In the time since our last construction update on Menkes Developments' Waterfront Innovation Centre, a new development partner has been announced, and behind-the-scenes photos of the glazing have been released. Last week, Menkes announced that BentallGreenOak, on behalf of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, has acquired a 50 percent interest in the 475,000 ft² office and retail project taking shape beside Sugar Beach in Toronto's East Bayfront area. 

Looking southeast towards the Waterfront Innovation Centre from Queens Quay, image via Menkes Developments

The Waterfront Innovation Centre broke ground in September, 2018, with shoring, excavation and the forming of underground levels taking place through 2019. Now rising above grade, the 12-storey building is currently 71% pre-leased. Communication services company WPP Plc signed a deal in 2018 to occupy 260,000 ft², making them the anchor tenant in the building. MaRS, Toronto's innovation community headquartered at University and College, will lease an approximate 55,000 ft² hub. A further 25,000 ft² of beachfront retail space is currently available for lease.

Cladding mockup at the Toro Group of Companies assembly plant, image by Mike Rushton via Menkes

"This partnership will further expand our relationship with Sun Life, a valued partner since 2014," said Peter Menkes, President, Commercial/Industrial in a press release. "With One York Street, we reconnected Toronto's downtown to the waterfront with improved pedestrian infrastructure and a dynamic amenity offering. The Waterfront Innovation Centre represents another city building opportunity for Menkes and Sun Life to revitalize Toronto's waterfront for the benefit of tenants, residents and visitors to the city."

Proposed cladding materials lifted from the architectural plans, image via submission to the City of Toronto

As the Sweeny &Co Architects-designed development grows taller, Menkes has provided a sneak peek of the proposed curtain wall system, which is being manufactured by The Toro Group of Companies. Posted to the developer's social media channels, the two images preview the building envelope, which will consist of translucent blue vision glass and muted orange back-painted spandrel.

Cladding mockup at the Toro Group of Companies assembly plant, image by Mike Rushton via Menkes

Upon completion, the Waterfront Innovation Centre will be comprised of two buildings featuring three interconnected components: The Exchange, The Hive, and The Nexus, a collaborative space connecting the two buildings that will serve as the public square of the development. Occupancy is expected in 2021.

Construction rising above grade, image by Forum contributor salsa

You can learn more by visiting the project's Database file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment in the field below.

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