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Since an initial submission in 2014, Cadillac Fairview has been planning an office tower at 160 Front Street West in Downtown Toronto for some time now. Already an iconic proposal amongst development enthusiasts for the two ‘mouths’ on the eastern and western elevations, the AS+GG Architecture and B+H Architects-designed building will feature a striking curving silhouette and sloped roofline that is sure to leave a memorable new peak on our city’s skyline: the 240m-tall tower, getting under construction shortly, will be located just west of Union Station at the intersection of Front and Simcoe streets.
As the project is currently in the leasing phase—the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan will be taking 300,000 square feet—the developer has submitted a Sign Variance Application to offer great exposure for the building’s as yet unannounced anchor tenant. The plan calls for 4 illuminated signs to be installed around the mechanical penthouse levels. Three of the signs are classified as wall signs-meaning they will be installed relatively flush with the building’s curtainwall exterior. The fourth sign is proposed as a projecting sign due to the slope of the eastern elevation.
The result of this will be a sign that at its top protrudes 21 feet from the tower, altering the architectural expression of the curved angle. Amongst Toronto's Sign Variance criteria are rules stating that the sign must "not alter the character of the premises." It is now up to Toronto's Chief Building Official as to whether the placement of the protruding sign will affect the tower's character.
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 in the field provided at the bottom of this page.
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