A new reveal to local residents on December 13, 2016

In April, local residents were treated to a bold and exciting vision for the south side of King Street West at the base of Brant Street.  Renderings related to that presentation and subsequent application are visible via the sidebar.  
As with other large scale projects,  this one was then subjected to the City of Toronto Design Review Panel but did not receive rave reviews (read the report here).  
In response to those reviews, the team of Allied, Westbank and BIG tweaked their vision, a preview of which they shared with local GDNA and WPNA (Wellington Place Neighbourhood Assocation) members on December 13th.  We will post new renderings here when the plans have been made public but until then here are some key aspects from my notes:

• there will be 4 peaks instead of 5
• material will likely be brick or similar masonry (possibly of a red hue)
• the heritage buildings will be be separated from the new structures in such a way as to make them more prominent
• commercial (both retail and office) areas will occury the B1 level as well as 3 floors above grade  
• the courtyard will be reconfigured to lessen the appearance of being so long and narrow

The Design Review Panel is comprised of private sector design professionals – architects, landscape architects, urban designers and engineers – who provide independent, objective advice to city staff aimed at improving matters of design that affect the public realm. Advice is based on professional judgment, understanding of good design principles, conformance with the Official Plan and other related documents (design guidelines, secondary plans etc.), and the design quality of the subject project.