What would once have been a one-of-a-kind proposal… is being proposed to happen again in Toronto: GWL Realty Advisors, has announced that it is proposing to add a 33-storey residential addition atop an existing 14-storey office building at 200 University Avenue in the Downtown core.

Proposed residential addition in the heart of Downtown, image courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors

Currently on the site is a 1961-completed office building designed by John B. Parkin Associates, which at the time was the largest and most prolific architectural practice in Canada, and is credited as being a leader in developing the Mid-Century Modern style in the country. The building is one of the few Modernist buildings listed on the Toronto Heritage Register. With this proposal in play, even without demolition as the goal, the building will no doubt be further evaluated by Heritage Preservation Services to see if it will be designated either in whole, or in part. Besides office tenants, the building currently features a collection of fast food eateries at street level.

Existing Sun Life building, image by Bob Krawczyk

Designed by KPMB Architects, the extension that is being proposed on top of the office building offers a minimalist glass tower with inset balconies framed by an upward extension of the fins of the original building, mending the two together across an inset space where the current building's mechanical penthouse is. The mechanical penthouse would be adapted to become an amenity space used by commercial tenants during the day, and as a space for residents to host social functions in the evening, while the lower floors would continue to operate as offices.

Integrated base showing where the amenity ares would be located between the old and new buildings, image courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors

The 33 storeys that are being proposed on top of the office building would house 475 residential suites in addition to an abundance of amenities and other conveniences, which are yet to be announced. 

Looking up to what would be the full tower above 200 University, designed by KPMB Architects, image courtesy of GWL Realty Advisors

The office building would be retrofitted to carry the new residence on top of it. An additional retail pavilion proposed to be added at street level.

UrbanToronto will continue to follow updates for this development, 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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