Directly across the street from the jagged form of the ROM's Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the Rosario Varacalli-designed Exhibit Residences is now in the latter stages of construction on Toronto's Bloor Street West. Although not quite as audacious as the Studio Libeskind-designed structure to its south, the 32-storey tower has brought a striking presence to the Yorkville skyline. 

Exhibit rises above the ROM, image by UT Forum contributor stjames2queenwest

The Bazis, Metropia, and Plaza project is now almost fully clad, with the form of four randomly stacked cubes rising above its surroundings. Featuring continuous, even rows of wrap-around balconies, the unadorned simplicity of the design emphasizes the tower's uncommon massing, drawing attention to the geometry of the stacked forms while responding to the Museum's presence to its south.

A worm's eye view of the tower, image by UT Forum contributor TheKingEast

On Bloor Street, the tower's height alone makes it a conspicuous addition to the area, while a pair of double height retail spaces may bring some activity to the street level. Meanwhile, the north elevation features an above-ground garage, with the first of the four stacked forms extended to accommodate vehicle parking. Along the north elevation, an external hoist remains in place, as internal elevators set are typically put into service near the closing stages of construction.

The north elevation, image by Marcus Mitanis

The parking garage—which sits atop a University subway line tunnel—will be topped by a landscaped amenity terrace by NAK Design Groupwith plantings already in place. Designed to appear aesthetically integrated with the rest of the tower, the garage is intended to be a less obtrusive presence as compared to most above-ground parking facilities. 

Looking up the tower, image by Marcus Mitanis

Exhibit residences will feature some 200 residential units, along with a range of condominium amenities designed by Burdifilek. Along with the residential lobby entrance, retail will figure along the Bloor Street sidewalk frontage.

Looking east on Bloor, image by Marcus Mitanis

We will keep you updated as contruction continues, and the project nears completion. In the meantime, more information is available via our associated dataBase file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts about the project? Leave a comment in the space below this page, or join in the conversation in our Forum. 

Related Companies:  Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Isotherm Engineering Ltd., Metropia, NAK Design Group, Plaza, Ryan Design International