Progress on two new Ryerson University developments, the Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex at 270 Church, and a residence at 186-188 Jarvis, have been moving along nicely, the Spring weather allowing for some great construction site shots of the work underway.

While the opening of both projects is targeted for the Fall Semester of 2018, current photos reveal the excavation progress to date with the Health Sciences Complex for now still a pit, and the Residence soon to reach grade. Early into the excavation for the Health Sciences Complex at 270 Church St, the remains of large cement foundations were uncovered below the surface of the former parking lot, offering a glimpse into the history of the site. 

Old foundations poking out of Ryerson Health Sciences Complex site back in February, image by Forum member ottbike

Formerly where two structures stood—one dating to the early twentieth century, and the other to the 1950s—an archival image of the intersection from the early 1990s (below) reveals the context of the site prior to its long-standing use as a parking lot. 

City of Toronto Archives image of 270 Church St site (far right), posted by Forum member ottbike

Fast-forwarding to the last couple of weeks, the site has been substantially dug down. Images from April 2016 highlight the size and scope of the project, which when complete will stand tall at 27 storeys. 

Aerial view of 270 Church St, image by Forum member G. L. 17

Shoring close-up view, 270 Church, image by Forum member drum118

Alternate view of excavation, 270 Church, image by Forum member drum118

Once construction is completed, the Perkins + Will-designed Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex will become one of the largest structures belonging to the rapidly expanding Ryerson University, whose presence downtown has been growing steadily over the last few years. 

Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, Ryerson University, rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will

Seen in the renderings above and below, the completed structure will have a striking presence on Church St, with the structure's height, massing, and airy, open-concept common spaces, announcing a bold, modern feel to the area. A mixed-use facility, to the usual mixture of classrooms, labs, and study spaces, it will add elegant public spaces including a cafe and restaurant at ground level, while the top 18 floors will be student accommodations. 

Entrance and Lobby, Health Sciences Complex, Ryerson UNiversity, rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will

Moving east to 186-188 Jarvis, progress at the new, 30-storey, IBI Group Architects-designed Ryerson Residence being built with the MPI Group, is further along, with work crews busy pouring foundations and setting rebar into cement floors and walls. In a couple of months, the structure should break above grade. Recent images reveal the extent of the work now underway, the site abuzz with activity and heavy machinery. 

Ryerson Residence construction site at 186-188 Jarvis, image by Forum member drum118

Ryerson Residence construction site, cement, rebar, and heavy machinery, image by Forum member drum118

Ryerson Residence construction site, shoring close-up, image by Forum member drum118

Once complete, the new residence will bring 30 storeys and 500 additional beds to Ryerson University, an increase of 30%, and part of an ongoing plan to bring an additional 2,000 spaces into existence by 2020. The residence will include a mixture of 1,2,3, and 4 bedroom units, along with ground level retail and dining options, and with a to-be-announced mix of other student-friendly amenities and spaces. 

Ryerson Residence at 186-188 Jarvis, rendering courtesy of IBI Group Architects

UrbanToronto will continue to provide updates on these two projects as progress continues. For additional information, check out our related dataBase files and Forum threads, or join the conversation in the comments sections below.

Related Companies:  Arcadis, Crossey Engineering, Eastern Construction, Trillium Architectural Products, Walters Group