A February, 2019-submitted proposal to the City of Toronto for a 13-storey office building on King Street just west of Bathurst Street has been succeeded by a new plan for a two-tower hotel development. Manga Hotels acquired the site at 689 King Street West in May, 2019 and have now tabled their own vision for the property, consisting of a pair of 13 and 18-storey buildings designed by Sweeny &Co Architects.

Looking southeast to 689 King Street West, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The property, now vacant, had been occupied by a single-storey building housing retail and a car wash. Connected by a two-storey podium, the two slender volumes comprising the proposal would contain a total of 319 hotel suites along with a lobby bar for guests. The 18-storey, 60.91-metre-tall building is positioned on the north portion of the site fronting King, stepping down south to the 13-storey, 43.25-metre-tall volume.

The site at 689 King Street West, image retrieved from Google Street View

The 13,521 m² development meets the street with a ground floor containing a reception area, hotel lobby and bar. A mezzanine level will feature a restaurant space.

Aerial view looking southwest, 689 King Street West, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The rectangular towers would be separated by a courtyard terrace, resulting in a 12.33-metre distance between the two buildings. Renderings show a facade comprised of protruding faceted window panels. No windows are provided on the east or west elevations. Brick veneer clad wall sections mirror the window sections on those elevations. 

Detailed facade view, image via submission to the City of Toronto

Vehicular access to loading and the two-level, 31-space underground garage will be provided from King Street West via an internalized driveway. The building would also provide eight long-term and four short-term bicycle parking spaces.

North and east building elevations, image via submission to the City of Toronto

The project follows similar Sweeny &Co-designed developments proposed by Manga Hotels in recent years. Two-building hotel projects at 184 Spadina Avenue and 471 Richmond Street West are also working their way through the planning process. The tallest building in the Mississauga-based hospitality management firm's portfolio, Hyatt Place / The 203 Residences on Jarvis, is currently under construction.

South and west building elevations, image via submission to the 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 in the space provided on this page.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a new way you can track projects through the planning process on a daily basis. Sign up for a free trial of our New Development Insider here.

Related Companies:  Gradient Wind Engineers & Scientists, LEA Consulting, Norris Fire Consulting Inc, Sweeny &Co Architects Inc.