Two blocks north of Yonge & Eglinton, a 27-storey residential tower is joining the Midtown skyline, while re-introducing a historic building—and a historic site—to Toronto's most famous street. Designed by RAW, the Rockport Group's 'Montgomery Square' rental tower is beginning to assert its presence above the limestone façade of Postal Station K, which dates to 1936. The site's history goes back a lot longer. 

Looking northwest, image by Marcus Mitanis

Playing host to a battle during the Rebellion of 1837, the site—then a rural hamlet setting—was the home of Montgomery's Tavern, and has been designated as a national historic site since 1925. Nearly a hundred years after William Lyon Mackenzie's insurrection was crushed, the site become home to one of the few buildings to bear the crest of King Edward VIII's short-lived reign. Designed by architect Murray Brown, the post office continued to operate into the 21st century, before being declared surplus by Canada Post in 2012. 

Looking west, image by Marcus Mitanis

Set back from Yonge Street, the postal building's frontage will be re-integrated into the public realm through a landscaping plan by Janet Rosenberg + Studio. While Canada Post's sale of the property prompted concerns about demolition, the project's heritage strategy—developed by ERA Architects—looks to maximize the building's presence.

The new retail frontage, image via Rockport Group

New retail will animate the building, with interiors restored to emphasize the generous proportions and ornate touches that characterized the original post office. The restoration process will see later 20th-century additions—including an oversized wheelchair ramp—replaced with more streamlined elements, or removed altogether, restoring the building's quality of space. 

A closer look at the royal crest and detailing, image by Marcus Mitanis

To the west, the attached tower will front both Montgomery and Helendale avenues with townhomes, reflecting the low-rise, single-family character of those streets. In total, 233 rental units are planned, with the project likely to be completed in 2018.

Montgomery Square, image via Rockport Group

We will keep you updated as construction continues, and more information becomes available. In the meantime, make sure to check out our Database file, linked below. Want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment on this page, or join the ongoing conversation in our associated Forum thread.  

Related Companies:  Bousfields, Janet Rosenberg & Studio, LiveRoof Ontario Inc, RAW Design, U31