Tribute Communities' Residences at the RCMI was topped off back in January and is now about to reach another milestone, the completion of its exterior façade. The 42-storey condominium tower was originally set to be completed in late 2013, but site constraints have led to a much more methodical construction process for the over-four-year-old project. With occupancies under way, The Residences at RCMI is bringing 319 residential units to University Avenue, an area traditionally home to business, healthcare, and politics.

Residences of the RCMI, seen across University Avenue, image by Craig White

Zeidler Partnership Architects, designer of the building, has implemented multiple exterior finishes to achieve a tailored effect. None-reflective glazing framed by charcoal gray mullions is contrasted with vertical white spandrel and aluminum accents. The north and south elevations are enhanced with dark gray granite paneling at their bases. These elements are more thoroughly detailed in an earlier story, here.

Frontage of The Residences at RCMI, image by Jimmy Wu

One element that will undoutedly catch your attention is the replica façade from the site's previous building, the Royal Canadian Military Institute. The façadectomy now acts as the entrance for residents and guests, as well as providing access to the RCMI, which has retained facilities in the new building.

Night View of Royal Canadian Military Institute, image by Forum contributor ratoronto

The south elevation of the building contains the majority of the balconies. Every seven floor floors the balconies are emphasized with white aluminum cladding running horizontally until connecting to a similarly wrapped vertical member on the east and west elevations.

View from Grange Park of The Residences at RCMI, image by Forum contributor agoraflaneur

The north elevation, built close to the Air Miles office tower at 438 University Avenue, has no windows. Zeidler avoided the curse of the blank wall by cladding this elevation in spandrel panels of black and white and various tones in between. The resulting, mammoth grayscale scatter has been a big hit with UrbanToronto members.

Residences of the RCMI, seen across University Avenue, image by Edward Skira

The Residences at RCMI's location just south of Dundas Street on University Avenue puts it within steps of St. Patrick Subway Station, and short walks to the Eaton Centre to the east, and Chinatown to the west. 

View from Dundas St. W. in Chinatown of The Residences at RCMI, image by Forum contributor agoraflaneur

While still recieving its finishes touches The Residences at RCMI has already made its mark on its surrounding neighbourhood and the Toronto skyline.

For additional information and to view renderings, visit our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.