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As days pass, the southwest corner of Islington Avenue and The Queensway inches closer to the start of demolition, which is the first stage of construction on the way to welcoming the new Verge Condominiums to the site. The community from RioCan Living — RioCan REIT's 2018-launched residential sub-brand — will be built out with two Turner Fleischer Architects-designed buildings. The first phase on the northwest corner of the site is to stand 10 storeys/38.15 metres, and be home to a total of 203 residential suites, while the second phase on the northeast corner of the site will stand 17 storeys/62.7 metres and boast 341 suites. Each building will have its own distinct lobby and expansive indoor and outdoor amenities.
Our last update on the project shared that demolition is around the corner for phase one of the development, with the Scotiabank and Kelsey's recently closing up shop and relocating. Since then, the signage on the Scotiabank has been removed from the structure, and anticipation is mounting for demolition to commence any day now.
One phase at a time, Verge will join this vibrant Etobicoke neighbourhood which is full of local parks, restaurants, cafés, and shops, including Sherway Gardens shopping centre just down the road, while essentially in the backyard, a flagship Cineplex is the ultimate entertainment destination. Transit will be easily accessible – with the ability to catch the TTC just steps away at the corner, with buses heading in all four directions, including north to the subway for a trip downtown for more things to see and do. For drivers, the Gardiner Expressway is practically at your doorstep.
If going out isn't the vibe, between the two buildings the complex will include a range of both indoor and outdoor amenities, including party rooms, cocktail lounges, co-working spaces with soundproof workstations, content studios, fitness and yoga areas, outdoor terraces with barbecues, games, lounge seating and kids’ play areas.
The 10-storey, first phase, west building has completely sold out. The 17-storey east tower launched a couple of months ago, and will rise right next door. Both of the condominiums will house residential units ranging from one to three-bedroom layouts.
The architects behind the design have shared that the community was an influential factor in the early design stages of the project. "It was very important to us that the architectural volumes of this building integrated seamlessly within the existing fabric of the neighbourhood," said Raza Mehdi, Associate at Turner Fleischer Architects. "With a systematic, modular design, clean lines, and modern sensibility, both buildings converge into a beautiful public realm with an art-directed landscape that opens into a welcoming pedestrian square.”
Looking inside, the interiors of Verge are the work of DesignAgency. Kitchens in the suites will boast a six-piece appliance package including a stainless steel refrigerator, an integrated electric cooktop and wall oven, an integrated dishwasher, a microwave with trim kit, and a ventilated hood fan. Countertops will be made of quartz, and backsplashes will be made of porcelain.
Bathrooms will feature sleek porcelain floor tiles and full-height modern porcelain wall tile. Showers will have frameless, fixed panels for a modern finish, and counters will be made of quartz, fitted with an under-mount sink, and a vanity mirror.
More information on the development will come soon, but in the meantime, you can learn more from our Database file for the project, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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