The Hilton Markham Suites site at 8500 Warden Avenue and 0 Clegg Road is undergoing a major transformation, with Phase 1 of its redevelopment introducing a 42-storey residential tower designed by Giannone Petricone Associates. This ambitious project is set to enhance Markham’s rapidly evolving skyline, integrating modern residential, commercial, and recreational elements into a high-density urban centre.
Located on a 41,204m² parcel at the southwest corner of Highway 7 and Warden Avenue, the site currently houses a 10-storey Hilton Markham Suites Hotel, a 5-storey long-term suites building, and surface parking. As Markham continues to densify, the redevelopment aligns with the city's shift toward a transit-oriented, mixed-use environment.
Urban Toronto reports that since its initial 2012 proposal—which envisioned converting part of the hotel into residential units and constructing two 21-storey towers—the project has seen multiple revisions. By 2023, the vision had expanded to six towers ranging from 37 to 49 storeys, later refined to five towers between 40 and 55 storeys. The latest Phase 1 plan replaces a previous park area with a 42-storey slab-style tower rising from a tiered podium ranging from 5 to 10 storeys. The displaced parkland has been relocated north to Highway 7.
The revised design introduces a modern, high-density structure that seamlessly integrates with its growing surroundings. Key construction and design elements include:
Podium Design – A tiered podium rising from 5 to 10 storeys, creating an engaging pedestrian experience while maintaining a visually dynamic structure.
Private Road Network – The development’s north and east sides will be framed by private roads, improving site accessibility and circulation.
Residential Density – The tower will introduce 620 residential units, providing a mix of housing options to accommodate Markham’s growing population.
Gross Floor Area (GFA) – The total development space spans 38,486m², making it a significant addition to Markham’s high-rise landscape.
Amenities – Residents will enjoy 952m² of indoor amenities, complemented by a substantial 10,248m² of outdoor amenity space for recreation and social interaction.
The project incorporates comprehensive parking and transportation solutions to support its high-density design:
Underground Parking – A single underground level will provide 443 spaces, with 432 designated for residents and 11 for accessibility.
Bicycle Parking – The by-law mandates 312 residential bicycle spaces, with an additional 62 spaces allocated for non-residential use, promoting sustainable transportation options.
Transit Accessibility – The site is located within the Cedarland Major Transit Station Area, just 200m from a Viva transit station, offering direct access to York Region Transit (YRT) services along Highway 7. Additionally, the Unionville GO station, approximately 1.5km east, provides regional transit connections to downtown Toronto, reinforcing the development’s transit-oriented design.
The Markham Suites Redevelopment is part of a larger high-rise boom reshaping the city. Nearby projects include:
To the West – Three towers ranging from 17 to 20 storeys at Circa Drive & Highway 7 East, a 37-storey tower at 100-110 Clegg Road, and three towers from 40 to 53 storeys at 3555 Highway 7 East.
To the East – Orchid Condos, featuring 42- and 45-storey towers, and Uptown Markham's expansion, which includes dual 30-storey towers, 36- and 38-storey towers, and additional phases with towers reaching 40 and 45 storeys.
Further Northeast – Phase 1 of the Markham Town Square Redevelopment, which proposes five towers between 25 and 48 storeys.
To the South – Panda Markham’s five-tower development, with buildings ranging from 28 to 48 storeys.
Southeast – Downtown Markham’s Block 12, featuring towers up to 41 storeys.
The redevelopment of the Hilton Markham Suites site is a pivotal project in Markham’s transformation into a high-density urban hub. With its impressive 42-storey residential tower, extensive amenities, and strong transit connections, Phase 1 aligns with the city's vision for sustainable, transit-oriented growth. As construction progresses, this redevelopment will play a crucial role in shaping Markham’s future, providing a well-integrated mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces while reinforcing its position as a leading urban centre in the Greater Toronto Area.