barbecue areas and sun lounges add another dimension to the list of amenities. 

One of two kitchen colour schemes, image by Marcus Mitanis

Throughout the units, laminate wood flooring, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, Carrara marble backsplashes, and stainless steel Bosch appliances come standard. Buyers will also have their choice of two interior colour schemes. 

One of two kitchen colour schemes, image by Marcus Mitanis

The rear one-storey warehouse has been cleared by heavy equipment, with bricks starting to be delicately taken down from the historic building. 

Current state of the LakeShore Towers site, image by Marcus Mitanis

The development is located just south of the massive Concord CityPlace community, which has dramatically reshaped the area. Although a Sobey's currently serves the community near Spadina, another grocery store should have no problem serving the thousands of residents that call this area home. Occupancy for The LakeShore is expected in Summer 2019. 

Looking at the future northeast corner of Lake Shore and Bathurst, image courtesy of Concord Adex

We'll be following the development closely and you can too by checking out the dataBase page listed below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Visit the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page. 

Related Companies:  Aercoustics Engineering Ltd, Arcadis, architects—Alliance, Bass Installation, BVGlazing Systems, Counterpoint Engineering, EQ Building Performance Inc., Giannone Petricone Associates, McIntosh Perry, MCW Consultants Ltd, Peter McCann Architectural Models Inc., RJC Engineers, Urban Art & Metal Works Inc.