A 6-storey mixed-use building has been proposed at 835 Queen Street West on the southeast corner of Queen and Niagara streets about a block east of Trinity Bellwoods Park. Proposed by Emma Capital Inc in collaboration with RAW Design and ERA Architects, the development would bring new condominium units to the area, replacing a under-utilized two-storey mixed-use building that had been up for sale for several years. 

Aerial view of site and surrounding area [Retrieved: Google Earth]

Approximately 1,070 of residential space is proposed on site for a total of 21 units, consisting of 6 studios, 10 one-bedrooms, 3 one-bedroom + dens, and 2 two-bedrooms. The building includes 48 of indoor amenity space and 42 of outdoor amenity space for residents. 

The retail space at street level extends from the Queen frontage around and down Niagara, activating the corner with an enhanced public realm and an inviting street-level entrance for pedestrians. Outdoor furniture and landscaped areas are proposed along the Niagara frontage as well, with the residential entrance located to the south. 

North elevation (left) and Site plan (right) [Retrieved: RAW Design]

The building would be predominantly clad in dark red brick on both the Queen and Niagara frontages, emblematic of the heritage character of the Queen West area. Prefinished wood paneling is proposed for the retail frontage at street level along both Queen Street West and Niagara Street, while grey panels that contrast with the building’s masonry cover portions of the building that step back from the brick work. 

Proposed Niagara Street facing elevation [Retrieved: RAW Design]

It is likely the proponents will need to seek a zoning-by-law amendment due to the development’s proposed height of 20 metres. Maximum height allowed on this block of Queen Street West is 16 metres as-of-right, although the recent West Queen West Planning Study and Heritage Conservation Plan did recently recommend that to be increased to 20 metres with appropriate stepbacks to increase density while retaining pedestrian scale at street level. 

Permitted and proposed heights [Retrieved: West Queen West Planning Study]

Stepbacks are proposed on all three of the development’s frontages. Facing Queen, the building would step back at the fourth and sixth floors to retain pedestrian scale on Queen Street, while maintaining consistency with the (existing and future) Queen West streetwall. On Niagara, the building steps back on the sixth floor, while on the development’s south elevation, stepbacks on floors four and five are designed to transition down to the neighbourhood scale south of the building.

Corner view of site, looking south-east [Retrieved: Google Earth]

Although the building was built sometime in the late 19th century and displays some of the heritage features that are prominent throughout the Queen West Heritage Conservation District, the building has been heavily modified over the years and has not been recommended for conservation.

Side frontage of existing building along Niagara St [Retrieved: Google Earth]

No parking spaces are proposed on-site, optimizing the small lot for residential use and encouraging usage of the numerous public and active transportation options in the immediate vicinity. 24 bicycle parking spaces are to be provided onsite. 

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