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A ground breaking celebration last week marked the ceremonial start of work for Davpart's The United BLDG, a mixed-use development to rise at Dundas Street West and University Avenue in Downtown Toronto. The 52-storey, B+H Architects-designed tower, which will boast direct access to St Patrick subway station, will incorporate what is being hailed by the developer as one of the tallest architectural heritage retention projects in all of North America.
With the existing buildings cleared of tenants, the site fenced off, and a mobile crane recently delivered to the site, last Wednesday's ceremony brought Davpart executives including the company's President & CEO David Hofstedter, together with Barbara Lawlor, President of Baker Real Estate, and Toronto Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson to celebrate the start of construction.
As the site is currently fully developed, a shovels in the ground event was not the order of the day, but instead VIPs were provided with mallets to ceremonially take down a wall of stacked blocks, signifying the start of interior demolition for the site's redevelopment. Among those speaking at the ground breaking, Hofstedter stressed the importance of the existing buildings to the larger redevelopment, stating “The existing structure is an example of a commercial building from the interwar era and is the result of many bold design influences, from Beaux-Arts to Modern Classical. While restoring the exterior, we will complete the interior to the highest standard of contemporary office and retail available today, so their current uses can continue.”
The first steps in the project's construction will be the preparation phase for incorporating the heritage Maclean Publishing Company/Maclean-Hunter Building at 481 University Avenue along with adjoining existing buildings into its base, in a plan overseen by heritage specialists ERA Architects. A statement from ERA principal Graeme Stewart reads “Our heritage work includes retaining, restoring, and enhancing two large and significant buildings. The first is a noteworthy 1930s collegiate gothic building by Toronto architect Murray Brown, designed with New York’s Schultze & Weaver. The second, designed by Marani & Morris architects is a midcentury example of modern stone office towers that contribute to the distinctive character of University Avenue.”
Above the heritage base, the new tower is to set itself apart with a contemporary design that will contrast the established character below. Mark Berest, Principal at B+H Architects Principal, stated “The design of this building draws from the energy of its location at the intersection of the city’s primary cultural, institutional, and retail anchors as well as its preserved architectural cultural heritage. It is a tribute to Toronto’s cosmopolitan character and considers a new convergence of live, work, and play.”
With work now officially in progress, Mark Hamidi, Davpart’s Project Manager of Development and Construction, is targeting the completion of construction for late 2026. Hamidi stated "At its peak, about 300 people [will be working] on the job site. But this does not include all of the manufacturing, suppliers, consultants, city staff, and [all] that we are creating substantial business for. Considering the indirect job opportunities, it is much higher."
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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