I passed by this site yesterday and was surprised that it’s actually smaller than the Design Haus site just a block away (next to the library).
 
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Even the current building that is being torn down felt tall for the site. Not that the current building was some great design. It was interesting in a way, with its extended frame. Does this developer just look for sites that they can ram through massive density upgrades? I hope the new rules encourage more compromise between density and surrounding neighbourhood. The city seemed reasonable at 17 storeys for a proposed height. I hope this does not mean 30 storeys all along College. That would be a big decrease in character. A streetcar line does not have a huge capacity to support that sort of density.
 
Alex L said:
Even the current building that is being torn down felt tall for the site. Not that the current building was some great design. It was interesting in a way, with its extended frame. Does this developer just look for sites that they can ram through massive density upgrades? I hope the new rules encourage more compromise between density and surrounding neighbourhood. The city seemed reasonable at 17 storeys for a proposed height. I hope this does not mean 30 storeys all along College. That would be a big decrease in character. A streetcar line does not have a huge capacity to support that sort of density.
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This is 350m to Queen’s Park Station, or a 5 minute walk, so I would say this density here is appropriate.
 
The height and the density being built here will completely redefine the neighbourhood. Good or bad, such a landmark decision shouldn't be based on the close proximity of a subway station. This is an established neighbourhood with decent densities. It's not a greenfield TOD opportunity. The average TOD, a tall point tower on a large podium would also be lucky to achieve half the density being built here.
 
maestro said:
The height and the density being built here will completely redefine the neighbourhood. Good or bad, such a landmark decision shouldn't be based on the close proximity of a subway station. This is an established neighbourhood with decent densities. It's not a greenfield TOD opportunity. The average TOD, a tall point tower on a large podium would also be lucky to achieve half the density being built here.
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What should that decision be based on though if not higher order transit, or that it is adjacent to numerous massive employers (UofT, hospitals) or that there is a young population that wants to live closer to where they go to school?

Is it more important that we keep 2-3 story buildings here (acknowledging this site was originally more than 3 stories but the general area is) or build more homes for people near where they work and learn?
 
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So either I didn't look at the renders very closely or what, but I'm surprised: this development I think looks quite good. If the renders are a true indication of the podium, this might actually not crowd the street but instead open it up.
 
The podium does have potential. I have a feeling a fair amount of spandrel with be sneaking in once it is built. IMO, The tower has an unattractive bulky mass with a cheap wallpaper pattern. It's demanding articulation. It's potential is as a deconstructed Teeple tower.
 
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