Mirvish+Gehry Project Making Headway!

Finally making headway, the Mirvish+Gehry project has earned support from city planners after dramatic alterations to the original plans.

View from the west

The last time we had an update on the then three-tower King Street West project, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the density of the development, many revolving around concern that it would intensify an already congested part of Toronto. As a solution, the developers made serious changes to the plans including taking one tower completely out of the renderings. The compromise maintains that one of the towers will reach 92 storeys at the impressive height of 304.3 metres, second only to the CN Tower. Addressing concerns regarding the existing historical warehouses (including the former Toronto Sun building) and the Princess of Wales Theatre, the revisions offer to preserve these sites through targeted renovations.

View from the south

A personal legacy to both developers, Mirvish commented that “We’re moving as fast as we can now because Frank and I are both aging,” because even if the project is approved, a development of this magnitude would require years of construction. Mirvish is turning 70 this August and Gehry is already 85, so they are determinately working at designs that will leave an imprint on the city forever. “Frank is building me a jewel box,” said Mirvish, one that will provide Toronto citizens with beautiful new homes in one of the most desirable parts of the city as well as 9,200 square feet of space for art exhibitions. Combined, the two towers will have about 2,000 units (reduced from 2,700). A well-known, influential figure in the Toronto art community, Mirvish has frequently referred to this project as sculptures for people to live in.

View from the southwest

Adam Vaughan, the former city-councillor predicts that the project will have a positive influence on the King and John streets by revitalizing the area as a cultural hub with the new gallery, added OCAD University spaces, theatres and TIFF Lightbox. “It’s a great opportunity and a great project,” said Vaughan. “We have saved the theatre and the heritage buildings. We found a way to work together.”

View from the east

Still awaiting approval from Toronto-East York community council and Toronto city councillor, we won’t be sure of what progress is being made until July. Though recent comments from these authorities indicate that it’s possible that we’ll see a super tall tower here in Toronto one day soon. Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto’s Chief Planner said that the new project is hardly a compromise because it is a better proposal than the original and that the planning staff is “absolutely thrilled,” adding that “Frank Gehry has been able to use his creativity to come up with a proposal that, quite frankly, exceeded my expectations about how you could have a tremendous amount of development on this site and at the same time be very true to its historical context.”

All images via mirvishandgehrytoronto.com