Over the past few years, many pedestrians passing by 251 King East, at the southeast corner of King and Sherbourne Streets, have noticed the construction hoarding surrounding the three-storey heritage building, but until recently, no activity. This curious site—located only half a block from UrbanToronto's offices—has managed a relatively low profile on our radar screen over the past many months, but current activity on-site has rekindled our interest in the project.

King+Condos construction site at King and Sherbourne, image by Jack Landau

In partnership with Terracomm Development Inc., King Plus Development is now proceeding with the eponymously titled project, King+Condos, a 17-storey condominium designed by Tact Architecture. After a string of hurdles, including local resistance and a City issued refusal, King Plus successfully appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board and was eventually granted approval to demolish the heritage building's interiors while preserving its historic façade.

King+Condos construction site preparing for shoring and excavation, image by Jack Landau

Now, several years since the initial applications were filed, work is finally making noticeable progress. Overseen by ERA Architects, the historic building has been completely gutted and all that remains are the northern and western façades, supported in place by yellow painted steel bracing. With the building reduced to a skin, work can now begin on the shoring and excavation phases of construction.

Heritage facade supported by steel bracing, image by Jack Landau

Interior of heritage facade, image by Jack Landau

The building will contain 132 condominium units, consisting of one and two bedroom, loft-style suites as well as luxurious penthouse units above. Common interior spaces have been designed by Mike Niven Interior Design, known for their extensive body of work in several of Toronto’s new large-scale residential developments. Completion of the project is scheduled for late 2014.

King+Condos, rendering courtesy of King Plus Development

For additional information, including building facts and renderings, please visit our dataBase listing, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the related forum threads, or voice your opinion in the comments section provided below.