In 2012, a TAS proposal first emerged for a Teeple Architects-designed condominium at 299 Campbell Avenue along Dupont, and just west of the Barrie GO rail corridor. Designed to house a new Toronto Public Library branch, which would replace the existing 3,627 square foot Perth/Dupont library with a greatly expanded location, the proposal was eventually deemed too tall for the surrounding low-rise area during the City's approval process.

The initial design from 2012, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

In late October of this year, however, a revised proposal (below) was submitted to the Toronto and East York Community Council, this time featuring a significantly reduced 12-storey, building, which would make a noticeably less stark impact on the surrounding streetscape. Although elements of the design are still subject to change—the approval process confirms heights, massing, and use of space, rather than aesthetic elements—the revised proposal gives us a better idea of what to expect. The application has now been recommended for approval by City Council, and will be reviewed tomorrow.

The new, revised proposal, image courtesy of the City of Toronto

With the expanded new library branch still included at ground level as part of a Section 37 agreement, the project would also bring 215 residential suites—6 of which would be designated as live-work units—to the market, with 214 automobile parking spaces and 168 bicycle parking spots.

With 930 square metres (10,000 square feet) of community space devoted to the library, and 269 metres of retail space at ground level, the proposal is designed to meet the City's requirements for the site, which is currently undergoing the process of being rezoned to allow for mixed-use development. 

The site plan shows the ground-level layout, with the library, retail, and live-work units, image courtesy of City of Toronto

The revised Teeple design also presents an aesthetic departure for the project, with the initial interplay of colours and rectilinear forms giving way to a slightly blockier and more conservative design. Featuring a variety of tones punctuating the subtle step-backs at the higher levels, the new design—which has yet to be finalized—is somewhat less bold than its predecessor, with a new height that could serve to better integrate it into the community.

a view of the site as it appears now (looking east towards high-rise towers), image retrieved from Google Maps

If built as currently proposed, the 47-metre project would still be the tallest building in the immediate area to the west of the rail tracks, with a low-rise homes and business its most immediate neighbours, in place of some of the taller buildings—including recent high-rise condos and rentals—to the east (above). 

We will keep you updated as the project continues to take shape. In the meantime, check out our associated dataBase file for more information. Want to share your thoughts on the development, join in the discussion on our Forum or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.