Totem Condos, by Worsley Urban Partners' has begun to rise above Toronto's Dundonald Street, just to the northeast of the Yonge and Wellesley intersection. Work on the 18-storey condominium development got its start back in mid-2015 with the demolition of a three-storey commercial building with some distinctive Modernist flair. In the time since, the building's three-level underground parking garage has been formed, and work has since commenced on the first above-ground levels.

Totem Condos rising above Dundonald Street, image by Forum contributor Rascacielo

Architects RAW Design drew architectural inspiration from the building that formerly occupied the site: the Commercial Travellers’ Association of Canada Building will have its exterior rebuilt and incorporated into Totem's podium, repositioned closer to the Dundonald Street sidewalk to make a more urban condition. 

The project's lengthier than normal excavation and below-grade forming phases can be attributed to the new Dundonald Street entrance to Wellesley subway station which is being incorporated into the building's ground floor. In addition to easing pedestrian congestion in the quickly-growing community, the connection provides a second egress point for Wellesley station. A bonus feature of the new entrance will be a mosaic by Gisele Amantea covering a convex wall just inside of the entrance. The remainder of Totem's ground floor is being dedicated to residential uses like a lobby, resident lounge, mail room, and a guest suite, as well as building service areas including a garbage/recycling room and bicycle storage.

Totem Condos rising above Dundonald Street, image by Forum contributor Benito

Once complete, residents at Totem's 120 condominium units will enjoy a range of amenity spaces appointed by interior designers U31. Among these will be a bar, lounge, dining room, an outdoor terrace on the second floor, as well as a high-level terrace overlooking the surrounding area.

Totem Condos, image courtesy of Worsley Urban Partners

Additional information about the development can be found in our Database file, 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.