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New information regarding the development proposal for 71-95 King Street East has been released in a recent zoning amendment application. The document provides a clear understanding as to what the developer (listed as "multiple property owners") hope to see built on this stretch of King Street, kitty corner to St. James Cathedral and next door to the historic King Edward Hotel.
The application lists Pellow and Associates as project architect, a firm whose project list largely consists of suburban office towers and shopping centres, having recently completed the Shops at Don Mills. The design submitted is slightly less monolithic than the one we had seen previously, however it would appear that the developer continues to push for a building that will maximize square footage at the expense of good design. The elevations illustrate a building composed of a large slab-like base slightly taller than the King Edward; atop this portion will sit a slightly smaller tower component.
The application proposes a total height of 47 storeys including the existing four-storey buildings fronting King Street that will become the tower's base. The building would contain 355 residential units, 1,515 square metres of retail, 3,455 square meters of office and 3,165 square meters for "club" space. It can be assumed, then, that the historic Albany Club currently located on this block will continue to be a tenant in the new development.
One of the many critical issues raised in regards to this development (besides the design) is that of height; the same block is currently home to the sales centre for Freed's Sixty Colborne condominium, which continues to push for 25-storeys amid considerable neighborhood resistance. The site is currently zoned for 23 meters, with the proposal for 71-95 King East asking for an increase to 148.5 meters, increasing the density from 4 times the lot area to 22.2 times the lot area. A laneway will be constructed bisecting the block east to west from Church Street to Leader Lane, with the existing parking lot on Colborne Street not part of this development.
A third issue is heritage status, particularly in regards to the Albany Club building, but also the wonderfully maintained and widely admired rowhouses along Colborne Street. The proposal confirms that the buildings along King Street have met the criteria for designation and will be considered on July 5th for heritage status.
This proposal is sure to stir up considerable discussion as it seems to be touching on quite a few nerves; height, design, heritage conservation and density are four touchy subjects in the development industry that are sure to stir up opposition. To keep up to date with the latest news on this development follow the project forum here, or check on the dataBase below.
