With many of Toronto's rising neighbourhoods dominated by the glass and steel of contemporary towers, the architectural character of older high-rise communities seems to become more pronounced, as the brick facades of 20th century residential towers come to contrast with the sleek glazing of contemporary towers. 609 Avenue Road, a new condominium project by Forest Hill Homes and Madison Homes, is set to rise in an area characterized by the Modernist high-rises that line Avenue Road. Renderings of the Richmond Architects-designed tower evidence a contemporary ambiance while respecting a neighbourhood boasting a distinct, mid-to-late 20th century urban streetscape. 

A rendering of 609 Avenue Road, image courtesy of Forest Hill Homes/Madison Homes

The 19-storey building's design evokes a subtly contemporary feel, with the tower's glassy elements balanced out by opaque, matte cladding. In this sense, the project negotiates a middle ground between the neighbourhood's established aesthetic and more contemporary design, fitting into the character of the neighborhood (below) without sacrificing modern elements. 

Looking south on Avenue Road, with the project site visible (left), image retrieved from Google Maps

Located slightly north of St. Clair, the tower will join a leafy streetscape of older high-rises, which form a clean sight-line terminating at the Upper Canada College clock tower to the north. Along St. Clair, meanwhile, an increasingly vibrant community is continuing to take shape, with nearby projects like Imperial Plaza injecting new residential density into the neighbourhood. Imperial Plaza's recently opened Longo's market and LCBO are also expanding the area's the retail landscape, while bringing new pedestrian activity to the street. 

The 'sky lounge,' image courtesy of Forest Hill Homes/Madison Homes

609 Avenue Road is set to feature a 'sky lounge' terrace with barbecue and al fresco dining area (above), which will feature panoramic views of the city. Other amenities will include a gym, private indoor dining room, guest suite, and even a pet wash station, alongside 24-hour concierge service (as seen below).

A rendering of the lobby, image courtesy of Forest Hill Homes/Madison Homes

Though specific details about the project have yet to emerge, the condominium is set to feature interiors appointed by Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc., with a configuration of one, two, and three-bedroom suites throughout the tower, boasting 9 and 10 foot ceilings—depending on the floor. 

We will return with new information about the project as it becomes available. In the meantime, check out our dataBase thread for more information. Want to share your thoughts about how the project is taking shape so far? Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this page, or in our associated Forum thread, linked below.