The mid-2019 site clearance of a nondescript single-storey building at the northwest corner of Richmond and Augusta intersection has opened up views to Toronto's famous Rush Lane, better known as Graffiti Alley. Now, heavy equipment has arrived to begin construction of Alterra Group's Rush Condos. The Quadrangle-designed project is embracing its locale by creating wall space along its Rush Lane frontage for additions to the famous corridor of guerrilla street art, while adding vibrancy in the form of retail on its Richmond Street frontage, and new residents to the area.

Site of Rush Condos, November 28th, image by Forum contributor Red Mars

A tweet by Alterra from November 28th announced that construction had begun, along with a photo of the first drilling rig. In the time since, a second drilling rig has since arrived onsite, and shoring work will follow for the next several weeks. During this phase of work, the drilling rigs will bore several holes around the site, which will then be filled in to form the underground shoring walls' vertical bracing. 

Second drilling rig arrives at site of Rush Condos, image courtesy of Alterra Group

These recent photos show how clearing of the site opened up views into Graffiti Alley for passersby. Rush Condos will be adding to the lane's colourful appeal with areas on the north and west walls for graffiti. While unlicensed street art remains illegal throughout the majority of the city, Rush Lane was designated as an area of municipal significance in the City's 2011-adopted Graffiti Management Plan. This led to the City's forming of the "StART" street art program, which fosters the creation of legal street art across the city.

Graffiti wall at the rear of Rush Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto

The sold-out project's 125 condominium units are being built in one-bedroom through three-bedroom+den layouts, from 458 ft² to 939 ft² in area. Residents will have access to a collection of amenities including a fitness centre, a climbing wall, a party room, and a lounge featuring a retractable wall system connecting to an outdoor terrace with barbecues.

Rush Condos, image courtesy of Alterra Group

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 below.

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