A late 2016 proposal seeking an Official Plan Amendment and rezoning to allow a mid-rise residential development in Toronto's Upper Beaches area has resurfaced with some significant revisions. The plan for 507-511 Kingston Road—previously proposed as a 9-storey building with 57 units—has been scaled back to a 7-storey building containing 30 condominium units and 5 rental replacement units, with a revised design from architectsAlliance for developer Vista Nova.

Wheeler Avenue frontage, 507-511 Kingston Road, image via submission to City of Toronto

The new plan would rise 30.5 metres (100 feet), about 6 metres (20 feet) less than the original height to better integrate with the low and mid-rise built form along this stretch of Kingston Road. The revised massing places a six-storey streetwall along Kingston Road with deep corner balconies, while a series of rear terraces respond to 45-degree angular plane requirements, transitioning the building down to meet the low-rise neighbourhood to the south.

Kingston Road frontage, 507-511 Kingston Road, image via submission to City of Toronto

Initially proposed with a brick exterior similar to the mid-20th-century apartment buildings to the west, the revised proposal takes a more modern approach, with ample use of glazing as the primary exterior expression. A materials legend included in planning documents lists exterior finishes including sandblasted glazing, black masonry cladding, and a main cladding of prefinished aluminum and glass.

Looking southwest along Kingston Road to the proposal, image via submission to City of Toronto

Residents would have access to a 60 m² indoor amenity space situated immediately adjacent to the lobby on the building's east side, and connected to a 60 m² landscaped forecourt designed by Ferris + Associates Inc, serving as the outdoor amenity space.

Kingston Road frontage, 507-511 Kingston Road, image via submission to City of Toronto

Additional information and images can be found in our database file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the field provided at the bottom of this page.

Related Companies:  Ferris + Associates Inc., Grounded Engineering Inc., WND Associates Ltd