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As we roll into February, 2024, the Greater Golden Horseshoe is basking in an unusually warm winter, giving the myriad construction projects across the region a boost by allowing crews to be more productive, and make more headway on developments that are reshaping the region's urban and suburban landscapes. Keeping track of all this activity can be a daunting task, with a seemingly never-ending list of projects. Here's a roundup of some of the construction starts across the region from recent months:
1141 Bloor West and 980 Dufferin
At the heart of Toronto's Dufferin Grove, 1141 Bloor Street West and 980 Dufferin Street are components of the Bloor & Dufferin complex from Hazelview Investments. Designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, thw adjacent sites consists of towers set to stand 11, 34, and 37 storeys. This development is part of a larger vision with a total of six buildings, the other three by Fitzrovia Reql Estate. The Hazelview buildings will introduce 1055 market-rate rental units alongside retail spaces to land that was the former Bloor Collegiate Institute site. The projects' cranes, part of five across the entire complex at the moment, are a clear indicator of the rapid development underway.
Metroview Developments' Y9825, an addition to the company's Yonge Series that are named for their address along that street in Richmond Hill. Designed by Wallman Architects, Y9825 is set to stand 22 storeys, offering a mix of 451 condo and townhouse units, each designed with a hotel-style interior. Since June 2023, the construction site has been abuzz with activity, marked by the presence of two cranes and early construction work.
State Building Group's venture at Spadina subway station is set to add to the vibrancy of Toronto's Annex neighbourhood. Designed by Kirkor Architects Planners, this 37-storey mixed-use building will rise on the northwest corner of Bloor Street West and Madison Avenue, integrating 499 residential units with ground-floor retail spaces. Demolition was completed in Fall 2023 and a shoring rig now in place in preparation for excavation. The dig here will allow the streetcar loop at Spadina station to be extended to fit 2 full streetcars.
Volkswagen Battery Cell Factory
In a bold move towards electrification, Volkswagen's subsidiary PowerCO SE is set to construct its first battery plant outside of Europe, and its largest to date, in St Thomas, Ontario, south of London. Occupying a sprawling 1,200 to 1,500 acre site along Highbury Avenue South, the factory will specialize in producing electric vehicle battery cells, with construction that kicked off in a ground breaking ceremony in December, 2023. Partial production is anticipated by 2027 and full operational status expected by 2030.
Set against the backdrop of Downtown Milton, The Millhouse Condominiums by Fernbrook Homes is a residential development designed by Architecture Unfolded. Consisting of three towers standing 15 to 19 storeys tall, this project is poised to deliver a total of 677 units. Situated on Nipissing Road, the project's construction commenced in Fall, 2023, with foundational work and two cranes now visibly transforming the skyline.
In Hamilton's Westdale Area, a new landmark is rising on the campus of McMaster University. Lincoln Alexander Hall, a collaborative effort between the university and Knightstone Capital Management, is designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects. This residential development, featuring 10 and 15-storey buildings, aims to redefine student living with its innovative design located at 1190 Main Street West. The groundbreaking ceremony in November 2023 marked the beginning of construction, with a shoring rig and early formation of the crane base already laying the groundwork for what is set to become a vibrant hub for student life.
O'Shanter Development Company is bringing a new residential option to Toronto's prestigious Rosedale neighbourhood with 31 Sherbourne Street North. Designed by GBCA Architects, this 3-storey building will offer 11 market-rate rental homes, blending with the area's upscale and historic character. Construction began in early 2024, with a mobile tower crane facilitating work within the project's compact site.
Nestled in the heart of Ancaster Village, Hamilton, Stone Lofts represents a blend of heritage charm and modern living. Developed by Sonoma Homes and designed by David Premi Architects, this 3-storey condo at 125 Wilson Street East is set to offer 19 units. After a brief pause, excavation resumed in October, 2023, paving the way for this anticipated addition to Ancaster's residential offerings.
Developed by Pinemount Developments and designed by Icon Architects, Gorman Park Condos is set to rise at 128 Gorman Park Road in Toronto's Clanton Park neighbourhood. This 9-storey mixed-use building will feature 170 market-rate rental units atop retail spaces, enhancing the community's livability and convenience. Demolition commenced in September, 2023, with shoring rigs appearing onsite last month.
Minto Communities GTA is adding to the rental stock in Toronto's Windfields neighbourhood with its project at 740 York Mills Road, on the northwest corner with Leslie Street. Designed by Rafael + Bigauskas Architects, this unique development consists of seven, 3-storey buildings housing a total of 192 townhouse units. Breaking ground after the site's demolition in 2022, the construction team has been actively engaging in excavation and the formation of the underground garage.
Rexton Development is bringing a new townhome community to life at 95 Pidgeon Street in the Clairlea-Birchmount area of Scarborough, adding 26 contemporary units across three buildings. Designed by TAES Architect, each 3-storey structure will offer a range of 8 to 10 units with heights reaching up to 13.49m. The site saw the arrival of excavators in Fall, 2023, moving swiftly towards concrete foundation footings and walls by December, alongside the assembly of wooden formwork.
To learn more about any of the projects from today's story, you can visit their respective database files linked below; from there, you can also join in on the conversation by visiting the project thread. In the meantime, we will continue to follow the progress of these projects and keep you informed with the important updates as they come.
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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.
