New University of Toronto Tower for Student Housing

The University of Toronto is busy trying to improve the accommodation shortfall for it's students according to the Globe and Mail. A 2017 report showed that the university would need another 2,300 beds by 2020 and proposed a 511 bed residence building at 698 Spadina Avenue. The building which will be 23 stories high will be built in partnership with Daniels Corporation and designed by Toronto's Diamond Schmitt Architects. The project is scheduled to open in 2021. 

"Housing is a problem all over North America in terms of universities. In cities like Toronto, where the cost of living is very expensive and the type of offerings that might be best suited for a first-year student may not be readily available, that's where university-sponsored housing is an effective tool to meet that demand."

University of Toronto's Chief of Planning, Design & Construction | Gilbert Delgado

The structure will incorporate an existing three story heritage building into the facade and will be the first such building on the school's campus in more than 10 years. The building was finally approved last month by the city and local groups following the appointment of a mediator. The university made some concessions which included a smaller footprint and fewer storeys in addition to opening up 17,000 square feet of adjacent green space to the public. 

Even though the number of unaffiliated residence buildings has been on the rise in Toronto, Mr. Delgado stated that the University of Texas strives to offer affiliated residence options. This is especially true for first-year students who may not know their way around the city. The advantage of having residences on the campus means that students are guaranteed to stay close to the university where they can get help with getting acclimated and their neighbors will be fellow students.

A final hearing on the construction of the new residence is still pending and will be held at the Ontario Municipal Board this month.

Per the University of Toronto News, the new tower which was first proposed in 2013, will be constructed on the downtown Toronto campus and will also include lively retail storefronts besides the residences. 

"We wanted to be a good neighbour. We wanted to find the place where U of T's obligation to students overlaps with the broader community's interests so it's a successful project in both the university and public realms. I'm confident this building will be a positive addition to the fabric of this city. This is the first of what we hope is a number of residential projects."

University of Toronto's Vice-President of University Operations | Scott Mabury