87-storey tower proposed for corner of Bay and Bloor streets in Toronto
By On-Site Staff
Construction
A rendering of the tower at Bay and Bloor streets, looking south toward downtown. PHOTO: Herzog & de Meuron
Two Netherlands-based real estate companies that purchased a 12-storey building at the corner of Bay and Bloor streets in 2016 have proposed a major redevelopment project for the high-profile corner at the north end of downtown Toronto.
Kroonenberg Groep and ProWinko Canada Inc. have engaged Swiss-headquartered architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron to design a new, 87-storey tower. If completed today, the narrow skyscraper would be the tallest building in the country — though a range of projects now under development are vying for that title.
“This is an iconic block in the neighbourhood and Toronto at large. We have an opportunity to deliver a project that sets a new benchmark for design and strives to give something back to the city,” Lesley Bamberger, owner of Kroonenberg Groep, said in a release.
1200 Bay, at the northwest corner of the intersection, is currently a mixed-use, office and retail building that was built in 1966.
Herzog & de Meuron are pitching a mixed-use building with a 3:1 ratio when looking north-south and linear core along the western facade to replace to the 50-year-old tower. The lowest 16 floors of the new building will be retail and office space. A single floor of amenities will separate these levels from the 64 floors of condos above. A restaurant, rentable space and a sky lounge are planned for the three top storeys.
In all, the reimagined 1200 Bay Street would include 332 condos, ranging from single bedroom units to multi-floor penthouse suites.
If approved, the redevelopment project would join a host of others already underway in Toronto’s so-called Mink Mile, including Mizrahi Developments’ 85-storey The One at the corner of Yonge and Bloor streets.
