Toronto 522 University Avenue | 232.35m | 64s | IA Financial Group | WZMH

This one will be back at the Design Review Panel, tomorrow:

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Just taking a quick look at the DRP presentation right now:

First change I note is to the corner of Elm/Simcoe, note the narrowing, also, the addition of a bike lane/cycle track on Elm:

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Meanwhile they also change the relationship of the elevated space under the soffit to Elm:

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Along University on the southern side they've added more seating and public art:

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Looking from the corner of University and Elm:

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City questions for the panel:

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Panel Discussion:

Overwhelmingly supportive of the changes made from the first iteration. A strong sense that the changes on the Elm frontage were particularly good and the shifting of the ramp was the right choice.

Positive comments were also made in respect of the materiality between new and old on the podium (or extant tower) levels.

Minor questions/critiques surround the way in which the plaza/portico area will be programmed, wind mitigation for same, mezzanine program, and how to treat the tower level soffit.

The panel voted support.

The presentation can be found here, its the first one up:

 
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A resubmission following the Design Review Panel presentation from above is now at the City, and we have a story up looking at all the changes!

Here's a close-up of the new plan for you. Scroll away!

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I have to say that I love this reworking of the plan. If this classic has to have a new tower on top, this is the way to go!

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Now this is much more like it! Kudos to all involved! Rather than saving 60% of the original building, they could easily have gone the standard route of facadism(similar to the United Building). At any rate, it's certainly a terrific example of how the DRP process need not be adversarial. Here's hoping that the 'c' word, ahem, 'collaboration', becomes the rule rather than the exception in cases like this!
 
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