Toronto's University Health Network (UHN) is seeking to expand its Lakeside Long Term Care Centre (Lakeside LTCC) at 150 Dunn Avenue in the Parkdale neighbourhood. The proposed six-storey, Montgomery Sisam Architects-designed facility would be built on a surface parking lot south of the existing building, with a main frontage and entrance along Close Avenue. The new and old buildings are proposed to be connected via a two-storey link at the east end of the site.

Site of proposal, between existing Lakeside LTC and EW Bickle Centre, image via submission to City of Toronto

Following on rezoning and Site Plan Approval applications tabled last year, a revised rezoning application addresses concerns laid out by the City to the previous submissions, while incorporating changes to better align with UHN’s capital planning process and program needs. The new plan, while retaining the previously-proposed six-storey height and, 192-bed count, has otherwise been significantly altered.

Looking west to Lakeside Long Term Care Centre Expansion, designed by Montgomery Sisam for UHN

The most notable of these changes is a massing reconfiguration, removing the original plan's southern volume resulting a ‘C-shaped’ building, opening up a central courtyard space and allowing more natural light to penetrate the building interiors. This change in massing has resulted in a decrease in the proposed gross floor area from 11,922.44 m² to 10,285 m². Massing revisions also include repositioned terraces, now designed to face the open courtyard.

Looking northeast to Lakeside Long Term Care Centre Expansion, designed by Montgomery Sisam for UHN

Architectural plans indicate a mix of brick and glazing topped by a metal cornice, with the overall aesthetic designed to match the exterior of the existing care centre to the north. Additional cladding materials include glass spandrel panels, metal panels, tension-cabled glazing, along with wood accents.

The initially-proposed underground garage has been removed in the revised proposal, now calling for a total of 185 surface parking spaces, including 18 barrier-free accessible spaces. A single basement level would house services and storage space. The removal of underground parking comes with a revised landscape plan from Vertechs Design, which also incorporates a broader range of tree species in the courtyard, taking advantage of the increased natural light in the courtyard's now open south end.

Looking south on Close Avenue to Lakeside Long Term Care Centre Expansion, designed by Montgomery Sisam for UHN

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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