Latin for "ladder" or "staircase," Scala by Tridel captures just that, a complex of residential buildings that will climb skyward above the greenery of the Don River Valley in North York. Arranged in a triangular layout, the structures are defined by their striking, terraced composition and massing. Like a number of beautifully sited developments around the world, this design by Wallman Architects takes best advantage of its location by reaching out to the nature on its doorstep with generous outdoor spaces. 

Scala, surrounded by residential North York, designed by Wallman Architects, rendering courtesy of Tridel

In its current rendition, Scala will consist of two terraced blocks of condominiums with embracing mid-rise arms, giving a somewhat pyramidal aesthetic, oriented along the south and east sides of the site. To the north, a more modestly scaled set of rental apartments and townhomes merge with the existing neighbourhood. The condominium portions will take the form of a larger, 3 to 18-storey arm to the south, paired with a nearly similar 4 to 11-storey arm to the east along Leslie St. Together, these two condo arms will contain 552 units and 538 parking spaces. The rental suites, which will replace 121 existing TCHC units, will consist of 2 3-storey blocks containing 48 townhome units, and a 67-unit 4-storey apartment block fronting on Leslie. 

Scala, looking east, designed by Wallman Architects, rendering courtesy of Tridel

Having morphed from an earlier plan with significantly greater density and taller buildings, the project now has its zoning and is in line for its Site Plan approval. The Don Valley locale in North York offers a mix of nature and city living, paired with quick access to the 401 and 404. Situated within walking distance of Leslie Subway Station on the Sheppard Line, both Bayview Village Mall and Fairview Mall are a short ride or drive away. The development is expected to open in 2019.

Urban Toronto will keep you up to date as Scala progresses. For more information check out our dataBase file, linked below. To get in on the discussion, you can visit one of the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.