A Tower-in-the-Park infill building just north of Harbord Street has topped off at 666 Spadina Avenue in central Toronto. Designed by Arcadis for Cromwell Property Management, this 11-storey development is adjacent to the Spadina Towers built in 1972. Since our last update in October, the mid-rise is now mostly enveloped in cladding and glazing.

Looking southwest to 666 Spadina Avenue, designed by Arcadis for Cromwell Property Management

In October, 2023, this northeastward view, below, of the west elevation from Sussex Mews showcases the black and white aluminum cladding that wrapped around the first few storeys, punctuated by expanses of glazed windows. Load-bearing columns that support the overhanging floors of the west volume of the building mark the ground floor. Above, the building steps back every two storeys starting from the third level, designed to reduce the massing as it ascends. To the right, the east volume in contrasting full-height windows and black cladding complements the lighter facade elements. The upper storeys toward Spadina Avenue remained in a raw concrete state.

Looking northeast to the west elevation behind Spadina Avenue, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor UtakataNoAnnex

Shifting to a southeast view from Sussex Mews in February, 2024, we see the north elevation, with its entrance to the underground garage to the left of the concrete columns. Further left, a construction hoist clings to the building. This stretch is set to feature a trellis and walkway for through-passage between Spadina and Sussex Mews, part of the outdoor features connecting the site to the adjacent Spadina Towers to the infill.

Looking southeast to the construction hoist and pathway along Sussex Mews connecting to Spadina Towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor UtakataNoAnnex

Looking directly west in April, 2024, the topped-off tower’s architectural expression is on full display. The building's exterior features a zig-zag pattern of white cladding that vertically ascends the structure. Below, a brick facade introduces a contrasting volume, and mirrors the scale of the older buildings to the south. It is characterized by larger window openings framed with thin vertical and horizontal black mullions. The scaffolding and hoarding at street level indicate ongoing facade and ground-floor retail space works. Blue waterproofing tarp drapes the upper levels. The architectural step-backs, visible as the building ascends to its mechanical penthouse, are designed to minimize the building's impact on the street.

The eastern elevation fronting Spadina Avenue, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor UtakataNoAnnex

In this recent view northwest from the corner of Spadina Avenue and Harbord Street, the south elevation reveals a pattern of staggered windows which articulate the facade. The building features a curtain wall system that fills the spaces between the step-backs on the west side. The facade that fronts Spadina Avenue is punctuated by inset balconies, which along with the step-backs, help break up the massing of the building.

Looking northwest from Spadina Avenue and Harbord Street, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor UtakataNoAnnex

Once complete, the project will add 133 residential units to this Downtown Toronto neighbourhood.

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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Related Companies:  Arcadis, Ferris + Associates Inc., Groundwater Environmental Management Services Inc. (GEMS), Unilux HVAC Industries Inc., WND Associates Ltd