Royal Connaught Hotel | ? | 36 fl, 33 fl, 24 fl & 13 fl | U/C

[HamiltonBoyInToronto]

Maybe scrap the 4th and 5th phase and build something over 40stories !! Just to piss off the people trying to stop tall builds in Hamilton lol

[King&James]

Get ready....

Popcorn in hand with oversized drink, ready for show to start!

[King&James]

Here are some close up shots of the model which shows the phase 3 podium they'll be building next.

https://s29.postimg.org/f7mn7qrrb/IMG_1541.jpg
https://s29.postimg.org/4yyrfnt3b/IMG_1540.jpg
https://s29.postimg.org/d5qr78j5z/IMG_1539.jpg
https://s29.postimg.org/ojdaifton/IMG_1538.jpg
https://s29.postimg.org/tjaqqdzbb/IMG_1537.jpg
https://s29.postimg.org/vcdnepkhz/IMG_1535.jpg

Just bringing these forward for all to recall how Phase 3 was envisioned - hoping the enhancements noted last year really make it pop.

[ScreamingViking]

I love the look of the podium as it fronts Catharine. That will be such a HUGE change alone, never mind the towers.

When was the last time there was a building on that side of that block?

[King&James]

I really hope they build the podium for the full block length as one effort. Must be 50 years or more that the parking lot has been present

[Chronamut]

I love the look of the podium as it fronts Catharine. That will be such a HUGE change alone, never mind the towers.

When was the last time there was a building on that side of that block?

Longer than most of us have been alive.

[matt602]

Yeah, I think that has been an empty lot going back at least as far as the 60's.

[Chronamut]

Yeah, I think that has been an empty lot going back at least as far as the 60's.

This is what it originally looked like:

http://thespec-stories.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Connaught-1955.jpg

And this is the building that stood before the connaught:

https://dynamicmedia.zuza.com/zz/m/original_/4/2/426893f9-423d-4070-b08b-323ca6b25fc3/B823387721Z.1_20170606144114_000_GRI1SQC83.2_Super_Portrait.jpg

[Chronamut]

Also they did a really cool 1940s themed prelaunch when the lobby was completed with period specific dress:

http://www.thismustbetheplace.ca/tag/royal-connaught/

[TheRitsman]

It's kind of interesting that the building that was there before was arguably more interesting. Thanks for digging that up. Too bad the restoration doesn't have that giant "Royal Connaught Hotel" sign. Reminds me of something you'd see on an old Toronto building.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

^^Notice the fountain in the foreground.

[ScreamingViking]

The URL of that early Connaught photo says 1955. I seem to recall that pic, thanks for sharing it.

Am I imagining or was there a neon sign on top a long time ago, on the northeast corner?

[King&James]

https://i.imgur.com/Bo0f1na.jpg
1985 from parking deck at the Holiday Inn

[lachlanholmes]

Here are some close up shots of the model which shows the phase 3 podium they'll be building next.


https://s29.postimg.org/4yyrfnt3b/IMG_1540.jpg

I feel bad for the buyers in the current phase who look towards Catharine. Their view will be worthless, cramped, and claustrophobic once (if) P3 gets built. No more than 3 or 4 metres in separation it looks like.

[LRTfan]

I feel bad for the buyers in the current phase who look towards Catharine. Their view will be worthless, cramped, and claustrophobic once (if) P3 gets built. No more than 3 or 4 metres in separation it looks like.


These models have been in the lobby since sales started for Phase 1. It's literally in the heart of a big city. Anyone who tries to complain now, after having bought a unit knowing full well what was coming deserves zero sympathy IMO

[Chronamut]

^^Notice the fountain in the foreground.

Yes there were originally 2 - even going back to the founding of the city - one in front of the connaught and the one we know now.

The original design was supposed to be for the lots to mirror each other I believe.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

https://i.imgur.com/Bo0f1na.jpg
1985 from parking deck at the Holiday Inn

Let's go back to 1985! Don't hear that everyday...

But in all seriousness, the centre was healthier 30-40 years ago than it is now, though we are clawing our way back.

[King&James]

^^ I took that photo as part of a trio set, before, during and after Commerce Place came into existence

[davidcappi]

Doesn't look that different today if you can manage to get up on to that parking deck. Can't wait to see this view with Liuna's new towers filling up the area on the right.

[Chronamut]

I hate to say it but the old bank building really did look out of place after jacksons towers went up - I guess it was a good move to replace it with the tall twin glass towers with the bridge in the middle to form an "H" - looks better.

[Chronamut]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4199/34053219524_ce260bedc4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TTaDLy)
Residences of the Royal Connaught Construction | 5/24/17 (https://flic.kr/p/TTaDLy) by Joe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/-jm/), on Flickr

Personally I don't like the fact they strayed from the original design and got rid of the stone lintels under the windows, it looks weird looking at the building.. I don't know what new designs have against stone lintels - they make a brick building look less monotonous..

[King&James]

Will post the trio in downtown general thread along with some others. It's true , not a huge amount of change in 30 years, but pretty certain same won't be said for next 30.

[king10]

looks like a couple of units listed on realtor.ca today from the same realtor. I believe all in phase 2.

[hamilton23]

looks like a couple of units listed on realtor.ca today from the same realtor. I believe all in phase 2.

We have a few units left in Phase 2 and a couple Penthouses.

The listing was by our sales rep and it’s to clear remaining inventory before Phase 3

[hamilton23]

I feel bad for the buyers in the current phase who look towards Catharine. Their view will be worthless, cramped, and claustrophobic once (if) P3 gets built. No more than 3 or 4 metres in separation it looks like.

Lol

You’re looking at a 3D model.

There’s going to be a very significant separation between Phases. It’s part of the building code...

[realcity]

I remember Frans in there. was a great after club spot. Got to see everyone what they looked like in light.

[hamilton23]

I remember Frans in there. was a great after club spot. Got to see everyone what they looked like in light.

We talked about resurrecting the Frans that used to be in there. We had lengthy discussions with the owners of Frans and they really wanted to do it. However, we're opting for a more fine dining restaurant for our restaurant space. With the piazza and massive ceiling heights in that space, a Frans wouldn't really work.

[davidcappi]

they really wanted to do it. However, we're opting for a more fine dining restaurant for our restaurant space.

More of the same instead of something different downtown. Shame. Frans would have done really well. If they're interest is genuine, I hope they set up shop elsewhere in the core.

[hamilton23]

More of the same instead of something different downtown. Shame. Frans would have done really well. If they're interest is genuine, I hope they set up shop elsewhere in the core.

Not really.

There isn't really a true fine dining experience in Downtown Hamilton.

I was told that Fran's was only interested in our location due to the fact that one of their first locations was at the Connaught.

I agree though. A diner like Frans is definitely something that should be in the core.

It just didn't fit the aesthetics of the space at the RC. Maybe in Phase 3...

[LRTfan]

wait, Frans is still around???

[ScreamingViking]

wait, Frans is still around???

Not sure if they were owned by the restaurant chain of the same name in Toronto, but if so, then yes. And it would be nice to see them back in the core, regardless.

[CaptainKirk]

Respectfully, can we please start a seperate fine dining thread. I keep coming here when I see that there are new posts, and none of them, recently, are about the Connuaght. I'd really like to read about Connaught updates here, and again, with all due respect to all the wonderful and informative posters here. :cheers:

[Chronamut]

Respectfully, can we please start a seperate fine dining thread. I keep coming here when I see that there are new posts, and none of them, recently, are about the Connuaght. I'd really like to read about Connaught updates here, and again, with all due respect to all the wonderful and informative posters here. :cheers:

A fine dining thread isn't really suited to this part of the forum - feel free to discuss it in the general thread though - that's what that thread is kind of for - for all casual discussion.

[KevinFromTexas]

The fine dining posts have been moved here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=147749&page=78

[NortheastWind]

Building Ambitions at Royal Connaught (http://urbanicity.ca/building-ambitions-royal-connaught/)
Source: Urban City Magazine

[Chronamut]

Building Ambitions at Royal Connaught (http://urbanicity.ca/building-ambitions-royal-connaught/)
Source: Urban City Magazine

Good for him! Glad to see so much civic pride in a builder :)

[Sehnsucht]

Building Ambitions at Royal Connaught (http://urbanicity.ca/building-ambitions-royal-connaught/)
Source: Urban City Magazine

Nice piece. Thanks for sharing. Very excited for the Starbucks and the start of phase two!

[LikeHamilton]

Nice piece. Thanks for sharing. Very excited for the Starbucks and the start of phase two!

The Starbucks sign is on the building!

[hamilton23]

The Starbucks sign is on the building!

Grand Opening will be in the last week of April.

They will incorporate their patio space as well.

I was in the store two days ago. The interior design is unique and separates itself from other Starbucks interiors. It still feels very much like you're in a Starbucks, but there's certainly a different look and feel to this one.

I'm excited for you guys to visit once it opens!

[hamilton23]

Phase 3 is coming sooner than people think. I know when, but I'm not privileged to share the info just yet.

It's literally just around the corner though...

[lachlanholmes]

https://twitter.com/JeremyGlobalTV/status/985265840353296384

RC sign down.

[realcity]

Royal Cannot. I want phase 3 4 5.

[hamilton23]

Royal Cannot. I want phase 3 4 5.

You're going to get Three soon. Four and Five will follow directly afterwards.

[hamilton23]

He came on the forum to cheerlead or reply to posts with snark. Maybe he's no longer allowed to post since the latest news may not be all sunshine and roses.

Interested in knowing what you're referring to Sir?

I'm right here ;)

[hamilton23]

Are they at least done phase 2?

What happened to the much hyped about main floor retail? Thought an announcement was imminent.

Phase 2 has Move in Dates set to start in November. These dates will be moving up to as early as September.

Despite some of the comments in this thread by some 'informed' posters, we're actually extremely ahead of our Phase 2 schedule. We're finishing units. Appliances are being installed as we speak (this is the last piece of finishing units)

We're releasing Phase 3 very soon.

In terms of retail. I knew about Starbucks from two years ago. I was responsible for bringing Starbucks to the development. I couldn't say anything due to the confidentiality of the situation.

In terms of the other tenants, it's the same confidentiality that kept me tight-lipped about Starbucks, that will keep me tight-lipped about the others for the time being. Rest assured, the spaces are leased with tenants with proven track records of running successful operations and businesses. We're excited about the remaining tenants to be announced. I can't share a timeline on when you'll find out, but It will be soon-ish.

[anactualalien]

Rexall or Shoppers would be nice. :)

[hamilton23]

Rexall or Shoppers would be nice. :)

Very much needed in the core. I couldn't agree more.

[realcity]

Rexall in Jackson. Pharmacy in the south downtown would be nice since they closed the Shoppers in Durand.

[hamilton23]

Rexall in Jackson. Pharmacy in the south downtown would be nice since they closed the Shoppers in Durand.

True about the Rexall in Jackson. Does that location run on mall hours though?

That's obviously a drawback for people who need to go to a Pharmacy after 9 or 10 PM.

I personally think having more Shoppers and Rexall's in the core and surrounding area will be of great interest to people living in the area.

Speaking with hundreds of downtown residents over the course of the last year, I can tell you that they all bring up having more of these Pharmacies within walking distance and with longer operating hours.

[lachlanholmes]

Rexall in Jackson. Pharmacy in the south downtown would be nice since they closed the Shoppers in Durand.

They did? I loved that place. Had a good clearance, but I hadn't been in the past few years.

[davidcappi]

Rexall in Jackson. Pharmacy in the south downtown would be nice since they closed the Shoppers in Durand.


That shoppers is right around the corner from my apartment and 100% still open

[hamilton23]

They did? I loved that place. Had a good clearance, but I hadn't been in the past few years.

It's open, but people in the core want to be able to walk somewhere quick.

While Durand isn't a hike from the core, it's not super convenient or close either.

Demand is definitely there for these Pharmacies.

[lachlanholmes]

That shoppers is right around the corner from my apartment and 100% still open

Yay! I'll have to check it out again soon.

[hamilton23]

Starbucks slated to open this Sunday the 22nd.

[durandy]

Has Phase 3 been approved, or is there an application to the LPAT? If not, is the DSP going to affect the planned height above the escarpment?

[hamilton23]

Has Phase 3 been approved, or is there an application to the LPAT? If not, is the DSP going to affect the planned height above the escarpment?

Yes, it's been approved. The DSP doesn't pertain to Phase 3, because we got approvals for all five phases when we went in for Phase 1 approval.

[Sehnsucht]

Starbucks slated to open this Sunday the 22nd.

Great news! Feels like it happened fast.

As for pharmacies, I agree totally. The Shoppers on Herkimer is neighbourhood anchored and great for that community, but there should be a significant, urban-format presence downtown too. I can't imagine people outside Durand making the trek over there.

Very much needed. (Just please no giant surface parking lot . . .).

[hamilton23]

Great news! Feels like it happened fast.

As for pharmacies, I agree totally. The Shoppers on Herkimer is neighbourhood anchored and great for that community, but there should be a significant, urban-format presence downtown too. I can't imagine people outside Durand making the trek over there.

Very much needed. (Just please no giant surface parking lot . . .).

The Starbucks team really moved really quickly! Their GC and Subs are pretty exclusive to them, and so they're not bouncing from one job to another. Pretty remarkable how quick they worked to open for this weekend.

Ditto on the Urban formatted Pharmacies. Similar to the ones in Downtown Toronto. It's nearing necessity levels for those who live directly in the Core.

[Sehnsucht]

The Starbucks team really moved really quickly! Their GC and Subs are pretty exclusive to them, and so they're not bouncing from one job to another. Pretty remarkable how quick they worked to open for this weekend.

Ditto on the Urban formatted Pharmacies. Similar to the ones in Downtown Toronto. It's nearing necessity levels for those who live directly in the Core.

Agreed on both.

[LRTfan]

Yes, it's been approved. The DSP doesn't pertain to Phase 3, because we got approvals for all five phases when we went in for Phase 1 approval.


Your project has one of the last opportunities to build the 2nd tallest building in Hamilton. The height approved for the Connaught on the new Secondary Plan mapping is 117 metres. This about 19-20 metres higher than the escarpment. Currently the 2nd tallest building in Hamilton is Stelco Tower at 103 metres.

The new Vranich Tower is also going to be 103 metres, but it's land is 4-5 metres higher than the Stelco Tower, so the George St building will appear to be our 2nd tallest once complete.

After the Connaught is built and clearly becomes the 2nd tallest (only 10 metres shorter than Century 21) the only other pre-approved opportunity to surpass Stelco Tower and Vranich will be the Connolly site. It has been approved at 106 metres on the new Secondary Plan mapping. Assuming the new owner sticks with the pre-approved plan (which they should if they want to avoid an entire planning application at City Hall), the Connolly site will become the 3rd tallest in Hamilton after Century 21 and the Connaught.

So, in a few years our top 5 might look like this:
Century 21 - 127 metres
Connaught - 117 metres
Connolly site - 106 metres
Vranich - 103 metres
Stelco Tower - 103 metres


Nice to see 3 buildings squeeze themselves in between 1st and 2nd spot.
TV City would have been dynamite to add a new tallest. Hopefully Lamb goes through the entire OMB process and wins. If so, TV City will bump all of these above buildings down 1 spot on the list.

[Innsertnamehere]

Any applications filed prior to the passing of the secondary plan I.E. television City will not have the secondary plan apply to them.

I wouldn't be surprised if Lamb's building gets LPAT (formally OMB) approval and goes ahead.

[LRTfan]

Any applications filed prior to the passing of the secondary plan I.E. television City will not have the secondary plan apply to them.

I wouldn't be surprised if Lamb's building gets LPAT (formally OMB) approval and goes ahead.


The city's secondary plan height map actually gives the aforementioned height exemptions on the map since they were approved already.

Projects that were filed prior to the end date of the OMB still have the Secondary Plan applied to them if city hall chooses. But they won't go to LPAT. They will still get a full OMB hearing. TV City was filed before the deadline which is why he has taken the project to the OMB.

[ScreamingViking]

These were also in play last year or early in this one, but I have no idea about their status or how far things went with submitting the proposals to the city:
- 71 Rebecca (121.5m) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=229309
- Metro City (114m) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=228215
- McMaster Grad Residence (height in metres unknown, but 31 storeys) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=232321

(and perhaps -- likely a "slim chance" perhaps -- the Carmen's thing (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=200487) will get resurrected at some point, though I doubt it was serious enough as proposed)

Your project has one of the last opportunities to build the 2nd tallest building in Hamilton. The height approved for the Connaught on the new Secondary Plan mapping is 117 metres. This about 19-20 metres higher than the escarpment. Currently the 2nd tallest building in Hamilton is Stelco Tower at 103 metres.

The new Vranich Tower is also going to be 103 metres, but it's land is 4-5 metres higher than the Stelco Tower, so the George St building will appear to be our 2nd tallest once complete.

After the Connaught is built and clearly becomes the 2nd tallest (only 10 metres shorter than Century 21) the only other pre-approved opportunity to surpass Stelco Tower and Vranich will be the Connolly site. It has been approved at 106 metres on the new Secondary Plan mapping. Assuming the new owner sticks with the pre-approved plan (which they should if they want to avoid an entire planning application at City Hall), the Connolly site will become the 3rd tallest in Hamilton after Century 21 and the Connaught.

So, in a few years our top 5 might look like this:
Century 21 - 127 metres
Connaught - 117 metres
Connolly site - 106 metres
Vranich - 103 metres
Stelco Tower - 103 metres


Nice to see 3 buildings squeeze themselves in between 1st and 2nd spot.
TV City would have been dynamite to add a new tallest. Hopefully Lamb goes through the entire OMB process and wins. If so, TV City will bump all of these above buildings down 1 spot on the list.

[realcity]

I don;t want to spread rumours but I was told after the wind storm the sign fell on a guy. Is this true. I would think that would make the local news.

[yomsen]

Actually it did make the news: https://globalnews.ca/news/4145214/catharine-main-sign-blows-over-hamilton/

[CaptainKirk]

I don;t want to spread rumours but I was told after the wind storm the sign fell on a guy. Is this true. I would think that would make the local news.

It did.

[LRTfan]

These were also in play last year or early in this one, but I have no idea about their status or how far things went with submitting the proposals to the city:
- 71 Rebecca (121.5m) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=229309
- Metro City (114m) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=228215
- McMaster Grad Residence (height in metres unknown, but 31 storeys) http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=232321

(and perhaps -- likely a "slim chance" perhaps -- the Carmen's thing (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=200487) will get resurrected at some point, though I doubt it was serious enough as proposed)

According to my sources re: 71 Rebecca project, they are looking at lowering it by 7-8 floors to match the escarpment height if it'll mean not having a prolonged battle with the city. The same group is trying to bring us much needed higher density housing all over the city, and are meeting resistance as you can image from city hall in every instance. Council just turned down their 12 (now 9) storey condo project on Garner Rd...it's headed to court. Staff also planning to reject their mid-rise condo project at Upper Sherman and Rymal....because not enough triple car garages and cul-de-sacs for our illustrious planning department.
So, with Rebecca they are leaning towards a reduction in height to shut the city up and actually get on with building something.

- little off topic, but I wish all Hamilton residents knew stuff like this. People are tired of their high taxes, sluggish population and job growth in Hamilton. Little do they know that city hall is BY FAR the main reason our growth is sluggish and actually declining in the lower city. Want to slap down 200 more vinyl homes with double garages on farm land? No problem! Want to build anything that resembles normal city apartment/condo dwellings anywhere else on earth? Heck No!

Metro City was very smart and got their documents filed prior to OMB ending, so they continue with their planning application knowing they have the OMB as recourse. Also, their project falls outside the scope of the new downtown secondary plan, although staff have made it clear they will apply the same requirements. Again, I foresee a favourable outcome at the OMB considering their project is literally surrounded by high-rises, including the 3rd tallest building in Hamilton being 2 properties over on the same street.

Mac Graduate Residence I have no further info on, but if they are using floor-ceiling height ratios similar to LIIUNA Kresge or TV City, they will be allowed 30-32 storeys on their Bay/King site.... I just hope the parking garage component is redesigned to include hotel or residential above.

EDIT: just looked up the various elevation numbers for Bay/King.... using correct escarpment height data directly south of Bay/King, these folks will be allowed to build a 95-96 metre building.
Television City's drawings show the 32nd storey being at 94 metres. So, the Mac proposal for 31 would seem to be just about perfect for this site once factoring in the needed mechanical rooftop.
LIUNA Kresge drawings show the 30th floor being at 92 metres. They have a taller main floor with retail, and a taller 30th floor. So, depending on fine details, I suspect Mac will be able to build 30-32 floors at Bay/King.

[hamilton23]

Summer time is beautiful in Hamilton ;)

[hamilton905]

Summer time is beautiful in Hamilton ;)

when is stage 3 going up?

[hamilton23]

when is stage 3 going up?

Phase 3 will launch soon. Construction will follow shortly after.

Construction Hoist at the back portion of Phase 2 addition will be coming down near the end of this month.

[timach]

Phase 3 will launch soon. Construction will follow shortly after.

Construction Hoist at the back portion of Phase 2 addition will be coming down near the end of this month.

Any updates? Is phase 2 almost done? Any new retail tenant announcements?

[hamilton905]

Any updates? Is phase 2 almost done? Any new retail tenant announcements?

Phase 3 has been "right around the corner" for a while, I'm losing it will really happen. I wonder if it was just proposed to bring excitement about the province.

[SpringLight88]

Phase 3 has been "right around the corner" for a while, I'm losing it will really happen. I wonder if it was just proposed to bring excitement about the province.

I was there a few weeks ago to find out the status of our unit. They were working on finishes on the 9th floor, moving down. Sounds like its still on schedule (fingers crossed) but I get the impression that Phase 3 won't launch for another few months.

[interr0bangr]

They took down the exterior/construction elevator (not sure exactly what it's called) this week so the rear of the building looks much more complete, even with gaping walls on each floor.

[lachlanholmes]

They took down the exterior/construction elevator (not sure exactly what it's called) this week so the rear of the building looks much more complete, even with gaping walls on each floor.

Windows are almost filled in where the elevator was. Only top 3 floors still have gaps on them.

[hamilton23]

Windows are almost filled in where the elevator was. Only top 3 floors still have gaps on them.

Only the top two floors need their windows installed now. Afterward, we're fixing the brick at the back where the construction hoist used to be.

Phase 3 will launch late fall or early Winter. Will be 36 storeys. We just launched our Phase 2 Penthouses and are almost sold out.

[hamilton23]

I was there a few weeks ago to find out the status of our unit. They were working on finishes on the 9th floor, moving down. Sounds like its still on schedule (fingers crossed) but I get the impression that Phase 3 won't launch for another few months.

Every floor is currently in the finishing stage (minus some of the Penthouse units which are still selling)

[hamilton23]

They took down the exterior/construction elevator (not sure exactly what it's called) this week so the rear of the building looks much more complete, even with gaping walls on each floor.

Did you mean the windows where the construction hoist used to be? Those have been installed with glazing, minus the top two Penthouse levels which will be completed in the next two weeks. It takes about a day and a half to install those window panels on the back facing units.

The units inside are actually being finished as we speak. Flooring, painting, electrical fixtures, appliances being installed, etc.

[LRTfan]

Only the top two floors need their windows installed now. Afterward, we're fixing the brick at the back where the construction hoist used to be.

Phase 3 will launch late fall or early Winter. Will be 36 storeys. We just launched our Phase 2 Penthouses and are almost sold out.


I hope the architects design a very slick building. This will be one of the tallest buildings in the city.

[hamilton23]

I hope the architects design a very slick building. This will be one of the tallest buildings in the city.

It's slightly different than the original preliminary rendering that's been out there for a couple of years. The new renderings and details will be out soon.

Yes, one of the tallest. In the next ten years, the core will be so drastically different and improved. Looking forward to the other developments in the area as well.

[hamilton23]

Any updates? Is phase 2 almost done? Any new retail tenant announcements?

Phase 2 is almost completed.

Retail tenants will be announced when they decide to make it public. It's a similar situation to our Starbucks. We had an agreement with them for almost a full year prior to them putting signage in their space. You'll see signs coming in the vacant spaces soon.

[StEC]

It's slightly different than the original preliminary rendering that's been out there for a couple of years. The new renderings and details will be out soon.

Yes, one of the tallest. In the next ten years, the core will be so drastically different and improved. Looking forward to the other developments in the area as well.

So the new design is going to be different than the beautiful model on display in the Connaught lobby? Is it still planned to be 36 floors or could it be shorter/taller in the end?

Really looking forward to hearing about the new retail tenants! I love how Starbucks blended in seamlessly with the design, it was very well done!

[LRTfan]

So the new design is going to be different than the beautiful model on display in the Connaught lobby? Is it still planned to be 36 floors or could it be shorter/taller in the end?

Really looking forward to hearing about the new retail tenants! I love how Starbucks blended in seamlessly with the design, it was very well done!

I doubt it will be taller. Their 36 floor height has already been approved, so the city can't enforce the escarpment limit thing on them.
I suppose they could go shorter if they wanted too, but I hope they don't. Until we get a change in administration, theirs could be the tallest building to be built in a very long time (not withstanding TV City OMB appeals)

[LRTfan]

Does anyone remember how many metres the 36 building was approved for here? I recall it being shorter than Landmark Place, but taller than everything else in the city.

[Innsertnamehere]

117m.

[LRTfan]

117m.


Thx!

Man, so close. 10 metres shy of Landmark Place.

On the bright side, once someone purchases and builds the Connolly as already approved by city hall, we should end up with new #2, 3 and 4th tallest builds in the city after Landmark.

2 - Connaught 117m
3 - Connolly 106m
4 - Vranich/George St - 106m

Then we'll also end up with a whole slew of new 6th place builds.

Olympia will be 5th tallest at 98m
Then,

6 - LIUNA 97.5m
7 - LIUNA 2 - 97.5
8 - Rebecca ST - 97m


Then of course we'll see what happens with Corktown Plaza, TV City, Bay/King proposals etc.....

The point is, assuming all these things are built, we'll have a skyline where the #1 and #5 tallest are already there, and currently sit at 1 and 3. The other 6 that will make up our top 8 will be brand new. So, despite our unnecessary height limit, we're still gonna see some nice changes and improvements on the skyline in the next few years.

[Crapht]

You forgot to include Stelco Tower. I mean 100 King st w.:shrug:

[LRTfan]

oh you're right! Lol. It's the post-surgery meds. haha

Yea, so it'll be 5th tallest, and everything else bumps down a spot.

[king10]

Wouldnt be so sure that the Connolly gets done at that height if at all.

[LRTfan]

Wouldnt be so sure that the Connolly gets done at that height if at all.


Oh I realize it's not looking good. But the simplest way forward for any new owner is just to build exactly as currently approved at city hall.

Any major changes will require new approvals and red tape.

[lachlanholmes]

With all due respect, the project really doesn't look good from the south side.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aYFNWfx2SXIcXrKCs8w2Ps1q87VkmpbH5WQjjU0IlSBuxdgtQuu92pG3_kCIaVT4zHQPaGo-97qxEtcK8Oi89DSzUUSSNBal_LLrYgEWL24nwwbgg2vZO3bVfY4kLQha0UF_KKCITzAgOqZOomvUs8jxyNfP7GIvptYvnd4nHzQDs3p7dfXfx6zsckzi0xCLhXjTY4-RsTO_ETjN2OtbcFM1gKhEQwMc6gOUYJdcnxPJexIzt0ikW3n55H-zz-nrK5r-LcaydijDMZXzM1LYnGW4RCFXS8qtjZQ8kmfkkPPQg_vgF5ZRlNJXjhYf5VFHWChtMU5uASyEIf6himmr4lI-Y-iPFRiWIsOdGg57E7UDYIm8STcMkkZmox0Nu8MK7H33kjk85oYgVn_a-j479Bpgs6eyvxXGH4NLzDa50EczVNPjRgUNXhuMT02zgS04nDElc-BLVLil84o8HRpa2LOx-b8zDFakq-VNIUVGctgo_8qHd_RCl8kFFFw1FLm7MSMQ5Xi_OSJFQaZlt1ZVsTS5gMy7qlvxowjgdM4Cgbs37W1HS3Pe-sO5n4v1wZP7bEejRRODtvQVrobThJD9-u_6fxlmDyVY3hNqJe3qnSpxwxeh_EqyCB4Vm3551lhQXRlnS0FBstK41A51W3G_dlyU5JXh55OM68P27GHgr-IKGSCIOYvBgHBJ=w1350-h759-no

[matt602]

Isn't a huge tower supposed to be built on that side anyway?

[lachlanholmes]

Not that I'm aware of.

The new tower is planned for the east of the current RC, and will be at best a distraction from the south, not an obstruction, sadly.

http://i.imgur.com/OVjnM6R.jpg

[anactualalien]

Hopefully F&F decide to relinquish that building to some other developer before they put any work into the Brickworks or whatever it's called.

[lachlanholmes]

Hopefully F&F decide to relinquish that building to some other developer before they put any work into the Brickworks or whatever it's called.

Doesn't seem to be a rush to work on "The Brickworks" by Forge&Foster, so you may be in luck.

[Chronamut]

Not that I'm aware of.

The new tower is planned for the east of the current RC, and will be at best a distraction from the south, not an obstruction, sadly.

http://i.imgur.com/OVjnM6R.jpg

two towers are planned for the south side as well - thus that view will be blocked by them. You can see the overall plan in the mini model in the foyer of the connaught.

Some images of the model:

http://i.imgur.com/dhvyECI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/N1bZZGX.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpUegDFIgAA2YA2.jpg:large

[lachlanholmes]

Oh, good.

Hope they get built and built of better quality than the south side eyesore of currently.

[Chronamut]

Oh, good.

Hope they get built and built of better quality than the south side eyesore of currently.

Personally I think they should knock down the buildings on the southwest corner of this block - I am not usually an advocate of this - but they are not super nice buildings and one nearly collapsed already. Make those ones tall too so you have a nice tall cluster in one block.

[matt602]

Doesn't seem to be a rush to work on "The Brickworks" by Forge&Foster, so you may be in luck.

The place hasn't even had a roof since they ripped it off several years ago. At this point I'd wonder if the existing structure is even salvageable any more.

[StEC]

The one thing that has always puzzled me about this entire project is the distance between towers once they are all built they will be so extremely close together you can pass notes across the balconies from tower to tower lol. How did that get approved isn't there supposed to be a certain distance between towers for code or is that just a Toronto thing?

And those fancy and expensive two story penthouse suits currently under construction will all have their views completely blocked when the other towers go up with the exception of the north facing penthouse's.

Having said that don't get me wrong I love this project and the density is crazy and definitely welcomed!!!