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In the ever changing landscape that is the King-Spadina area—a once desolate district that was home to broken urban fabric, surface parking lots, run down post-war buildings, and accompanied with very little foot traffic—redevelopment proposals have become increasingly common, breathing new life and activity into the streets of this landscape. Most recently, such is the case with the properties of 502 Adelaide Street West and adjoining lots at 123, 121, and 119 Portland Street, located in the west precinct of the King-Spadina area.
Last week, the City of Toronto received an application to amend the current Zoning Bylaw (569-2013) and the partially effective Former Bylaw (483-86) for the construction of a 12 storey, mixed-use building at this site. Designed by Sweeny & Co, the proposal consists of retail space at grade, with 4 storeys of underground parking, and 11 storeys of residential condominiums above the retail portion.
Breaking down the specifics, the total GFA (gross floor area) of the building will be 8,491m², with 8,114m² of residential space, and 377m² of retail space. There will be a total number of 68 parking spaces, and 45 bicycle parking spaces in the mezzanine level. Meanwhile, the proposed height of the 12 storey building is 47.3m. 37 residential units are split between 9 1-bedroom units, 24 2-bedroom units, and 4 3-bedroom units.
Looking at the breakdown of the unit sizes, it is interesting to note the large number of 2-bedroom units being proposed. Instead of the all-too-common majority of units proposed to be 1 bedroom, this suggests a response of meeting the demands for more family units.
To meet the Toronto Green Standard, the proposal will see a total of 258m² of green roof space, with 158m² coming from the 12th floor roof, and 100m² on top the mechanical level. Landscaping will be set along Portland and Adelaide St., along with a proposed 3m sidewalk along Portland St., and 2.4m proposed on Adelaide St.
The residential lobby is located directly off of Portland St, with the retail facing Adelaide. The height of the ground floor is 5.3m tall, providing a spacious environment with plenty of natural light. The underground parking garage is accessed through the public laneway, running north and south along the east side of the property.
Currently, the site is comprised of a 1 storey commercial building that used to be home to a Para Paints on Adelaide (since relocated), and three 2 storey attached townhouses along Portland St. As none of the buildings are designated or listed heritage, they are allowed to be demolished.
As the proposal has been submitted to the City of Toronto's planning department and makes its way circulating through the planning process, we will keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the space provided below, or join the discussion in our associated Forum thread.
