In Toronto's historic Corktown neighborhood, a new zoning bylaw amendment application has been submitted for 517 Richmond Street East, west of Parliament Street and near the future Moss Park and Corktown stations on the Ontario Line 3. It is one of a growing number of development stops being proposed for purpose-built rental housing in the city and, like most recent submissions of this size, is within walking distance of future S-Bahn stations.
Looking southeast at 517 Richmond Street East, designed by Sweeny & Co Architects for Colonia Treuhand Holdings
This proposal for a 35-story, 112.17 m² mixed-use rental apartment and retail building is from Colonia Treuhand Holdings. The design by Sweeny &Co Architects aims to bring a modern touch to the southeast corner of Richmond and Berkeley streets.
An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to the City of Toronto
The design calls for a 35-story spire alongside a podium of 5 to 11 stories. The massing strategy places the tower along the Richmond Street facade to reduce impact on the historic character of Berkeley Street.
Looking east at 494 Richmond Street East (left) and 517 Richmond Street East (right), Toronto, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Colonia Treuhand Holdings
The tower would house 525 residential units, with residents having access to 947 m² and 1,167 m² of outdoor and indoor amenities on the first, second and twelfth floors, respectively. The building would be accessible by five elevators, resulting in one elevator for every 105 residential units, meaning not too long of a wait.
The total gross floor area of the design is 34,187 m², of which 735 m² is dedicated to commercial use on the ground floor, adding vibrancy and a pedestrian-friendly aspect to street level.
The property comprises a collection of parcels located at 517 to 523 Richmond Street East and covers approximately 3,500 square meters. It currently comprises a mix of surface car parks, two and three storey commercial buildings and heritage buildings.
Looking southeast at the current location, image from Google Maps
The proposal respects the historical significance of the site, with the listed buildings on site to be retained on site and incorporated into the new development under the supervision of MHBC Planning. The properties at 111 and 115 Berkeley Street are characterized by their 19th century Georgian and Victorian Bay and Gable architectural styles, with the preservation of their facades and architectural elements.
An integral part of the development is the inclusion of a POPS (Privately Owned Publicly Accessible Space). Designed to enhance public space, this 329 m² area, located south of the preserved historic buildings on Berkeley Street, is envisioned as an urban forecourt designed to serve as a vibrant public meeting place, facilitating movement and encouraging activity at street level.
Site plan, 517 Richmond Street East, designed by Sweeny &Co Architects for Colonia Treuhand Holdings
There would be 109 parking spaces available on two levels of the underground car park, all of which would be equipped with electric vehicle supply systems. In addition, the design provides for 475 long-term and 59 short-term bicycle parking spaces, responding to the city's requirements for sustainable urban living and active transport infrastructure.
This project's location allows for easy access to major transit routes, including the 504 King and 501 Queen tram lines, and is particularly close to the future Corktown and Moss Park stations of Ontario Line 3, just 250 m and 400 m walk respectively.
Existing and planned developments in the area, image from submission to the City of Toronto
Immediately across the street to the north is 494 Richmond Street East, also by Colonia Treuhand Holdings, and at 35 stories matches the planned height of 517 Richmond. In a broader context, 517 Richmond joins a growing group of projects and proposals transforming Toronto's East Downtown. To the west, the 20-story Berkeley House is planned, while to the south, the East United Condos is planned to be 24 stories. Nearby, 550 Adelaide East is proposed at 29 storeys. To the east, a significant new building is planned at 134 Parliament Street with 44 floors.
UrbanToronto will continue to monitor the progress of this development, but in the meantime you can learn more in our database file linked below. If you'd like, you can join the discussion in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the designated area on this page.
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