GO Transit connects Toronto and its surroundings, and a new proposal designed by IBI Group for Marlin Spring Developments and Metrolinx would bring a tower to East End-Danforth, next to the Danforth GO station, giving residents a fast way to get downtown or to more far-flung areas of the GTHA.

Looking southeast to 8 Dawes, designed by IBI Group for Marlin Spring Developments and Metrolinx

At this time, the Metrolinx-owned site at 8 Dawes is vacant, just southeast of the Main Street and Danforth Avenue intersection. Submitted for Zoning By-law Amendment and Site Plan Approval applications, there is about 2,510m² of land waiting to be utilized that sits at the foot of Dawes Road beside the GO station. The proposal would transform the site into a mixed-use tower, combining residential and retail, plus a POPS (Privately Owned Publicly accessible Space). The POPS would be at the south end of the site, in order to connect it to the green spaces proposed at adjacent proposals sites for this neighbourhood-to-come.

Looking southeast to the podium of 8 Dawes, designed by IBI Group for Marlin Spring Developments and Metrolinx

The building would rise 38 storeys, stand 123.68m tall, and contain 399 dwelling units. Residents would have access to amenity spaces on the ground and fifth floors, with 806m² of indoor amenities and 901m² of outdoor amenity space on the fifth floor atop the podium.  

Looking east to the current vacant land at 8 Dawes, image retrieved from Google Street View

A unique feature of the tower would be its above-ground parking levels, as opposed to an underground garage. They would be incorporated into the podium, overlooking the GO stations, and would contain 126 spots for motor vehicles, of which 11 would be designated for visitors. There would be 450 spaces for bicycles. The structure would have a 4-storey street wall facing Dawes (with a double-height ground floor), with a step back from the fourth to the fifth floor.

Close-up view of the proposed design of 8 Dawes, facing northeast, as designed by IBI Group for Marlin Spring Developments

About 5% of the units are proposed to be designated affordable rental housing. The intention would be to allow for a more complete community in this developing area. The proposal notes over 50 active development applications within a single kilometre of the subject site. These include seven similar residential buildings in the immediate surroundings, of which six would also be mixed-use, adding significantly more people and businesses to the neighbourhood.

An aerial view of 8 Dawes and its surroundings at Main Street and Danforth Avenue, image retrieved from Google Maps

As well s being next to Danforth GO station, Main Street subway station is a short walk to the northwest. The tower proposed for 8 Dawes Road would allow residents and a retailer to benefit from these transportation options and be part of a growing surrounding community.

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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