North York’s skyline is about to undergo a major transformation! Two older office buildings at 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East may soon be replaced by four brand-new towers. Developer Lev Living, along with B+H Architects, has proposed an ambitious plan to build these tall structures, reflecting the city’s shift away from traditional office spaces. Here’s a closer look at the project and the construction details that workers will find particularly important.
What’s Happening?
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Current Site: Two office buildings, seven and nine storeys tall, with a total of 231,471 square feet of space.
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New Development: Four towers measuring 59, 53, 49, and 30 storeys tall, featuring mixed-use podiums with retail and walkways.
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Location: Steps from the Sheppard-Yonge subway station and close to Highway 401.
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Design Style: Unique geometric shapes and curved brick designs, departing from North York’s typical glass structures.The project will add 2,386 condominiums and over 2,000 square metres of retail space, bringing new life to the area.
BlogTo reports that the project will add 2,386 condominiums and over 2,000 square metres of retail space, bringing new life to the area.
Key Features of the Plan
Tower Heights
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Tallest Tower: 59 storeys (194 metres)
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Other Towers:
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53 storeys (172 metres)
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49 storeys (159 metres)
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30 storeys (105 metres)
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Mixed-Use Podiums
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Retail stores and landscaped pedestrian areas will connect the towers, creating a community-focused environment.
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Green spaces will offer areas for relaxation and social interaction.
Retail and Promenade
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Central Promenade: A landscaped walkway linking the towers.
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Retail Spaces: 2,046 square metres of retail shops and dining options to enhance convenience for residents and visitors.
Important Construction Details
Demolition and Preparation
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The two existing office buildings will need to be carefully demolished to make way for the new development.
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Excavation will be required to create a three-level underground parking garage.
Building Design and Structure
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Geometric Shapes: The curved brick elements and bold geometric forms will demand skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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Podium Construction: The podiums will house retail spaces and landscaped walkways, integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal.
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High-Rise Construction: Towers up to 59 storeys will require advanced construction techniques, including crane operations and structural engineering.
Sustainability and Accessibility
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Bicycle Parking: More than 1,800 spaces will encourage cycling, supporting Toronto’s push for sustainable transportation.
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Vehicle Parking: A three-level garage with 736 spaces will accommodate residents and visitors.
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Proximity to Transit: The Sheppard-Yonge subway station and Highway 401 will provide convenient access for residents.
Design and Community Benefits
Innovative Architecture
The design by B+H Architects sets this project apart with:
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Geometric Shapes: Adding variety and character to North York’s skyline.
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Curved Brick Elements: A fresh, modern approach that creates warmth and texture.
Community Spaces
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Landscaped Walkways: Green spaces between the towers will provide a calm, inviting environment for residents and visitors.
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Convenient Retail: Ground-level shops and dining options will enhance everyday living and create a vibrant community hub.
Challenges and Opportunities for Workers
Construction Challenges
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Tower Heights: Building structures as tall as 59 storeys will require precise planning, safety measures, and coordination.
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Busy Location: The site’s proximity to Highway 401 and Yonge Street’s bustling onramps means traffic management will be critical.
Opportunities for Workers
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Diverse Jobs: From demolition to landscaping, this large-scale project will offer a variety of employment opportunities.
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Specialized Skills: Unique architectural features, such as curved brick designs, provide opportunities to showcase advanced craftsmanship.
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Green Spaces: Constructing landscaped areas will allow workers to contribute to urban beautification efforts.
What’s Next?
Neighborhood Impact
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Thousands of new residents will make North York more vibrant and dynamic.
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Improved pedestrian walkways and retail spaces will create a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere.
Transportation Enhancements
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Easy access to subway lines and Highway 401 makes the development ideal for both public transit users and drivers.
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Abundant bike parking aligns with Toronto’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East marks an exciting chapter for North York. Replacing aging office buildings with four innovative towers, this project promises to transform the area and offer new opportunities for construction workers. From bold architectural designs to improved community spaces, this development will set a new standard for mixed-use projects in Toronto, shaping the skyline and enriching urban life for years to come.
