How exactly does one support the 10-storey facades of two heritage buildings while preparing to excavate about 30 more feet below them, all within the confined spaces of Downtown Toronto? That was the question UrbanToronto had in February when we visited the site of Davpart’s gravity-defying redevelopment project, The United BLDG, located on University Avenue. The answer, we learned, was simpler than we thought: steel; lots and lots of steel. 

Close up of steel framing used to retain facades, image by UT Forum contributor Red Mars

In order to construct a new 52-storey residential tower above the remaining heritage walls, the on-site crew has acted in calculated moves. When we visited the site 9 months ago, the process of carefully installing steel transfer trusses was just beginning; now, as we approach the end of the year, we can see the fruits being reaped by that careful approach, with demolition now complete and excavation moving forward.  

Looking northwest across University Avenue to the podium of the United BLDG, image courtesy of Davpart

Before new vertical construction to begin here, months of preparation are going into readying the site. Where four buildings once stood, the demolition process saw that number reduced to two by the early spring, with two lesser structures removed in the northeast corner of the block. 

Looking south to the work onsite from Edward Street in May, image by UT Forum contributor Johnny Au

Months later, we can see that extensive demolition continues on the preserved buildings, removing everything but the facades and the distance of one bay behind them. What is left is being supported by what remains of the original steel structure plus the steel transfer trusses at the base, which now distribute the load onto the new perimeter concrete grade beams.

Looking southwest into the United BLDG site from Edward Street in November, image by UT Forum contributor Red Mars

 

To begin the excavation, the building is being jacked onto interior piles, and the crew has brought in heavy machinery for the excavation of the site, which will ultimately see a pit carved out large enough to accommodate four storeys of underground parking, as well as an underground mezzanine level for bicycle storage. The image below shows that excavators have started to dig below grade level, creating piles of rubble to be moved offsite. 

Excavation beginning with heritage facades successfully retained, image by UT Forum contributor Red Mars

 

The United BLDG has been a particularly interesting project to follow because it is currently in the process of breaking the record for tallest heritage-retention project in North America. The design, from B+H Architects, will position a 52-storey residential tower above a redeveloped podium that incorporates the heritage facades into a mixed-use commercial office building with retail at grade. Beyond the dramatic increase in height, the project promises an interesting interplay of materials that engages with the perpetual juxtaposition of concrete and glass in Toronto’s Downtown Core. 

Northeast facing view of the complete design of the United BLDG from University Avenue, image courtesy of Davpart

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, 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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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.

Related Companies:

Aercoustics Engineering Ltd, B+H Architects, Baker Real Estate Incorporated, Bousfields, Grounded Engineering Inc., L.A. Inc., Rebar Enterprises Inc, RJC Engineers