A 9-storey condo project, actively opposed by a few of Toronto's more notable residents when it was initially proposed, has been submitted for Site Plan Approval after receiving zoning approval under the OMB rules at LPAT in March 2019. Originally proposed in mid-2016, the luxury condo project from Alterra Developments would house 23 residential units in the curvy Giannone Petricone-designed mid-rise.
For the proposal at 321 Davenport in the north end of the Annex, the initial neighbourhood pushback was fierce; with celebrity author Margaret Atwood, Loblaws CEO Galen Weston Jr., and an heiress of the Eaton family all writing letters to then-councillor Joe Cressy to oppose the project. A large reason for the outcry, on Atwood's part at least, arose due to a neighbour's concern that the trees on their adjacent property would be affected; the latest documents submitted indicate that compensatory trees have been negotiated with the adjacent landowners.
Despite the complaints, the development received support from the City Planning department, which held the opinion that the mid-rise density was appropriate for one of Toronto’s downtown-adjacent avenues like Davenport. Still, the project was appealed under the OMB rules, leading to its eventual 2019 approval.
The latest Site Plan Application increases the west setback by 3.6 metres to improve the relationship with the 19th century annex houses it abuts with a 45-degree angular plane begins stepping back at the 7th floor. 7 three-bedroom units, not previously included in the original plan, join the unit mix, now rounded out by 1 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom suites. 30 stalls of underground parking, proposed in the original submission, would be accessed via an elevator system.
The SPA submission comes as the project has launched marketing efforts, with Alterra referencing their success at the nearby 36 Hazleton to court similar buyers.
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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