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Construction of a new condominium development at Richmond and Augusta in Toronto's Fashion District will soon create an expanded canvas for the world-famous Rush Lane, aka Graffiti Alley. Alterra Group's Rush Condos is bringing a 15-storey, Quadrangle-designed building to the site, where there was once a single-storey Stephenson's Rent-All location that was part of Rush Lane's unofficial brick canvas. Rush Condos has been designed specifically to replace the lost piece of urban fabric with walls that will be perfect for reestablishing colourful street art facing the lanes. Now about one year into construction, work on the project has crossed an important milestone, with the start of above-grade forming.
Since the start of construction in late November, 2019, shoring paved the way for a pit three levels—or 10.24 metres—deep. Forming of two underground parking levels with 26 long-term resident parking spaces, and a single basement level above has since followed. We last checked in on construction in mid-September, when the lower P2 and P1 levels were in place and forming had begun for the basement level's walls and columns. In the several weeks since, the balance of the basement level—set to contain mechanical, electrical, resident lockers, and bicycle parking—was formed.
Now entering the 12th month of work, the first walls and columns for the ground floor have appeared, marking the start of the building's ascent to an eventual height of 52.42 metres. The building will rise in two volumes, with a podium rising seven storeys, and an additional eight storeys above with a reduced floor-plate.
Rush Condos' contribution of 25 condominium units to the neighbourhood will be joined by its extension of the cultural destination it is named for. The building's north and west podium walls will include areas for street artists to add to the colourful laneway, exempted from municipal unlicensed street art laws through the City's 2011-adopted Graffiti Management Plan, which designated Rush Lane as an area of municipal significance. This ultimately led to the City's forming of the "StART" street art program, fostering legal street art across the city.
As a taste of what's to come, the construction hoarding surrounding the project is now itself covered in elaborate street art tags.
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.
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| Related Companies: | Alterra Group of Companies, BDP Quadrangle, Egis, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, Modulex Group, Norris Fire Consulting Inc, U31 |
