Toronto City Council has approved the Mirvish-Gehry development by Projectcore after planning staff had recommended approval of the current two-tower version of the project. This iteration preserves the site’s heritage features and the Princes of Wales Theatre.
Projectcore is led by developer Peter Kofman, who is working with David Mirvish and Frank Gehry to redevelop Mirvish’s properties on King Street West.
The complex will have the tallest skyscraper in Canada at 92 storeys. An additional tower will rise to 82 storeys. The largest tower will displace First Canadian Place as Canada’s current tallest skyscraper. At 72 storeys, the latter has held the title of Canada’s tallest skyscraper since its completion in 1975.
Approved Two Tower Rendering. View from the South
The changes to the Mirvish-Gehry redevelopment come after public consultation and input from Toronto’s Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat.
Projectcore has said that it intends to keep working with council, city staff and local stakeholders for the remainder of the development process before the project’s sales launch. Both towers will be condo buildings, but the project will also have gallery space for David Mirvish’s substantial art collection as well as new space for OCAD University.
The current iteration has fewer housing units to reduce the additional strain on local infrastructure. It preserves all heritage buildings on site as well as the Princes of Wales Theatre—one of the city’s premier performing arts venues.
The Mirvish-Gehry development will still need site approval to move forward. However, city council approval is one of the most important stages for any development to pass. When the final design is prepared, Projectcore can start selling units.
Initial Three Tower Proposed Rendering
This latest version of the Mirvish-Gehry project shows that the most ambitious proposal can keep intact the great things Toronto already has, like our history and theatres. The Mirvish-Gehry development is moving forward towards sales carrying the dreams of a city that wants to see the greatest buildings.