3.6K 
Cielo Condos flies into 2024 on the heels of a variance application by Collecdev-Markee Developments at the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB). Seeking to increase the height and density of the project by 5 storeys, if approved by TLAB the alterations would see the building's stature grow from 29 storeys to 34, stretching its height from 99m to 120.35m. Cielo’s residential unit count would rise from 284 to 349 units, while parking would see an increase from 160 to 178 spaces.
The variances are endorsed by City Planning, with City Council requiring that in return the developers provide approximately $2,250,000 to be used towards social services, community facilities, park improvements, road safety, active transportation, cultural facilities, and streetscape improvements in Ward 11, where the project is located.
Designed by KPMB Architects and situated in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood at 300 Bloor Street West, one of the highlights of the project is the careful preservation of heritage elements including the Bloor Street United Church's south and east walls, with Gothic Revival detailing, and Pidgeon House, a Victorian house at the north end of the site which is being carefully integrated into Cielo's podium. The heritage details are being overseen by ERA Architects.
Looking southeast to the most recent images from the construction since our December update, the foreground is dominated by a mobile crane, its telescopic boom extended towards a large caisson — a concrete column that forms a part of the building's foundation system. The crane's outriggers are fully deployed, ensuring stability as it engages in heavy lifting.
Pivoting to look southwestwards, foundation work is underway, with several vertical steel I-beams integral to the shoring system secured into the ground alongside the Line 1 and 2 subway tunnels hidden below. Behind them, an excavator sits with its bucket at rest. Progress on the bulk excavation of the parking levels has reached 30%, with operations set to resume post-staging slab finalization. The development team anticipates a the installation of a second row of tiebacks to commence in the second quarter of 2024, following the completion of a temporary staging slab.
Stepping back for a broader perspective, the blue excavator is visible to the left. The excavation pit is surrounded by a retaining wall, with concrete caissons protruding above the earth.
Below, a close-up provdes view of the inside of the church's preserved east wall, swathed in protective Tyvek HomeWrap, and the retention system holding it up.
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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