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The 52-storey 88 Queen, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects and Turner Fleischer Architects for St Thomas Developments, is part of the ongoing transformation of Queen Street East between Dalhousie to Mutual streets. This final phase completes nearly a decade of development on what was once one of the largest parking lots in Downtown Toronto. Following the earlier towers — including 88 North on Shuter Street and Fitzrovia’s Elm — Ledbury facing Mutual and Dalhousie streets — 88 Queen will host a mix of residential, retail at ground level, and a hotel on the podium levels.
UrbanToronto last provided an update in March, 2024, when the tower had recently topped off. Since then, the tower’s exterior has nearly reached completion, with current efforts focused on the streetscape and podium detailing – with landscape designed by CCxA and NAK Design Strategies – as the site approaches occupancy.
This upward view from the intersection of Church and Queen Street East highlights the completed cladding on the west and south elevations. The window wall system combines white powder-coated aluminum frames with pale mint-green spandrel panels, forming a subtle plaid stripe. Central fins along the south elevation draw the eye upward. At street level, the podium boasts detailed and textural bronze-coloured mullions and transoms surrounding large, punched windows.
In this close-up view from August, 2024, the podium’s bronze-coloured cladding stands out on the north and east elevations. On the right, a glass section curves toward the POPS (Privately-Owned Publicly-accessible Space) between buildings on the site. Concrete columns at ground level support the cantilevered second floor, framing the future pathway where brick pavers were soon to be installed over crushed gravel, leading to the public space on the right.
In October, 2024, we see the progress on the POPS, where construction crews are actively shaping the future public space. Framed by the bronze-coloured mullions of 88 Queen on the left and the brick of Elm-Ledbury to the right, the transitional section includes the facades of both developments. In the foreground, one of six designated circular planting areas has been prepared, soon to host greenery.
A public art installation — metallic spheres in lines — rises partially hidden in the centre, while piles of clay brick pavers await installation, set to form a textured pedestrian surface. A red scissor lift is stationed near the base of the podium, while an opening at the back marks the west-east pedestrian mews towards Dalhousie Street.
This eastward view along Queen Street East shows the south elevation’s nearly completed curtain wall system at street level. The glass arc at centre pinpoints an outdoor walkthrough to the mews and other buildings to the north. Construction equipment occupies the sidewalk, with a red scissor lift on the left and a blue boom lift stationed behind. Concrete paving on the sidewalk nears completion, with a neat border of brick pavers.
This view looking north captures the retail-lined pedestrian mews running north-south, towards the POPS and Elm – Ledbury. The clay brick pavers on the walkway are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Framed by expansive glazed storefronts on both sides, the pathway invites foot traffic and natural light, with recessed pot lights embedded in the ceiling illuminating the walkway. Hints of the public art can been seen in the distance.
Initial occupancy should begin in the coming months. 88 Queen stands at a height of 167.35m and will house 587 residential units plus 160 hotel rooms.
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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