As development sites becomes scarcer in the Greater Toronto Area but demand for more uses continues to grow, some mixed-use proposals that were unlikely only a few years ago are becoming desirable and feasible. At 3621 Dufferin, Ottawa-based self-storage facility builder and manager Dymon is proposing a true mixed-use development, incorporating residential, retail, office, and self-storage within an 11-storey mid-rise. Located at Dufferin and Billy Bishop Way, 850 metres from Wilson Subway Station, the project's Rezoning application was updated with new documents submitted to the City last week, bringing the proposal closer to its final form.

Looking north-east across Dufferin to 3621 Dufferin, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The development hides the self storage component behind the residential units, which form the Dufferin and Billy Bishop Way Street frontages on levels 2 through 7. Above on the 8th storey, a 5,980 m² office component takes up the entire floor plate. On levels 9 and 10 above, a small floor plate volume rises from the west side of the building, housing residential units, amenities, and mechanical. 2,494 m² of retail would be located at grade, with entrances on Dufferin and Billy Bishop Way. 

Typical residential/storage floorplate, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The biggest change in the most recent proposal is a reconfiguration of the residential unit mix. In 2018, the development favoured bachelor and one-bedroom apartments, taking up almost 80% of the building’s units. Now, the proposal calls for only six bachelor units and 86 one-bedrooms. Larger units—51 two-bedroom and 24 three-bedroom homes—bringing the ratio of family-friendly suites up to roughly 45% now.

Rear view looking south-west to the self-storage component at 3621 Dufferin, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Designed by TACT architecture, the multi-purpose building would be clad in a glass-and-spandrel window-wall system, with wood and limestone elements serving as accents. Solar panels would be placed on the roof of the 8th floor.

Office, residential and retail entrances on Billy Bishop Way, image via submission to the 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 in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

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