Collecdev-Markee Supported by City Planning for Cielo Height Increase

Cielo Condos is flying into 2024 after Collecdev-Markee Developments filed a variation application with the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB). The goal was to increase the height and density of the project by 5 stories. If approved by TLAB, the changes would see the size of the building increase from 29 to 34 storeys and its height increase from 99m to 120.35m. The number of residential units in Cielo would increase from 284 to 349 units, while the number of parking spaces would increase from 160 to 178 units.

Looking south next to the Cielo Condos, designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments

The variances are approved by City Planning, with the City Council requiring that in return developers provide approximately $2,250,000 to be used for social services, community facilities, park improvements, traffic safety, active transportation, cultural amenities and streetscape improvements in District 11 The project is located.

Looking north at Cielo Condos, designed by KPMB Architects for Collecdev-Markee Developments

Designed by KPMB Architects and located in Toronto's Annex neighborhood at 300 Bloor Street West, one of the highlights of the project is the careful preservation of historic elements, including the south and east walls of the Bloor Street United Church with neo-Gothic details and the Pidgeon House. a Victorian house at the northern end of the site, carefully integrated into Cielo's podium. The heritage details will be overseen by ERA Architects.

Looking southeast at the most recent images of the construction since our December update, the foreground is dominated by a mobile crane with its telescopic boom extended towards a large caisson – a concrete column that is part of the building's foundation system. The crane's outriggers are fully extended, providing stability when lifting heavy loads.

A mobile crane with outriggers extended as work continues on the ground floor stage slab, image courtesy of Collecdev-Markee Developments

Panning to the southwest, foundation work is underway. Multiple vertical steel I-beams are an integral part of the shoring system and are secured to the ground along the subway tunnels of lines 1 and 2 hidden underneath. Behind it is an excavator with a stationary bucket. The progress of mass excavation of the parking decks has reached 30% and the work will resume after the completion of the slab. The development team expects installation of a second set of tiebacks to begin in the second quarter of 2024 after a temporary stage plate is completed.

A series of steel I-beams next to a blue excavator at the northern end of the site, image courtesy of Collecdev-Markee Developments

For a wider perspective, step back and see the blue excavator on the left. The excavation pit is surrounded by a retaining wall, with concrete caissons protruding above the ground.

Looking southeast at the retaining wall along the north and west facades, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Flonicky

Below, a close-up shows the interior of the church's preserved east wall, wrapped in protective Tyvek HomeWrap, and the support system that holds it in place.

Looking east at the historic preservation system's steel bracing, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Flonicky

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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