Revised 43 Storey Tower to be Built in Weston Village

Toronto’s rapid population growth and increasing need for transit-oriented development are driving changes in the city's skyline. One such project is the proposed 43-storey tower at 1705 Weston Road, a revision from the previously approved 24-storey building on the site. This revised proposal, spearheaded by Oldstonehenge Development Corporation, showcases a significant leap in residential capacity, innovative architectural design, and a focus on providing homes near essential transit infrastructure. The proposed tower will bring 549 residential units to the area, helping to meet the city's pressing demand for housing.

Let’s dive into the construction details and design of this project, focusing on elements relevant to workers and contractors involved in this ambitious development.

1. Project Overview

Storeys reports that the 1705 Weston Road development will replace an earlier approved 24-storey building with a 43-storey tower. Located just 80 meters from the Weston GO and UP Express stations, the project is a prime example of transit-oriented development aimed at increasing housing supply while minimizing urban sprawl.

“The subject site has been identified within the Council-adopted boundaries of the Weston Major Transit Station Area, which is a strategic growth area, and where intensification should be prioritized; and both the Province and the City have identified specific housing targets in response to a greater need for housing, with the City committing to creating 285,000 new housing units by the year 2031. In addition, recent approvals in the Weston Village area are reflective of a greater scale of intensification, with heights of up to 50 storeys now approved.”

 Bousfelds Planning Report

Key construction details:

• Building Height: The tower will rise to 149 meters, including a mechanical penthouse.
• Residential Units: The revised proposal increases the number of units from 254 to 549, including 15 rental replacements, 6 affordable housing units, and over 30% dedicated to two- and three-bedroom units.
• Site Location: The site is located in Weston Village, near the intersection of Weston Road and Victoria Avenue East, an area identified for intensification by the City of Toronto.
  

2. Site and Structural Design

The design of the tower, by Graziani + Corazza Architects, emphasizes both function and aesthetic appeal. The development features a unique six-storey base, designed in a rhomboid shape and angled westward, following the natural alignment of Weston Road and Victoria Avenue East.

Construction workers and design teams will find this geometric design challenging and engaging as the structure deviates from the typical rectangular building shape.

• Building Base: The six-storey base incorporates inset balconies on the southern facade, providing outdoor space for residents. This requires specialized scaffolding and precision during the construction of the balconies.
• Tower Design: Above the base, the tower features two volumes. Levels 7 to 35 maintain the rhomboid shape, while levels 36 to 43 are sculpted by chamfering the northwest and southeast corners. This creates a dynamic design that reduces the shadow cast by the building, a notable architectural feature.

3. Gross Floor Area and Commercial Spaces

The project covers a total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of approximately 33,428 square meters for residential use and 505 square meters of retail space on the ground floor.

• Residential Lobby Access: Two residential lobbies are planned, one facing Weston Road and another facing Victoria Avenue East. These entry points will require careful attention to finishing details, given their prominence in the overall design.

• Retail and Commercial Space: The development includes ground-floor retail space, which will likely involve additional construction requirements for storefronts, signage, and utility connections.

4. Parking and Bicycle Storage

The development provides a balanced approach to parking, ensuring that both residents and visitors have sufficient space while also accommodating cyclists.

• Vehicle Parking: 86 vehicle parking spaces are planned, with 55 allocated for residents and 31 for visitors. Parking will be located underground, adding an additional layer of complexity to the excavation and foundational work.

• Bicycle Parking: A robust bicycle storage facility is included, with 495 long-term and 120 short-term spaces. This storage will cater to the growing number of urban cyclists, emphasizing the development’s commitment to sustainable transport.

5. Amenities and Family-Focused Features

A standout aspect of this project is its focus on family-friendly living, with ample amenities spread throughout the building.

• Amenity Space: The development includes a total of 2,792 square meters of amenities, with 1,192 square meters indoors and 1,600 square meters outdoors. These amenities will be located on the third and seventh floors, providing residents with both indoor and outdoor recreational areas. The design of these spaces will be finalized during the Site Plan Approval process, with a focus on including features for children and families, such as an outdoor play area.

• Outdoor and Indoor Spaces: These features will enhance the overall living experience, requiring precision in landscaping and architectural finishing during the construction phase.

6. Sustainability and Design Impact

The 43-storey tower is designed to fit within the evolving built environment of Weston Village. The building will help meet the City of Toronto’s housing targets, which call for 285,000 new units by 2031. The proposed intensification aligns with both the Province of Ontario and the City’s strategic goals for the area.

• Shadow Reduction Measures: The tower’s chamfered upper levels are designed to reduce shadows cast toward the northeast, ensuring minimal impact on surrounding properties.

The revised 43-storey tower at 1705 Weston Road is an ambitious and thoughtfully designed project that demonstrates Toronto’s commitment to transit-oriented development. From its rhomboid base to the carefully crafted amenities for residents, the project offers a blend of modern architecture, community-focused features, and efficient use of space. With a focus on family-friendly units, ample parking, and sustainable design, this development is a key example of how urban density can be increased without sacrificing quality of life for residents. For construction professionals, this project promises an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Toronto’s evolving communities.