As time passes, the ambitious multi-phased revitalization project for Promenade Mall in the Thornhill area of Vaughan, just north of Torontro, is revealing itself. The project from Liberty Development and designed by WZMH Architects and ZO1, is set to include a hotel, offices, retail outlets, public spaces, and a park. As UrbanToronto last explored this project in 2018 when the plans were just submitted, we now journey through time to observe the significant strides made by the construction team.

Phase 1 of the revitalization with the towers and podium on the west side, designed by WZMH Architects and ZO1 for Liberty Development

Rewinding to July 3, 2021, UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead presents us with the first glimpse of the project’s nascent stage, looking northeast. At this time, on a portion of the site where the first phase is under construction, massive blue tarps cover where an active section of the mall has been shaved off, while yellow caution tape separates areas of excavation from the parking lot. Cranes and concrete pillars hint at the shape of things to come.

Looking northeast to the excavation site for Phase 1, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead

Leaping forward to January 14, 2023, and the progress is unmistakable in the image taken by UrbanToronto Forum contributor secondchance. As we look east, the scene is dominated by the multi-storeyed east tower and its counterpart, the west tower in the left background. The towers' floors, bordered by bright orange fencing, and the wooden barriers perched atop the highest storey, hint at more vertical growth looming on the horizon.

Looking northeast to the east west tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor secondchance

One month later, on February 13, 2023, UrbanToronto Forum contributor ryanbruins17 offers a captivating snapshot of the next stages of construction looking east. The once empty skyline is now punctuated by two towering cranes, each dedicated to one of the towers. The taller west tower now commands the scene, while the skeleton of the building's first few storeys is visibly sprouting up.

Looking north to the towers and podium, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor ryanbruins17

On April 9, 2023, UrbanToronto Forum contributor contributor yrt+viva=1system transports us to a tranquil early morning, capturing the towers glowing in the sunrise, looking southeast. From this far-reaching view, we can appreciate the scale and design of the towers and the podium, in addition to the remaining sections of the mall on the northeast end.

Looking southeast from a distance, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

By June 4, 2023, we see that the east tower has made substantial strides, almost matching the height of the west tower, as seen in an image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead. The east tower has almost caught up to its counterpart in terms of height. Looking south, the glass cladding for the podium emerges, glistening as it envelopes both towers and the connecting section.

Looking south to the two towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead

As summer progresses, on June 24th, we take a step back and view the site looking south from South Promenade, with an image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system. The glass cladding continues its ascent up the towers. Adding to the visible ongoing construction efforts are the yellow hoists in the west tower, indicative of the progress within.

Looking north from South Promenade, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

July 5, 2023, brings us a striking image captured by yrt+viva=1system. The window cladding is unmissable looking east, as the sunlight reflecting off the glass surface adds to the visual appeal of the buildings. The cranes continue to remain perched atop the buildings with cladding on the upper floors and remaining storeys yet to be completed.

Looking east from a distance, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor yrt+viva=1system

The most recent image, taken by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead on July 14, 2023, is a detailed close-up of the east tower looking west. The cladding is making its way up the east and south sides, and the tower stands with only a few storeys remaining before it's topped off. The construction hoist setup is visible in the centre of the east side. The lighter hue of the concrete form on the south side, in contrast to the existing structure, hints at a different interior, perhaps a precursor to the window cladding soon to envelope it.

Looking west to the east tower, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Undead

The Promenade Mall Revitalization has certainly come a long way since plans were submitted five years ago. We will continue to follow progress on these towers, and subsequent phases as this major project continues to unfold.

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.

* * *

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:  Bousfields, Jablonsky, Ast and Partners, Schollen & Company, StrategyCorp, STUDIO tla, Vortex Fire Consulting Inc. , WZMH Architects