The site currently contains a five-storey building that includes a commercial podium as well as office uses. The building was originally constructed in three phases between 1961 to 1974. Since taking ownership in March 2016, TAS has made 40 commercial units available to a vibrant mix of tenant partners on a short-term basis.
The scale of this project presents a tremendous opportunity to re-imagine how purpose-built rental, for-sale condominium, and community-focused commercial space can all be integrated on one large suburban site. We are excited to propose a unique project that will serve its local community by supporting multi-generational living and wellness and introducing significant pedestrian-focused public realm improvements. Our proposal was informed by:
- The Official Plan
- The West District Design Initiative
- Growing Up: Planning for Children in New Vertical Communities
- The understanding of local strengths, potentials, and aspirations our team developed through research, public consultation and engagement
- Two towers are connected by a shared six-storey podium
- North Building is 12-storeys and South Building is 32-storeys
- 92% (521,000 residential square feet) residential gross floor area
- 8% (45,200 commercial square feet) non-residential gross floor area
- Approximately 32,300 square feet of landscaped open space and green roofs
- 653 new homes, including both for-sale condominiums and purpose-built rental units
- 675 bike parking and 739 vehicle parking spaces
- Architect:
- Landscape Architect:
- Planner:
Vision: Multi-Generational Living and Wellness
Our local research and engagement process revealed a need for increased health and social services as well as senior’s housing in this part of Etobicoke, which has been expanding rapidly over the past decade. We are actively exploring and curating not-for-profit and commercial partnerships to ensure the project serves these community needs. Numerous design decisions were informed by a commitment to ensuring that the project supports the overall wellness of residents of all ages and at all stages of life.
Environmental Sustainability
Our proposal strives to achieve Toronto Green Standards v3 Tier 2 and encourages active transportation through reduced vehicular parking, robust infrastructure for cyclists, and car-sharing.
Enhanced Livability: Three Season Balconies
Expansive balconies have been designed to blur the lines between indoor, outdoor, private and public space. Intended to maximize residents’ use of outdoor spaces from early spring to late fall, this unique feature introduces a retractable glass screen system that contribute to the energy conservation efforts integrated into the building design.
Public Realm Improvements
Our overall wellness focus has inspired the design of unique outdoor spaces that will offer residents and neighbours attractive spaces to connect and socialize. Key features include:
- Two large publicly accessible landscaped outdoor courtyards that begin at-grade along The West Mall, extend to a raised concourse area and introduce nature onto the site.
- A sheltered ‘conservatory’ space that can be programmed for community events and gatherings.
- A general prioritization of the pedestrian experience achieved by burying most vehicular access and parking underground.
Additional information is available via:
- SvN Architectural Plans
- Bousfields Planning Rationale
- Public Work Landscape Plan
- City of Toronto Development Application Portal (search by address, 385 The West Mall)
TAS engages local communities early and thoughtfully to ensure we understand their strengths, potentials and aspirations – and can integrate these findings into our project designs.
In 2019, our team met with City Staff and have continued close communication with Councillor Holyday and his office throughout the planning process. In October 2020, we partnered with the City of Toronto to host a Virtual Public Meeting to explain our development proposal to, encourage questions and ideas from the local community.
During the warmer months of 2020 and 2021, we’ve hosted a seedling market with The Backyard Urban Farm Company (BUFCO) to activate underutilized space on site. We continue to seek opportunities to engage with local residents, organizations and businesses to grow our understanding of local opportunities, strengths and aspirations.
We warmly welcome questions and input – please be encouraged to share yours via info@385thewestmall.com any time and a member of our team will be in touch.