A new high-rise rental development has been proposed for Midtown Toronto, as a Zoning By-law Amendment application has been submitted for 1960–1966 Yonge Street. The project is being led by Biddington Group, with planning services submitted by Bousfields and architectural design by Arcadis.
Located at the southwest corner of Yonge Street and Imperial Street in Davisville Village, the proposal would replace two existing low-rise buildings, including a two-storey commercial structure and a mixed-use building with a Toronto-Dominion Bank branch and residential units above.
Tower Height and Podium Design
Urban Toronto reports that the proposed development calls for a 45-storey mixed-use rental tower rising to approximately 149.15 metres. The building will be anchored by an 11-storey podium that frames both Yonge Street and Imperial Street frontages, creating a strong streetwall presence.
Above the podium, the tower will feature a compact rectangular floor plate of approximately 564 square metres, a design strategy commonly used to optimize structural efficiency while maximizing views and natural light for residential units.
From a construction perspective, this type of tower-podium configuration requires precise coordination between podium structural systems and the vertical tower core, ensuring load transfer and alignment across all levels.
Residential Density and Unit Mix
The development will deliver a total of 379 rental units, including 9 rental replacement units in accordance with Toronto’s housing policies.
The unit breakdown includes:
- 221 one-bedroom units
- 109 two-bedroom units
- 49 three-bedroom units
This mix reflects a balanced approach to unit sizing, accommodating a range of residents while supporting higher-density urban living.
With a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 24.2, the project represents a high-density development consistent with its designation within a Protected Major Transit Station Area, where provincial policy encourages intensification near transit infrastructure.
Ground Floor Retail and Amenity Space
At street level, the building will include approximately 94 square metres of retail space along Yonge Street. Retail integration requires structural and mechanical planning to accommodate flexible tenant layouts and street-facing glazing.
The development also includes:
- 632 square metres of indoor amenity space
- 525 square metres of outdoor amenity space
These amenities will be located on floors 2 and 12, requiring structural reinforcement, waterproofing systems, and integration of mechanical services to support shared resident areas.
Parking and Below-Grade Construction
Parking will be accommodated in a two-level underground garage, providing:
- 18 vehicle parking spaces
- 12 for residents
- 6 for visitors
Excavation for underground parking in a dense urban corridor requires advanced shoring systems, waterproofing, and coordination with existing utilities.
In addition, the project includes significant bicycle infrastructure:
- 379 long-term bicycle parking spaces
- 116 short-term bicycle parking spaces
Providing this level of bike storage requires dedicated layout planning, secure access systems, and ventilation within enclosed spaces.
Vertical Transportation and Building Systems
The tower will include three elevators, equating to roughly one elevator per 126 residential units. This ratio indicates the need for high-speed elevator systems to maintain efficient vertical circulation in a building of this height.
Mechanical and electrical systems will be distributed vertically through dedicated service cores, supporting residential units, common areas, and retail space.
Transit-Oriented Location
The site is located approximately 60 metres from the secondary entrance to Davisville Station on TTC Line 1, making it highly accessible for transit users.
Additional connectivity includes:
- Proximity to Eglinton Station and Line 5
- Access to multiple TTC bus routes
- Nearby cycling infrastructure along Yonge Street
- Access to the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail
This level of connectivity supports the high-density nature of the development and aligns with transit-oriented development principles.
Construction Trades Involved
A high-rise development of this scale will involve a wide range of specialized construction trades, including:
- Excavation and deep foundation contractors
- Shoring and structural concrete teams
- Tower crane operators and rigging crews
- Structural framing specialists
- Curtain wall and façade installers
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors
- Fire protection system installers
- Elevator and vertical transportation specialists
- Interior finishing trades
- Landscape and amenity space contractors
Next Steps Toward Approval
With the Zoning By-law Amendment application now submitted, the project will proceed through the City of Toronto’s review process. If approved, the development can move forward to detailed design, permitting, and eventual construction.
The proposal at 1960–1966 Yonge Street represents another significant step in Midtown Toronto’s transformation, combining high-rise residential construction with transit-oriented planning and mixed-use design.
