The University of Toronto’s Victoria University, colloquially known as Victoria College, has proposed a new Integrated Learning Centre (ILC) as a replacement to the 1966-built Northrop Frye Hall at 73 Queen's Park Crescent East. The construction of the proposed Brook McIlroy-designed building would see a 67% increase in institutional GFA over the current structure.

Looking north from Queens Park Crescent to the ILC, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Integrated within the University of Toronto federation since 1890, Victoria University occupies the portion of the U of T downtown campus northeast of Queen's Park, lands that have been leased from U of T since 1892. A small portion of the lands, referred to on the map below as the Triangle Lands, are U of T-owned but not leased by Victoria University. The ILC plan proposes leasing the 27,000 ft² 'Triangle Lands' from U of T. This would require an amendment to the 1892 lease, in turn requiring an Official Plan Amendment application in addition to the Rezoning application.

Aerial overview of the leased Victoria University lands, image vis submission to the City of Toronto

The intended land expansion allows for an irregular floor plate that extends closer to the street and follows the curve of Queen's Park Crescent. This built form works to the advantage of a planned landscaping change, creating a south gateway quad just to the east of the new structure. The intention here is to create a wider public space with defined edges just off the entrance to the new ILC, an improvement on the previous configuration, which currently acts more as a through-corridor for pedestrians.

Left: Google Maps overview of site 2019, Right planned footprint of ILC and courtyard, image via submission to City of Toronto

Architecturally speaking, the irregular pentagonal structure would utilize rounded curves at each of its corners and be clad in warmed-toned materials. The five-storey building has not yet been submitted for Site Plan Approval, however the developer and architect are considering mass-timber construction here, a strategy that would allow for an environmentally friendly building.

Looking north-east to the ILC, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Northrop Frye Hall currently houses roughly 50% of Victoria University's classrooms and offices in a 4,123 m² space. When complete, the Integrated Learning Centre would house 10 classrooms, 400 m² of study space, 60 offices, a new registrar's office, and archive space in the 7,024 m² building.

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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