The redevelopment of Toronto's North St James Town area is promising a new mixed-income future for the community, with the first projects already underway and more in the pipeline. One project now moving through the final stages of planning and approvals is promising to bring over 500 new condominium units to the northeast corner of Sherbourne and Howard streets, just steps south of Bloor Street East and Sherbourne subway station. 

Plans for the project at 603 Sherbourne, recently branded as 'Burke' condominiums by developer Concert Properties, were submitted to the City in May, seeking Site Plan Approval. This submission follows on the heels of a minor variance application approved earlier this year that granted conditional approval for a three-storey addition from the previously approved 50-storey zoning for the site. The resulting 53-storey plan for the IBI Group-designed building would contain a gross floor area of 39,227 m², with over 97% dedicated to residential, and the remaining 963 m² to be retail in a retained heritage building.

Burke at 603 Sherbourne, image via submission to City of Toronto

The minor variance application approved by Toronto's Committee of Adjustment greenlights proposed revisions to the previous OMB/LPAT-approved zoning for the site. Aside from the change in height from the previous zoning, the approval allowed for an increase in units from 470 to 501, and in a mix of 20 studios, 248 one-bedrooms, 183 two-bedrooms, and 50 three-bedroom units.

Burke at 603 Sherbourne, image via submission to City of Toronto

Other approved variances to the previously-approved zoning by-law include a reduction to 180 resident parking spaces from 323, other changes to parking and bicycle components, and reductions in the approved minimums for amenity space. Conditions for the minor variance's final approval include a monetary contribution to be allocated toward capital improvements to new/existing affordable housing in Ward 13, to be conveyed prior to the first above-grade building permit being issued.

Podium, Burke at 603 Sherbourne, image via submission to City of Toronto

The recent launch of the project's branding, including a website with registration page, explains that inspiration for the moniker 'Burke' comes from the heritage home that will be extensively restored for retail uses. Known as the Anson Jones House, the building on the northeast corner of Sherbourne and Howard was built in 1894, and designed by architect Edmund Burke.

Heritage and public realm at Burke at 603 Sherbourne, 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 below.

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