The recent completion of King Plus Development's King + Condos has added added a new presence to the King and Sherbourne intersection. Anchored by the restored three-storey facade of the former National Hotel, the 17-storey, TACT Architecture-designed condominium tower began construction in 2013 with the demolition of all but the north and west facades of the historic hotel. By September 23, 2014, forming was underway for the seventh level of the development, while the historic facade sat in-situ awaiting the final elements of its restoration.
Jumping ahead a little under two years, and the National Hotel facade is now integrated into the base of the completed development, which features 132 one and two-bedroom loft-style suites and penthouse residences, and a recently-opened Starbucks at street level. Recreated cornices, replica windows, and the extensive cleaning of the facade's aged brick exterior have gone a long way in restoring the exterior.
A view from the north on Sherbourne Street reveals the relationship between the historic base and modern tower. Across the street to the north, a similar relationship exists between a restored bank facade and a condominium tower above.
We will return next week with another look at the changing face of Toronto!