New York may be better known around the world for the triangular style of building known as the flatiron, but a strong case can be made for Toronto’s status as a capital of wedge-shaped towers.
Of course, the city’s iconic Gooderham Building from 1892 actually predates New York’s Flatiron Building by a good decade, and now yet another real-estate developer is planning to add a three-sided tower to the city’s skyline.
At 3736-3750 Bathurst Street, on the southern edge of Toronto’s Wilson Heights neighbourhood in North York, Grmada Holdings Inc. is proposing its own flatiron. The tower is part of a new residential development proposed through a rezoning application submitted to the city recently.
The overall mixed-use development features two towers -- 30 storeys and 11 storeys respectively -- joined by a seven-storey podium, including 852 sq. m of ground-floor retail. The proposal aims to bring 479 condo units to market.
Rendering: WZMH Architects
In WZMH Architects’ unique vision for the development, the taller tower has a distinct flatiron style, while the mid-rise component is an irregular quadrilateral, with four uneven sides. The rezoning application follows a proposal from Shannondale Homes for a striking flat-iron high-rise in Oakwood Village, so it looks like Hogtown’s flatiron revival may be continuing.
Grmada Holdings Inc.’s project includes 103 studios and 204 one-bedroom units, as well as 123 two-bedroom suites and 49 with three bedrooms. A cover letter submitted by solicitors representing the landowner suggests the development has a role in addressing Toronto’s acute housing shortage, among other benefits.
“The proposed redevelopment incorporates contemporary design and energy efficiency elements, meets the City’s modernized parking requirements, and responds in a very positive manner to the housing crisis by adding units to the supply,” reads the cover letter from WeirFoulds LLP.
If approved, the proposal would add significant density to the development site, which is currently occupied by several low-rise buildings: a gas station, convenience store, retail store, restaurant and two houses.
Being on the northwest corner of Bathurst and Wilson Avenue, the development site is also served by multiple bus routes crossing the intersection. “Wilson Station and York Mills subway stations are within a five- to nine-minute bus ride to the east of the Site, providing efficient southbound travel to downtown Toronto or north to York University and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre,” according to the cover letter, which is dated September 15th.
For possible future residents, visitors, and shoppers with cars, there are 128 underground parking spots proposed. “Located just north of Highway 401, the site is ideally situated for vehicle travel across the GTA and beyond,” the cover letter adds.
