It's been three years since construction started for Lanterra Developments' Teahouse 501 Yonge project, just south of Yonge and Wellesley in Downtown Toronto, and the architectsAlliance-designed project is now starting to make its mark on the area skyline… but before the 25 and 52-storey condominium towers could begin their ascent, crews had to excavate around an active Line 1 subway tunnel and then build a bridge over the tunnel to support the new towers to be built above.

Looking northeast to TeaHouse 501 Yonge, image by Forum contributor Benito

With the subway tunnel below the project, parking had to be constructed above ground, and place on podium levels. They are structurally complete now, but have not been wrapped yet to disguise them from the street. With the podium levels formed, the condo towers have now rising above.

Podium levels at TeaHouse 501 Yonge, image by Forum contributor TheKingEast

Work is furthest along for the 25-storey north tower. It is distinguished by its tapering floorplates that form a curving west facade over Yonge Street. Now approximately 20 storeys high, the now easily seen curve will become more pronounced once balcony finishes are installed. Meanwile, the first panels of glazing are now visible on the residential floors. Here, a window wall system with white spandrel panels and black aluminum mullions frame the windows.

North tower at TeaHouse 501 Yonge, image by Forum contributor Benito

To the south, the 52-storey tower lags a bit behind, now standing 11 storeys above the Yonge and Alexander intersection. Crews are now forming the third of the repeating floorplates, and the process should gather speed in the coming weeks, likely with a new floor created each week.

South tower floors rising at TeaHouse 501 Yonge, image by Forum contributor Benito

Once complete, the project will introduce another 608 new homes to the area, along with new retail space to reanimate the block of Yonge Street between Maitland and Alexander streets, cleared to make way for the new development.

TeaHouse 501 Yonge, 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 our associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the field provided at the bottom of this page.

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