Construction Update: Studio on Richmond by Aspen Ridge Homes

We recently had the opportunity to tour the construction site of Studio on Richmond at Richmond Street West and Duncan in Toronto. We met with Armin Osmanovic, the Project Manager for Aspen Ridge Homes’ high-rise division, who updated us about the development’s construction progress.

We began our tour by walking down the parking garage ramp to P1. “I remember standing on this parking lot - there used to be a club here, Money-Nightclub. We had purchased the land, and I was inside the club roaming around before it was demolished. It’s amazing to think about that while being down here in a structure like this,” Osmanovic reminisced, and then pointed out the massive hole from which Studio 2 will soon rise.

Osmanovic said that while digging, there was clay until about P4, but then they had to slowly chip away at shale for P5. They are well passed that point now. The construction team will finish the footings in the next couple weeks and then the slab work will commence on P5. They are estimating it will be around three or four months before they hit grade.

Studio 2 features 10 townhomes along Nelson Street, which will be completed before the five-storey podium. When Studio 2 is complete, it will stand 41 storeys. Occupancy is scheduled for fall/winter 2015, with an estimated completion set for late summer 2016.

Studio is already up to the fourth floor, and it will be moving along even quicker once they implement a different concrete pouring system. Osmanovic explained that they will be pumping concrete instead of lifting it with a bucket. There will be a pump with a pipe attached to it, and the concrete will get pushed through. This is a more efficient system because they no longer have to refill a bucket over and over again, and the wind will no longer be an issue since a crane won’t be necessary.

Doesn't look like much now, but that's the future front door of Studio on Richmond!

Osmanovic showed us where the double hoist will be installed and said that the crane went up a couple weeks ago. We also walked through the Studio lobby and the dedicated OCAD gallery space that Aspen Ridge is creating as part of the first phase. Once complete, OCAD will have full control over the 8,000 square feet. With whatever OCAD has planned for the space (you can bet it will be creative) and Studio’s coloured glass facade on Richmond, the residence will quickly develop a unique identity.

Once completed, Studio will stand 31 storeys and feature an eight-storey podium. First occupancy will take place in spring 2015 and completion is scheduled for fall 2015.

Osmanovic also pointed out an interesting green initiative at Studio on Richmond. They will be using Enwave district energy heating. In lieu of boilers on top of the building - the traditional way to heat - Enwave will bring steam into building, which will go through a heat exchanger, heating water necessary for the suite heat pumps. This eliminates the need to use gas.

We are very excited for construction to amp up over the next few weeks with the rising of the hoist and implementation of a new concrete pouring system. Stay tuned - we’ll be following Studio and Studio 2’s progress until completion.

To learn more about Studio and Studio 2, click here!