Toronto is about to get an exciting new addition at 145 Wellington Street West. This planned 65-storey mixed-use building will be built at the corner of Wellington and Simcoe Streets, right between Toronto's Entertainment District and Financial District.
The project, led by H&R REIT and designed by Partisans and Turner Fleischer Architects will give the area a fresh new look and meet the needs of a growing city.
Location and Vision for Redevelopment
Right now, 145 Wellington West is a 13-storey office building that was built in the 1980s. It currently has tenants like the Touchstone Institute, National Film Board, Meridian Credit Union, and Canadian Tax Foundation. However, the building is underutilized considering how much the city has changed around it. With this redevelopment, the goal is to completely transform the site, making it a mix of homes, retail, and public spaces that match the lively neighborhoods around it.
The new plan includes building a 23-storey podium topped with a 42-storey residential tower, which will make the whole building 65 storeys tall. The building is being designed by Partisans and Turner Fleischer Architects, who are creating a unique structure that will stand out and add value to the area. The design changes stem from the decision to change the previously planned office component in the podium into additional residential space.
Project Overview: Residential Units and Retail Space
The new tower will have 861 residential units with a mix of options:
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99 bachelor units
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630 one-bedroom units
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45 two-bedroom units
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87 units with three or more bedrooms
With a variety of unit types, this project will offer options for individuals, couples, and families who want to live in downtown Toronto.
On the ground floor, there will be 206.3 square metres of retail space, which will help keep the streets lively and attract pedestrians. The retail will be along Wellington Street West and Simcoe Street.
Design Details: Podium and Tower
The building will have a 23-storey podium with active uses, including about 203.6 square metres of retail space and a 414.7 square metre residential lobby.
Above the podium, the 42-storey residential tower will rise to a height of 206.03 metres (or 213.03 metres if you include the mechanical penthouse). The re-designed sleek design of the tower will help make it a new landmark in Toronto's skyline.
BlogTo reports that the ground floor and Level 2 are set back to make room between the building and the sidewalk, making the public space more open. Above Level 2, the building has cantilevered parts that stick out a bit, making the design more eye-catching.
Amenities, Parking, and Public Space
The new development will include several amenities for residents, such as:
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A bicycle storage room
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346 bicycle parking spaces in total, supporting a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
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74 parking spaces for residents who drive.
The site will also include new landscaped areas, which will make the streetscape more enjoyable for pedestrians.
Challenges and Changes in Redevelopment
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The podium height is being increased from 62 metres to 78 metres, which has led to recommendations to reduce the height so it better matches the area.
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The western side of the building extends beyond the approved boundary, meaning adjustments like stepping back the upper levels along Simcoe Street are needed.
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Wind impacts at street level are also a concern. The architects have been advised to consider wind mitigation measures like adding canopies, setbacks, or greenery to make walking around the building more comfortable.
The new development is an exciting opportunity to add more housing and retail space in the middle of Toronto. With a 65-storey tower, this project is expected to bring a fresh and modern presence to downtown Toronto, reflecting the city’s growth and meeting the needs of its residents.
This mixed-use tower will combine modern features, a bold architectural design, and a great location to create a project that will make downtown living more enjoyable. For people in commercial construction, this development is an interesting example of how to create new buildings that fit in with the history and character of a neighborhood while meeting urban growth needs.
The 145 Wellington West project is expected to become an important part of Toronto’s skyline and urban environment, bringing residential, commercial, and public spaces together in a well-planned, dynamic way.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 145 Wellington Street West Mixed Use - Toronto (0007090919)
