Brampton 31-33 George Street North | 153.95m | 42s | Greenwin | Sweeny &Co

ShonTron

ShonTron

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This proposal, still in the pre-consultation stage, is for a 40-storey point tower with a 6-storey podium, with some commercial spaces. Total GFA roughly +/- 450,000 square feet.

The project is partially located on the historical Etobicoke Creek floodplain at the bottom of the hill at George and Main Streets. The upper area, at 28 Elizabeth Street, includes the historic Haggartlea mansion, built for one of Brampton's first industrialists (John Haggart), circa1870 and is a designated heritage property. A historical postcard shows the house at its prime:

tPN2009_91182.jpg


The house has since been converted into apartments.

Though there isn't anything yet public, as this goes through the early planning process, I have been told that the architectural concept includes preserving the house partially within a glass atrium in a manner similar to Sweeny's Queen Richmond Centre.

If this is the case, this would finally bring some top notch architecture to Downtown Brampton.

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Should come to a public meeting soon, with a few more details:

The application proposes to develop the Subject Lands for high-density, mixed-use development consisting of two towers (34 and 42 storeys), 771 rental units (40 of which will be affordable units), 205 hotel units, and 694 m2 of retail space. The proposed development will also retain the heritage building at 28 Elizabeth Street North in situ.

Applicant company: Greenwin

The 40 affordable units are likely replacements for the units currently in 28 Elizabeth (Haggartlea) and the building at the corner of George & Nelson.


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Looking up George Street at the site, you can see the heritage home up the hill:

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I don't suppose it will be saved, but this looks to be a pretty nice Sugar Maple next to the heritage home:

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These are the additional homes on Elizabeth St. that involved:

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ShonTron said:
A shame that the LCBO isn't part of this assembly. It's a very small sketchy store that hasn't been updated since it became self-service.
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Maybe with the population growth coming to DT with all of these new rental towers the economics of a bigger/better/more modern store will come together for the LCBO.

What is interesting to me here is the sponsorship. With Greenwin involved and Boardwalk at 45 railroad and Hazelview over at Kennedy and Queen it is almost like all the traditional big "purpose built rental building" owners have realized at the same time that Brampton is not a market adverse to taller buildings but there is a limited interest in condo which opens up an opportunity for them to be "first in line' for sites and only competing with each other rather than having to find a way to modlel the economics such that they can bid against condo owners (as they have to in other markets).
 
ShonTron said:
Planning documents are up. This proposal is being heard at the January 31 meeting of the Planning and Development Committee.

Staff Report: https://pub-brampton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40771
Appendices: https://pub-brampton.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=40772

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Podium/streetwall is grossly excesssive and completely out of proportion to everything around it.

Looking at the Preliminary Report, I see staff share this concern:

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The de facto 11-storey street wall needs to drop to 4; on the George/Nelson Tower

From 4 to 3 on Elizabeth.

A more generous setback of the tower is required next to the heritage home.

Appropriate heritage landscaping must be planned to showcase the property.

Towers are ok, but unremarkmable.

Staff also have concern with ground-floor animation:

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Given the surrounding heritage character, it would be nice to see the use of brick explored for the podium material; preferably not veneer panels either.
 
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Northern Light said:
Podium/streetwall is grossly excesssive and completely out of proportion to everything around it.
Given the surrounding heritage character, it would be nice to see the use of brick explored for the podium material; preferably not veneer panels either.
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Maybe growing some ivy on the podium wall or some kind of mural painting that compliments the historical building . Could tone down the wall if there're not using precast brick in this development.
 

A Downtown Development Project with Sustainable Intent – BEA

www.bramptonea.org www.bramptonea.org

The development checks boxes for many of the City’s Sustainable Community Development Guidelines including, compact form, mixed use, walkability and cultural heritage. The project plan includes two towers, 42 and 34 stories respectively that will provide a mix of 205 hotel suites, 694 sq m of retail space, and 771 long-term rental residential units, 40 of which will be affordable housing. The project’s location and building concept is designed to enhance walkability and to “attract residents who will want to live in alignment with ‘One Planet Living’ principles.”

Initially the buildings will provide 477 vehicular parking spaces on four floors, one below grade and three above. The three above grade parking levels, however, can be repurposed for additional commercial or residential space, as Brampton’s GO transit hub expands services and the need for personal automobiles lessens.

The project will conserve and restore the heritage property at 24 Elizabeth, once home to Brampton’s first Mayor, John Haggert from 1874-76. The house could be repurposed as a hostel or restaurant/café with an outdoor patio. Landscaping amenities including street trees and public art help flesh out the project description.
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Most of those writing in opposition to this proposal are residents of the Renaissance condos on George Street, who don’t like the new towers as they’ll block their views.

It was nice to see the architect’s drawings that show than none of the west-facing units will lose any sunlight or direct westerly views. The north side will lose out the most, but there are three properties between it and the north tower, including two restaurants and the LCBO providing a buffer, at least until there’s a land assembly there.
 
I really like (and hope it survives) the inclusion of a small hotel component in this project. One (of the many) things that have held DT Brampton back is things missing that are in most city cores .....and some sort of hotel is on that list (others like small things like higher level govt offices ..eg passports)...small things that "force" people ocassionally downtown...while there they might shop or eat or do something.
 
TOareaFan said:
I really like (and hope it survives) the inclusion of a small hotel component in this project. One (of the many) things that have held DT Brampton back is things missing that are in most city cores .....and some sort of hotel is on that list (others like small things like higher level govt offices ..eg passports)...small things that "force" people ocassionally downtown...while there they might shop or eat or do something.
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Definitely. The nearest hotel that I'd actually suggest to anyone wanting to stay close to Downtown Brampton would be at Steeles and Highway 410 or on Hurontario Street in Mississauga. It'd be helpful for snow-bound students, visiting businesspeople and academics, and getting good talent bookings at the theatre. It's necessary for all the things in the pipeline (Rogers relocation) and hoped for (a major post-secondary presence).
 
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