Demolition work is once again moving forward at the Natasha Residences site in Toronto’s Entertainment District, signaling renewed momentum for a long-anticipated high-rise redevelopment. The property, located on the south side of Adelaide Street West just east of John Street, had previously been slated for teardown in early 2025 before entering a period of inactivity. With crews now back on site, phased deconstruction is actively progressing.
The redevelopment is being led by Lanterra Developments, with architectural design by BDP Quadrangle. Once complete, the project will deliver a 47-storey mixed-use tower rising 156.9 metres and accommodating 420 condominium units alongside 12 rental replacement units.
Urban Toronto reports that at the heart of the demolition effort is the five-storey Purman Building, a brick-clad commercial structure completed in 1915. The building is designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and is recognized as a contributing property within the King-Spadina Heritage Conservation District.
Architecturally, the structure reflects classic Chicago School warehouse proportions, with regularly spaced punched window openings and a stone base along the Adelaide Street frontage. These heritage elements require a careful, methodical approach to demolition. Rather than a full teardown, the project is proceeding with selective deconstruction that prioritizes facade retention and material salvage.
Temporary metal fencing and sidewalk hoarding have been installed along the street to protect pedestrians and manage construction activity at grade.
Behind the retained facade, interior demolition is well underway. Openings have been cut through masonry walls to facilitate debris removal, and piles of brick and concrete rubble now cover portions of the site. Waste bins are positioned at former loading openings, allowing crews to efficiently manage material disposal.
Sections of the building have been stripped down to their structural shell. Exposed framing and wall assemblies reveal the original construction methods, while removed partitions allow crews to work floor by floor. Orange safety tarps have been draped across multiple storeys where exterior walls have been removed, helping control dust and mitigate wind during interior demolition.
Demolition activity has advanced to the roof level, where sections of the roof membrane and slab have been removed to expose the uppermost floor plate. Workers are operating directly on the remaining roof deck, with safety pylons and barriers clearly marking support zones below.
This top-down approach allows demolition crews to carefully sequence material removal while maintaining structural stability. It also supports the preservation of heritage elements that will ultimately be integrated into the new tower podium.
Along the Adelaide Street West frontage, facade deconstruction has been progressing upward in phases. Window assemblies were initially removed across the first four storeys, with glazing remaining temporarily in place at the fifth floor. More recent site observations show that window assemblies have now been removed across all five storeys.
The exposed punched openings reveal stripped interiors and bare ceilings, highlighting the scale and rhythm of the historic facade. At grade, the original stone base and carved “Purman Building” lettering remain intact behind temporary fencing, reinforcing the heritage character that will be carried forward into the completed development.
The retained north elevation presents a clear view of the heritage facade, composed of red blended brick masonry at the upper storeys. Stone spandrel and lintel elements remain in place between the punched openings, while the ground floor is defined by a light granite base.
As demolition progresses, salvaged brick will be combined with new masonry selected to closely match the original material. This approach ensures visual continuity while meeting modern construction standards, a common strategy in heritage-integrated high-rise developments across downtown Toronto.
With demolition advancing steadily, the site is being prepared for the transition to excavation and vertical construction. Once complete, Natasha Residences will introduce a significant new residential presence in the Entertainment District, adding density while respecting the area’s historic streetwall.
The mixed-use tower will combine condominium and rental housing, aligning with city policies that require rental replacement and promote housing diversity in the downtown core.
Demolition and early-stage preparation at Natasha Residences involves a broad range of skilled trades, including:
As the project moves into construction, additional trades will join the site, expanding workforce demand across multiple phases.
The resumed demolition at Natasha Residences represents a critical milestone after years of planning and delays. By carefully balancing heritage conservation with modern construction requirements, the project is laying the groundwork for a major addition to Toronto’s skyline.
With phased deconstruction now visibly progressing, the site is firmly back on track toward delivering a new mixed-use tower that blends historic character with contemporary urban living.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Natasha The Residences Development Toronto Cultural District - Toronto (0046110821)