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A site plan approval has been submitted to the City of Toronto for 852 Adelaide Street West. This unique contemporary design by Thomas Payne Architect for W Lifestyle is sure to stand out in the neighbourhood. Following minor technical revisions to the initial proposal for the design—submitted to the City back in 2015—final approval is sought for this mixed-use salon and residential space.
Thomas Payne established his private firm in 2013 after 25 years of leadership as a founding partner of KPMB Architects. This independence has enabled a search for “truth in architecture in a broad array of related artistic endeavours”—852 Adelaide is his testament to this. The conceptual initial sketch from 2014 has evolved to full renderings and floor plans, allowing a glimpse into the architect’s creative process.
Situated on a very narrow lot, with a width of only 4.88 m, there is a total of 334m² of finished interior space. The ground level exterior features a smooth concrete finish, reaching all four corners of the property line, with the sleek grey walls extending to encompass a rear courtyard. The upper three floors are encased in reclaimed barn wood, with rounded edges defining the building's silhouette. The front, south facing entrance showcases a large window, spanning from ground level to the second floor, with full-width third and fourth floor terraces above, and retention of the mature tree opposite the front sidewalk.
The first and second floors 171m² commercial space will be occupied by W Lifestyle Salon—the patrons to this project. The front entrance opens to a bright and airy reception space, with window seating and a lounge area. Situated further in the space is four treatment stations and a half bathroom. The second floor contains several more styling stations and an upper lounge for client comfort. The basement will act as a utility space, with additional storage as needed by the salon.
With a separate rear entrance, the third and fourth floors are designed for the owner's private residence, covering 163m². The stairway brings you into the main south-facing living space with an open third floor terrace. Continuing through is an additional living space— the “light court with fireplace”, with a skylight open from the fourth floor above. An open concept kitchen occupies the rear of the space, with an adjacent banquet and powder room. The fourth floor is an open private space, featuring a front “thinking space” or guest room with another smaller terrace. An open walkway connects this room to the rear master bedroom, with a private ensuite and dressing space.
The enclosed back courtyard is landscaped with stone, greenery, and a reclaimed marble slab parking pad. Stainless steel and wood planters hold a mix of greenery, with concrete seating throughout the garden area. An elongated, narrow opening on the east wall acts as a window, opposite the sliding gate—connecting the commercial alleyway to the courtyard on the west of the property.
Currently occupied by an aging single-detached home, the proposed design will add an unique modern design to an eclectic area where commercial buildings and residential ones of varying ages and sizes sit cheek by jowl. If approved, 852 Adelaide West could become an architectural "hidden gem" in the city.
We’ll update you as the project advances. In the meantime, you can get in on the discussion by leaving a comment in the space provided on this page, or you can visit our dedicated thread for this project.
