Toronto’s housing crisis and office vacancy problem are converging at 250 Ferrand Drive, where Amexon Development Corporation plans to transform a largely vacant 14-storey office building into an energy-efficient, mixed-use residential complex. Dubbed “e-lofts,” this bold retrofit project presents a modern model for sustainability, urban renewal, and construction industry engagement.
From Office to Loft-Style Living
Designed by CORE Architects, the e-lofts proposal involves converting the existing structure into a 15-storey rental building by inserting an additional level within the current top floor. The development would introduce 331 loft-style units with industrial-inspired features such as exposed ductwork, open layouts, 12-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Unit breakdown:
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131 one-bedroom units
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168 two-bedroom units
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32 three-bedroom units
Notably, 61% of the units will be family-sized, helping to meet the growing demand for larger rental housing.
Environmental Stewardship Through Design
Amexon’s approach prioritizes adaptive reuse to reduce environmental impact. By retaining the existing concrete structure, the redevelopment avoids the emissions and waste associated with demolition.
Key sustainability features include:
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Copper-toned façade with integrated solar panels
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Energy-efficient construction materials
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Reduced carbon footprint through reuse of the building’s core structure
Amenity-Rich Urban Lifestyle
Residents will have access to 18,126 sq. ft. of amenity space:
Indoor amenities (7,136 sq. ft.):
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Pet spa in the lower concourse
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Common areas on levels 14, 17, and the rooftop
Outdoor amenities (10,989 sq. ft.):
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Rooftop herb garden
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Lap pool and fitness area
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Lounge spaces, ping pong table, dining and barbeque zones
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Landscaped entrance courtyard
Ground-floor plans also include a 1,194 sq. ft. neighbourhood café and co-working hub, reinforcing the development’s mixed-use community focus.
Transit Accessibility and Sustainable Mobility
Located at the northeast corner of Ferrand Drive and Rochefort Drive, just off Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills Road, the project is situated within the Aga Khan Park and Museum Major Transit Station Area.
Nearby transit access includes:
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Future Aga Khan Park & Museum LRT station (Eglinton Crosstown)
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Upcoming Flemingdon Park Ontario Line station
Storeys reports that while only 29 vehicle parking spaces are planned, they will feature EV charging for residents, auto-share, and visitors. Additionally, the development will include 369 bicycle parking spots to support sustainable transportation.
Construction and Trades Engagement
The e-lofts redevelopment offers long-term opportunities for construction professionals. Since the project centers on adaptive reuse, it requires specialized skills to reconfigure existing infrastructure with modern systems and finishes.
Key trade opportunities:
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Structural modification experts (concrete and steel)
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MEP contractors for upgraded utilities and green systems
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Façade and solar panel installers
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Roofscape and outdoor amenity builders
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Interior finishing crews familiar with loft-style details
Phased Redevelopment and Future Potential
This proposal represents Phase 1, focusing on the retrofit of the office tower and shared amenities. Amexon also notes the possibility of a Phase 2 that would involve redeveloping the eastern part of the site with a high-rise residential tower—though that is not part of the current application.
Planning and Zoning Considerations
To move forward, Amexon has submitted a zoning by-law amendment application to rezone the site from Industrial-Office Business Park Zone to Apartment Zone. The rationale for redevelopment is based on both housing needs and economic realities: the building is already 83% vacant and expected to be fully vacant by fall, and suburban office upgrades are no longer seen as financially viable.
Conclusion: Building a Greener, Smarter Future
The e-lofts project at 250 Ferrand Drive reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban development. By reimagining an outdated office building as a residential community hub, Amexon is addressing multiple city needs—housing, sustainability, and transit-oriented design—while opening up valuable job opportunities for construction trades.
If approved, this project will stand as a model of how adaptive reuse can drive economic revitalization and environmental responsibility in cities like Toronto. For those in the construction field, it’s a signal that the future of building includes preserving the past to meet the needs of tomorrow.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 250 Ferrand Drive Residential Conversion Flemingdon Park - Toronto (0042040925)
