A major influx of office space is coming to the east side of Downtown Toronto, as work continues on developer First Gulf's Globe and Mail Centre. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the new property will add 500,000 square feet of office space to King Street East, including the new headquarters of Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail.

Globe and Mail Centre viewed from the southeast, image by Forum contributor Razz

The tower has made significant progress since rising above grade back in April. Just over seven months since reaching that milestone, the building is now closing in on its final height. The 17th and final office level is now in the process of being formed, and work will soon begin on the building's two-storey mechanical penthouse level above.

Final office floor being formed at the Globe and Mail Centre, image by Forum contributor Razz

As crews work on the final few metres of the building, installation of the tower's curtain wall cladding is progressing at a brisk pace. The Globe and Mail Centre is being clad in alternating volumes of reflective and dark glazing, highlighting the ‘stacked box’ aesthetic. As more cladding is installed, the tower's indented sections should become more prominent to passersby.

Glazing progress at the Globe and Mail Centre, image by Forum contributor Razz

The completed development will continue the trend of new businesses setting up shop on this once less-than-desireable stretch of King Street East, with the Globe and Mail joining the ranks of Coca Cola Canada, software company SAS, and competing newspaper The Toronto Sun. 

Globe and Mail Centre viewed from the southeast, image by Forum contributor Razz

For additional information and renderings, head over to the project's Database file. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the Forum thread, or leave a comment below.