Solaris
Senior Member
Novae Res Urbis: Feather Factory Lofts - Hurdles Cleared
Friday, July 24, 2009
Touting that construction is now complete and that the Feather Factory Lofts will be open this weekend, the website of converted lofts’ developer Plazacorp makes no mention of the two hurdles it recently cleared.
A notice of intention to designate the Feather Factory Lofts on Dundas Street West as a heritage building was posted by the City of Toronto and expired on June 1. A designation by-law is pending.
At the same time, an appeal of the committee of adjustment’s decision to refuse the application for minor variances was allowed at the Ontario Municipal Board.
“Based upon the evidence, the board finds that the proposal maintains the purpose and intent of the city’s official plan,†states the July 15 decision authored by member Chris Conti.
“The proposed residential use is permitted and the official plan encourages intensification along avenues. The policies also encourage protection and re-use of heritage buildings while allowing some relaxation of standards in
order to protect them.â€
While the board authorized the minor variances to the required setbacks for main windows, outdoor residential amenity space and indoor amenity space, it directed that final plans and drawings be submitted to the city manager
of heritage preservation services Mary MacDonald.
Feather Factory Lofts Inc., a subsidiary of Plazacorp, was represented by Tara Piurko of McCarthy Tétrault.
The conversion project involves a five-storey industrial building that manufactured bedding until it closed down in 1964. (See NRU-Toronto edition April 3.)
The original three-storey factory was designed by Toronto architect James Walker, when it was commissioned in 1910. William F. Sparling designed two additional floors and a cornice for the structure in 1922.
It features elements of the popular Edwardian Classical style and the building makes a statement in built form since it is distinct and visible among the surrounding commercial and residential buildings along Dundas Street West near Ritchie Street.
The building was going to be converted for commercial use, but is now a residential building with 43-condominium units.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Touting that construction is now complete and that the Feather Factory Lofts will be open this weekend, the website of converted lofts’ developer Plazacorp makes no mention of the two hurdles it recently cleared.
A notice of intention to designate the Feather Factory Lofts on Dundas Street West as a heritage building was posted by the City of Toronto and expired on June 1. A designation by-law is pending.
At the same time, an appeal of the committee of adjustment’s decision to refuse the application for minor variances was allowed at the Ontario Municipal Board.
“Based upon the evidence, the board finds that the proposal maintains the purpose and intent of the city’s official plan,†states the July 15 decision authored by member Chris Conti.
“The proposed residential use is permitted and the official plan encourages intensification along avenues. The policies also encourage protection and re-use of heritage buildings while allowing some relaxation of standards in
order to protect them.â€
While the board authorized the minor variances to the required setbacks for main windows, outdoor residential amenity space and indoor amenity space, it directed that final plans and drawings be submitted to the city manager
of heritage preservation services Mary MacDonald.
Feather Factory Lofts Inc., a subsidiary of Plazacorp, was represented by Tara Piurko of McCarthy Tétrault.
The conversion project involves a five-storey industrial building that manufactured bedding until it closed down in 1964. (See NRU-Toronto edition April 3.)
The original three-storey factory was designed by Toronto architect James Walker, when it was commissioned in 1910. William F. Sparling designed two additional floors and a cornice for the structure in 1922.
It features elements of the popular Edwardian Classical style and the building makes a statement in built form since it is distinct and visible among the surrounding commercial and residential buildings along Dundas Street West near Ritchie Street.
The building was going to be converted for commercial use, but is now a residential building with 43-condominium units.
