A new building is rising from the former site of one of Toronto's most infamous hotels, replacing the Hotel Waverly at College and Spadina with new purpose-built rental housing named The Waverley for its predecessor, but with an extra 'e'. Work on the 15-storey, Kirkor Architects-designed rental tower from Fitzrovia Real Estate began in Summer, 2018 with the hotel's demolition and subsequent shoring activity. Excavation and underground forming continued for just shy of a year before the building began to rise above grade, an ascent which has been ramping up since we last checked in on construction in early October. 

Looking northwest to The Waverley, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

The building stood just two storeys (plus a mezzanine) above Spadina at the time of our last update. Almost four months later, the building has almost quadrupled in height as crews begin forming of the 11th floor. Four more residential floors and a mechanical level will bring the building to its full 57-metre height. With much of the tower's concrete structure in place, the slab-like massing and its prominent eastern and western stepbacks have become apparent from several angles.

Looking northeast to The Waverley, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

Just above the mezzanine level, the first panels of exterior cladding were recently installed. Now surrounding much of the third floor is a creme-coloured precast concrete. The frames around punched windows serve as the tower's main design element, with a window wall system containing glazing and opaque spandrel panels with aluminum mullions.

Cladding at The Waverley, image by Forum contributor AlbertC

A different finish plan is proposed for the base, which will feature a reconstitution of the Silver Dollar Room, a famous music venue that was built into the former hotel and will live on in a new space within the building. The tower base will be finished in a mix of brick, glazing, and spandrel panels, while the former venue's signage—restored to its original glory—will make up an important part of the building's street presence.

The Waverley, 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 the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the field below.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a new way you can track projects through the planning process on a daily basis. Sign up for a free trial of our New Development Insider here.