Last week, we revealed details of an updated scheme for a mixed-use development proposed at the corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Birchmount Road. Located a short walk west, another project in Scarborough's evolving Golden Mile neighbourhood is moving through the planning process, with an Official Plan Amendment application outlining the multi-tower vision for the southeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue immediately adjacent to the Crosstown LRT's Pharmacy Station.

The subject site at 1891 Eglinton Avenue East, image via submission to the City of Toronto

An Official Plan Amendment application for 1891 Eglinton Avenue East was first submitted in 2011 to permit five towers ranging from 30 to 40 storeys in height. Since then, the northerly portion of the property has been redesignated as Mixed Use Areas under the Official Plan, while the southerly portion remains a General Employment Area.

The updated Official Plan Amendment application submitted in June 2020 only covers the northerly portion of the site. A single-storey industrial building housing a specialty printing shop is currently the primary use on the property.

Looking southeast at 1891 Eglinton Avenue East, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The master plan proposal by Kirkor Architects divides the site into three smaller development blocks served by three new public streets. A total of 152,039 m² of gross floor area (GFA) is proposed, with 143,122m² of residential GFA translating into 1,850 units. The plan proposes to introduce 1,182 one-bedroom units, 454 two-bedroom units, 187 three-bedroom units, and 27 townhouses to the property. The proposal also devotes 8,917 m² of office and retail space in the podiums of four high-rise towers.

The three proposed development blocks and public parkland dedication, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Block 1 encompasses 7,556 m² at the northwest corner of the application lands, with frontage on Eglinton, Pharmacy and two of the proposed public streets.Two L-shaped six-storey podums host towers of 42 and 48 storeys. The taller tower would be situated next to the LRT station and a large open space would separate the two buildings.

Block 2 is located to the south and covers 6,593 m² of space. Another pair of L-shaped podiums anchor towers of 33 and 41 storeys, with a second large open space area providing pedestrian entrances, outdoor amenity areas, and private driveways for residents and employees.

Looking southeast at 1891 Eglinton Avenue East, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Located south of a proposed 2,823 m² public park fronting Eglinton Avenue, Block 3 is 2,854 m² in size, and would contain a 10-storey mid-rise building. The remaining area would be comprised of outdoor amenity spaces and pedestrian walkways.

Preliminary massing model for 1891 Eglinton Avenue East, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The Official Plan Amendment application sets out the planning framework for the property. Future rezoning, plan of subdivision, and site plan approval applications will provide a closer look at the development, including the built form and massing of the towers.

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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