Toronto’s Upper Jarvis area could soon welcome a new landmark in its skyline, as Elysium Investments and Oikoi Living have submitted plans for a soaring 69-storey rental tower at 164–168 Isabella Street. Designed by Studio JCI, the project aims to integrate 19th-century heritage homes into a modern podium while delivering over 660 new rental units in a rapidly densifying part of the city.
Heritage Integration and Site Context
The project site sits just west of Sherbourne Street, within walking distance of Sherbourne, Wellesley, and Bloor–Yonge subway stations. Currently, the site features three late-19th-century homes, two listed on the City’s Heritage Register (164 and 166 Isabella) and one designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act (168 Isabella).
The development proposes to conserve these homes by shifting them closer to Isabella Street, where they will form part of the tower’s podium. Restoration work, led by GBCA Architects, will include reinstating lost architectural features such as the wood verandah on 164–166 Isabella and a third-storey balcony on 168 Isabella.
Project Scale and Design Features
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Height: 69 storeys / 233.7 metres
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Gross Floor Area: 46,434 m²
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Floor Space Index: 26.36 times coverage of the 1,760 m² site
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Residential Units: 627 market-rate rentals + 33 rental replacement units
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Podium: Incorporates relocated heritage homes, creating a street-friendly façade
Urban Toronto reports that the tower will be among the tallest proposed in the Upper Jarvis and St. James Town area, rivaling other high-rise projects such as the Burke Condominiums (53 storeys) and 576 Sherbourne (69 storeys).
Amenities and Resident Features
The proposal balances height with livability through a comprehensive amenity program:
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Indoor Amenities: 2,237 m² across the first four levels and the 69th floor
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Outdoor Amenities: 412 m², located on the podium terrace and rooftop level
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Unit Mix: Variety of layouts with a focus on rental housing supply
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Vertical Transportation: Six high-speed elevators, with a ratio of 1 per 110 units
Parking and Mobility
The project’s transit-friendly location supports a minimal car parking component:
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Residential Vehicular Parking: None
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Visitor Parking: 4 spaces at grade
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Bicycle Parking: 298 long-term + 76 short-term spaces below grade, and 10 public spaces at grade
The site is within 400 metres of Sherbourne Station and less than 15 minutes from both Wellesley and Bloor–Yonge stations, with TTC bus routes (94 Wellesley, 75 Sherbourne) and dedicated bike lanes on Bloor, Sherbourne, and Wellesley.
Construction Trades Required
Delivering a 69-storey tower with heritage integration will call for a wide array of construction trades and specialists, including:
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Demolition and Heritage Restoration Specialists: To carefully dismantle and reposition existing heritage homes.
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Excavation and Shoring Crews: For foundation and underground garage preparation.
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Concrete Formwork and Steelworkers: Essential for high-rise structural systems.
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Glazing Contractors: For curtain wall and window systems spanning nearly 70 storeys.
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Masonry Teams: To restore heritage brickwork and integrate podium façades.
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Mechanical and Electrical Trades: For HVAC, plumbing, power distribution, and building automation systems.
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Elevator Installation Specialists: For high-speed lift systems designed for heavy traffic.
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Interior Finish Contractors: For apartment fit-outs, amenity areas, and common spaces.
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Landscaping Crews: For streetscape improvements and podium-level green spaces.
Economic and Workforce Impact
Construction of a tower of this scale will employ hundreds of workers across multiple trades over several years, from excavation through finishing. Beyond direct jobs, the project will stimulate supply chains for steel, concrete, mechanical systems, and specialized restoration materials.
In the long term, the addition of over 660 rental units, including 33 rental replacement homes, will help address Toronto’s pressing housing demand, while ensuring that heritage elements are preserved and celebrated.
Conclusion
The 164–168 Isabella Street proposal demonstrates how modern high-rise development can coexist with Toronto’s historic architecture. By integrating heritage homes into a striking 69-storey tower, the project highlights both design innovation and the vital role of construction workers across dozens of trades. If approved, this build will not only redefine the Upper Jarvis skyline but also offer valuable rental housing in a transit-rich, rapidly evolving neighborhood.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 164 Isabella Street Residential Development Upper Jarvis - Toronto (0032082525)
