The Garak Residence is a new residence located in a laneway in downtown Toronto. The property which had been used as a parking lot for many decades has been developed as an urban garden pavilion.

The Soho Centre was the first new large scale mixed-use building to be built in the trendy Queen Street West District of Toronto. This development fundamentally changed the commercial lease rates and property values along Queen Street West, the impact of which is still being felt today in neighbourhoods as far west as Parkdale.

The development was comprised of a single retail tenant, Club Monaco/Caban, on the ground and second floors with office spaces on the third and fourth floors, and a single level of underground parking for twenty-two vehicles. Acknowledging the existing courtyard and recesses of the adjoining high-rise residential building, the Soho Centre is terraced on the third and fourth floors to the north. Access to natural light and privacy for the neighbouring residential units and the courtyard are thus maintained. At each level, the terraces feature continuous soft landscaping in planters.

The primary entrances for both the retail and offices are located on Queen Street. The fourth floor is setback from both Queen and Beverley Streets to reduce the massing to better reflect the existing streetscape on Queen Street. The facades on Queen and Beverley are organized vertically to differentiate the internal uses. The stone cladding on the third and fourth floors emphasize permanence, whereas the comprehensive floor to ceiling glazing found on the ground and second floors emphasize transparency and openness. This openness is particularly evident in the evening, as the vitality of Queen Street appears to extend into the Soho Centre.

Our services included input in all aspects of the project from preliminary development investigations, planning approvals, design development, production of construction documents, overseeing of construction and right through to tenant fit-up coordination.

A mixed-use building in the best tradition of the Toronto main streets building typology with 2 retail stores on the ground level and 16 rental apartments on the upper levels. Notable design elements include the use of on-grade parking stackers to minimize parking footprint and intensive landscaping on the three sides of the property to buffer the development from adjacent properties. Our scope of services included all phases of the development, including planning approvals, construction documents to constructive review.

The successful completion of the 5 housing units involved a multi-year planning approval process that included an Official Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Site Plan Approval. The development is comprised of 2 pairs of semi-detached and 1 detached dwelling, all containing legal basement apartments. The key to the success of this project was the adept management of on-going community consultation leading to a win win project for all the stakeholders.

Strategically situated in the heart of The Junction, 2960 Dundas will set the tone for all future developments in this vibrant community. With its striking architectural expression and the synthesis of public and private spaces expressed through the open courtyard, 2960 Dundas will be a notable addition to The Junction. The proposed building incorporates restaurant uses on the lower levels and office use on the upper.

The Rezen, a 13 storey, 135 unit condominium with 3 levels of underground parking is located in the heart of the St Lawrence Market District in downtown Toronto. The notable characteristics of the project are the design of the massing and the choice of exterior finishes that allow for the building to fit comfortably into the historic context.

Our scope of services included all phases of the development, including planning approvals such as Official Plan Amendment, Rezoning, OMB, Committee of Adjustments, Site Plan Approval, design and construction documents through construction review to occupancy.

215 Spadina was a complex project that entailed a multi-phased approach to the mixed-use development. Phase 1 involved a complete gutting and restoration of the base building services to the existing 5 storey industrial warehouse building that included new elevators, mechanical and electrical building systems. Part of the work also involved structural analysis and reinforcing work in anticipation of future expansion in Phase 2. The ground and basement floors were designed for multi-tenant retail use and the upper floors were designed for office use.

Located in the trendy Queen Street West District, we were entrusted by both the landlord and the tenant to design a new single tenant boutique retail building that captured the trendy and vibrant character of the famous Bamboo Club that once stood here.

Our task on behalf of the landlord was also to create a master plan for the entire property. Our solution was to recommend and implement a multiple building and tenant strategy that included Costa Blanca, Lush and the Ultra Supper Club. The notable aspect of our solution was the retention of the inner courtyard that was the signature element of the old Bamboo Club.

318 Queen is a heritage designated building comprised of 3 different buildings with the oldest dating back to the turn of the 20th century. The challenge of the project was to completely gut and modernize the interior of all 3 buildings into one contiguous retail space. Our scope of services also included the renovation of the building storefront which required approval of City of Toronto Heritage Preservation Services.

Whispering Oaks is a refreshing new concept for the ubiquitous car wash. Designed with the idea of celebrating what is essentially a mundane activity. Fully transparent to the street, the stalls are equipped with LED coloured lighting that are programmed to change colour as the occupant proceeds through the different washing activities. The architecture itself thus becomes the beacon that strongly signifies its purpose to the surrounding suburban environment.

Situated in the heart of Queen Street West District, the notable challenge of this project was to navigate the myriad of municipal approvals, including the Heritage Preservation District Guidelines for Queen Street West, which are considered one of the toughest in the City. The design incorporates retail uses on the lower two levels, offices on the upper levels and a residential penthouse. Our services also included completion of construction documents and obtaining a Foundation Permit from the City prior to the project being put on hold.