Two months after the start of excavation at the site of Aragon PropertiesEnigma on the Park, the digging of the 9-storey, Quadrangle Architects-designed condominium development's 94-space parking garage has made noticeable progress. Enough earth has now been removed from the property near Bloor and Lansdowne that an atypical situation is now in evidence, showing two different types of shoring are being employed on the site.

Excavation for Enigma on the Park, image by Marcus Mitanis

The south, east, and west walls of the excavation use the standard pile and lagging system that we see at most excavations, but for the north wall, another shoring system was chosen due to the presence of groundwater flowing in on that side.

Excavation for Enigma on the Park, image by Marcus Mitanis

The two types of earth retention systems can be clearly distinguished in the images above and below, with the pile and lagging system identified to the left by its horizontal wooden beams, known as lagging, while at the back of the photos, a waterproof caisson wall can be identified by its concrete surface and tie-back rock anchors.

Pile and lagging system (left) and caisson wall (centre), image by Marcus Mitanis

While the direct flow of water into the site has been diverted by the caisson wall, some water gets around it. That water can be managed by pumps as the earth is excavated, and until the watertight foundation of the building is constructed.

Excavation for Enigma on the Park, image by Marcus Mitanis

Still a ways away, the completed Enigma will add a total of 86 condo and townhome units to its rejuvenating West End Toronto neighbourhood. Unit sizes will range from 420 square feet up to 1,567 square feet, with prices from $231,900 up to $999,900. The units come in over 50 different suite layouts. 

Rendering of Enigma on the Park, image courtesy of Aragon

Additional information and renderings of the development can be found in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.

Related Companies:  BDP Quadrangle, LiveRoof Ontario Inc, McIntosh Perry