Two eye-catching super towers by Frank Gehry are set to be built in Toronto
Image: Gehry Partners
A lot can happen in seven years. Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar, we all experienced a total solar eclipse, and well, a global pandemic. And seven years ago, the one the of the world’s most famous architects, Toronto’s own Frank Gehry, had his plans approved for the greatest residential towers this city has ever seen. Except there has been one issue: nobody has seen what has been planned - until now. The City of Toronto has approved the plans of construction for not one, but two superstructures that will feature the tallest residential building in the city soaring to a height of 308 metres, and the public now has digital renderings of the final result.
The building site is located at King St and Duncan St, where the current Princess of Wales Theatre resides. The project was initially proposed for David Mirvish who currently owns the site, but the rights were eventually sold to Great Gulf, the team behind One Bloor. Despite taking a step back from the project, there are many features that pay homage to Mirvish and his interests, such as the addition of an art gallery that will feature abstract expressionist works. The artistic additions continue as a brand new campus for OCAD University is set to open, along with a hotel and other retail opportunities.
Of course, like any other building proposal in Toronto, the reactions have been all over the place. While many are excited for the addition of the two towers to our city’s skyline, others have been vocal in their distaste. People have been quoted as likening the structures to ‘cheese graters’, amongst other things.
Regardless of the public’s opinion, sales for the residential units are slated to begin next year and the building is expected to be completed in 2028. Although nothing is confirmed, one bedroom units are expected to begin at $700,000 and two bedroom units at $1.5 million. Will you be one of the first looking to purchase in this highly sought after building? Let us know!