It has been two years since the development team, Tenblock, proposed a redevelopment of their 24-storey 1960's apartment building at 25 St. Mary Street and since then they have been working closely with the community to refine their two-tower project.
The project would include the following:
- Two towers of 54 and 59 storeys
- 1,024 market apartments
- 259 existing replacement apartments
- Plus another 50 apartments priced at affordable rental rates
- 500m2 public park
- City-operated daycare
- Adjacent privately owned publicly accessible space
- Mid-block couryard
- 310m2 of community retail space currently envisioned as a bike cafe
Urban Toronto states that a significant participant in the creation of this neighborhood vision was the Bay Cloverhill Community Association. By working closely with the community group, the developers were able to gain a greater perspective on what neighbors wanted to see in a family and pedestrian-oriented development.
Tenblock has also been able to focus on creating a strategy for those living in the 259 existing rental apartments on the site today. The plan outlines an approach that will allow eligible tenants to return to a replacement unit of similar size, with the same number of bedrooms and at a similar rent price. Tenants will also be entitled to a number of additional compensation items as well. These will include:
- Move-out and move-back allowances
- Relocation support from leasing agents
- Rent compensation of three to seven months
- Upfront cash compensation for eligible tenants in the form of a rent gap payment
- Up to a minimum of six months notice to vacate the building
Besides replacing the existing rental apartments, Tenblock is working with City Councillor Chris Moise and City Planning and Housing staff to deliver 50 new affordable apartments in the proposal as well. These apartments will reflect the City's targets for unit type mix, with 15% of them 2-bedroom layouts, and 10% having 3 bedrooms.
Tenblock is also focusing in on sustainability standards as the next step in improving their proposal after rezoning is approved. The developer intends to provide heating and cooling for the project through a sustainable geo-exchange system, as part of its goal of achieving at least Tier 2 of the Toronto Green Standard. Meanwhile, emissions are also being cut in other areas as well, with the project reducing the number of underground levels from four down to one, which is expected to reduce construction time and tenant displacement by 12 months.
The developer also tapped energy strategy firm Footprint to prepare a Carbon Analysis Report for the project and proposed that the redevelopment would deliver a 75% reduction in carbon emissions per unit annually than before and concluded that the new development will become carbon positive after eight years of occupancy.
While offering zero residential parking spaces, 25 St. Mary is set to join the emerging class of developments in Toronto working to deemphasize vehicle use with a direct approach. Cycle infrastructure will now serve its residents and plans include a dedicated bike ramp, a bike elevator, bike repair spaces, and parking for e-bikes and cargo bikes.
The project will go before City Council at its may 10th session for approval.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 25 St. Mary Street Mixed Use Residential Buildings Bay Street Corridor - Toronto (0029041822)
