There’s not just one factor underpinning the wave of Toronto adaptive reuse projects this century. There is at least a dozen. The obvious one is that considerable work from home has supplanted office work. But there’s also the city’s serious housing shortage, its focus on sustainability and its offer of tax credits that make adaptive reuse viable.
As well, many older buildings whose smaller floorplates make them prime candidates are situated in areas of Toronto that are popular destinations for heritage tourism.
These factors are just a few of the catalysts helping elevate Toronto to a place among the world cities most likely to embrace this environmental-friendly approach to building.
“Canada’s downtowns are at a crossroads,” said Toronto native Dee Dee Taylor Eustace, founder and principal of Taylor Hannah Architect Inc. (THA), whose portfolio includes residential, commercial and hospitality projects. “Millennials aren’t returning to office spaces, leaving behind empty towers and big questions. What do we do with these buildings? Convert them into residential? Strip them down to their concrete cores and let the games begin. These structures, the center core and open perimeters, are already built. Repurpose them into open, flexible formats for residential and mixed-use communities. Build on top, adding new floors or residences, instead of tearing down.”
As the GTA continues embarking on new adaptive reuse projects, it seems an opportune time to examine three of the more successful such endeavors, each with 15 years since their completion dates to forge a track record of success.
Imperial Plaza, 111 St. Clair Avenue West
Among the first major office buildings on Toronto’s St. Clair Avenue, this limestone and steel building served as Imperial Oil Ltd. headquarters upon its opening in 1957. Imperial Plaza was converted by Camrost-Felcorp into a luxury condominium in 2010.
The project preserved a number of the structure’s historic details, such as its two-story marble lobby, York Wilson murals and original clocks, earning the Heritage Toronto Built Heritage Award of Merit in 2016. The award was a nod to the project adding contemporary living spaces while also retaining the building’s architectural legacy for future generations. THA served as architect, interior designer and penthouse builder.
155 Cumberland
Another project involving THA as interior architect and interior designer of suites, this structure came into existence 65 years ago as the Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) office building. Architects Bregman and Hamann designed it in the International Style. KingSett Capital acquired 155 Cumberland in 2005, later converting the building into residential condominiums and incorporating a 12-story addition on top of the building.
During the conversion, the original space that became the building’s signature penthouse suite was provided with upper story, and in the process earned a heritage designation.
The adaptive reuse projects in which her firm is involved are important components in a larger endeavor with an even loftier objective, according to Taylor Eustace.
“Successful adaptive reuse isn’t just about redesigning a building,” she reports. “It’s about redesigning a lifestyle [with] walkable grocery stores, schools, transportation. Without them, downtowns lose their vibrancy, and crime moves in.”
Evergreen Brick Works
A wholly different kind of adaptive reuse project, Evergreen Brick Works involved the conversion of the shuttered Don Valley Brick Works factory into a gathering spot that promotes the study of sustainability. The community hub and landmark at 560 Bayview Avenue features a seasonal skating rink, farmers’ market, nature trails and buildings that highlight sustainable practices. Developed by Canadian national charity Evergreen Foundation, Evergreen Brick Works showcases architecture by Diamond Schmitt Architects, which designed its structures and infrastructure, and WSP USA.
It’s highly fitting that this setting that teaches visitors greener models of urban living is itself among the best exemplars of the sustainable practice of adaptive reuse.
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