A proposal submitted to the City of Toronto seeks rezoning and Site Plan Approval to permit a new mid-rise office building in the industrial area of Leaside. To be known as the Leaside Innovation Centre, the proposal at 154 Wicksteed Avenue features a design by Studio Canoo Architecture that fits into a piece of land left over from a jog in the street's alignment.

Location of proposed Leaside Innovation Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

The proposed 6-storey commercial building would reach a height of 24.3 metres, and contain a total of 7,126 m² of floor area split between 142  of ground-floor retail space and 6,984  of office space. With a massing that draws influence from the teardrop-shaped site, the building's floorplates are widest at the west end of the site, narrowing to a point at the east end, where a sheltered vehicle entryway has been carved out of the ground floor.

Leaside Innovation Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

The building is proposed to be clad primarily in a mix of stone veneer, brick panels, and curtainwall glazing with spandrel panels. Renderings depict these materials arrayed in a staggered pattern of brick and glazed sections on levels two through five, with glazing making up the bulk of the building envelope on the ground floor and the stepped-back sixth floor.

Leaside Innovation Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

The site would be served by a two-level underground parking garage containing 57 spaces, as well as a bicycle storage room and 18 outdoor short-term bicycle spaces. A public realm plan by landscape architects LANDinc aims to create a pedestrian-friendly environment at street-level, including a new parkette to be constructed just west of the building.

Landscaping plan, Leaside Innovation Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

Additional information and images can be found in our database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Related Companies:  WND Associates Ltd