A new 12-story mixed-use building is planned for Mount Pleasant Village in Toronto, located at the northeast corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Davisville Avenue. Designed by Rafael + Bigauskas Architects for The Muzzo Group, this project will replace an old five-story office building from 1960. Though the original building had historical significance, it does not meet the criteria for cultural heritage value, allowing for redevelopment.
Project Location and Context
The new development at 477 Mount Pleasant Road will cover approximately 7,041m². It is conveniently located for public transit users, with a 13-minute walk to Davisville Station on Yonge Line 1 and the upcoming Mount Pleasant Station on the Eglinton Line 5 Crosstown LRT. Cyclists can also easily access the Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail, which offers a 9km greenway through Midtown Toronto.
The surrounding neighborhood includes a mix of low-rise homes, mid-rise apartment buildings, and small commercial spaces. The Mount Pleasant Road corridor features small retail buildings alongside taller mid-rise developments, making this new 12-story building a suitable addition to the area.
Building Design and Features
The new building will stand 47.3 meters tall with a U-shaped design that frames a rear courtyard and drop-off area, allowing it to blend well with neighboring low-rise buildings. The total Gross Floor Area (GFA) will be 25,190m², with a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 3.6. Of the total GFA, 1,080m² will be used for retail space along Mount Pleasant Road.
Urban Toronto reports that the building will feature 744m² of indoor amenities and 1,012m² of outdoor amenities at the ground level. Additionally, there will be six townhouse units fronting Davisville Avenue, adding to the street-level activity and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Transportation and Accessibility
Parking will be provided on a single underground level, with 177 spaces for residents and 21 spaces for visitors. The building will also offer 331 long-term and 74 short-term bicycle parking spaces for residents, along with three long-term and seven short-term spaces for retail customers.
The location is ideal for public transit users, with Davisville Station located 850 meters to the west and the soon-to-open Mount Pleasant Station on the Crosstown LRT just 830 meters to the north, providing additional connectivity. Local bus routes also connect to Mount Pleasant Road and Bayview Avenue, making the site easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.
Residential Units and Amenities
The building will contain a total of 367 residential units, offering a variety of housing options to meet different needs. The U-shaped design creates a private courtyard where residents can enjoy some quiet time away from the busy streets. The townhouse units along Davisville Avenue will also add to the neighborhood's community feel.
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Elevators: The building will have three elevators, meaning roughly one elevator for every 132 units. Although this may lead to slightly longer wait times, other amenities in the building will help improve the overall resident experience.
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Amenities: The building will offer both indoor and outdoor amenities, including fitness facilities, lounge areas, and shared terraces. The 744m² of indoor space and 1,012m² of outdoor space will provide ample opportunities for socializing and relaxation, contributing to a strong sense of community.
Development Benefits for the Commercial Construction Field
The 12-story mixed-use development at 477 Mount Pleasant Road presents several opportunities for the commercial construction industry:
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Urban Renewal: By replacing an outdated five-story office building, this project showcases effective urban land use, providing more efficient residential and commercial space in a growing area.
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Transit-Oriented Design: This development aligns with the trend of transit-oriented mixed-use buildings, helping to create a more connected and sustainable urban environment. The location near major transit routes encourages walking, biking, and reduced reliance on cars, contributing to reduced traffic and emissions.
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Balancing Density: The U-shaped design helps transition between taller mid-rise buildings and the surrounding low-rise neighborhood, maintaining the area's character while increasing density. The townhouses at street level also contribute to a pedestrian-friendly environment.
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Comprehensive Amenities: The project includes over 1,700m² of combined indoor and outdoor amenities, creating spaces where residents can live comfortably, socialize, and thrive—a key focus in modern construction projects.
The planned 12-story mixed-use building at 477 Mount Pleasant Road will be a significant addition to Mount Pleasant Village, replacing an outdated office building with modern residential and retail spaces. With its focus on transit-oriented development, community integration, and comprehensive amenities, this project embodies the urban renewal happening in Toronto.
For professionals in the commercial construction industry, this development is an excellent example of how to balance urban density with thoughtful design and neighborhood compatibility. As Toronto continues to grow, projects like this will be essential in building sustainable, livable communities that look to the future while respecting the past.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 477 Mount Pleasant Road Mixed Use Development Mount Pleasant Village - Toronto (0015102324)
Posted by Judy Lamelza