A seven-storey apartment building has been proposed for the Forest Hill neighbourhood in Toronto, and here are the highlights: all units are planned to be three-bedrooms, the building will be clad in limestone, brick, and black granite, and the design was inspired by the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.
The developer, Toronto-based Dealcore Properties, submitted official plan and zoning by-law amendment applications in mid-July for the site 1–19 Thelma Avenue, which is currently occupied by 10 uninhabited homes in “various states of repair,” according to the developer’s plan rationale.
Plans show a six-storey building (seven storeys, when you factor in the mechanical penthouse level) that would rise above a 1,486-sq.-m rectangular-shaped lot. Inside would be 24 three-bedroom units, ranging in size from 184 sq. m to 283 sq. m, which are meant to serve a wider range of families in the neighbourhood. The emphasis on three-bedrooms is particularly notable when you consider the lack of development focus on larger, 'family-sized' condo and apartment units in Toronto.
“Our target market includes individuals who wish to reside in Forest Hill and appreciate the convenience and lifestyle that our expansive, 2,500-sq.-ft units offer,” says Darryl Frankfort, President of Dealcore Properties. “This design accommodates various needs, such as additional space for grandchildren, home offices, or live-in help.”
Residents would also have access to 36 bike parking spaces and 55 vehicle parking spaces with EV charging outlets, including seven guest spaces. On top of that, 125 sq. m of indoor amenity space, 57 sq. m outdoor amenity space, and a green rooftop have been proposed.
The building would also feature punched windows, a range of different balcony styles, and a “prominent” ground floor entryway. Designed by Toronto-based architect Richard Wengle, the build is inspired by the Four Seasons George V: a "paragon of luxury and timeless elegance," says Frankfort. "We aimed to capture [the hotel's] elegance and timeless design while infusing it with the unique character of The Forest Hill Village."
Four Seasons George V entrywayPhoto via Dealcore Properties
Featuring a limestone slab base with black granite detailing and grey masonry on the upper half, the apartment building would have a distinctive 'old world' look that you rarely see with new builds in the city. Frankfort describes it as a "refined aesthetic that stands out while blending harmoniously with the character of Forest Hill."
Also adding to the development's appeal is its decent proximity to transit and cycling routes. Residents would be served by the 113 Spadina Road Bus, which runs just west of the site, as well as the 13 Avenue Road bus line and the 512 St. Clair streetcar. And with the Cedarvale Ravine just west of the building, the location offers access to plenty of green space and parkland.
If approved, the proposed building at 1–19 Thelma Avenue could prove to be an attractive, unique, and necessary addition to the Forest Hill neighbourhood, made even more vital by Dealcore's commitment to bring 24 three-bedroom units to the city.
"We’re excited about this project and believe it will offer a truly unique living experience in one of Toronto’s most cherished neighbourhoods," says Frankfort.
