Canada's 50 Tallest Proposals

[RyeJay]

Originally Posted by isaidso

I prefer the new design, but wish they used almost the entire floor plate of that historic building at the base and that it were office.

I don't have any qualms about the non-office aspect; but I definitely agree with your disappointment that the entire floor plate isn't being developed. It seems like a wasted opportunity.

We could be proven wrong, however, if the podium roof and its landscaping is impressive and, as far as the building's population is concerned, well worth the loss in tower space.

[caltrane74]

Yes it would have been nice if an office tower could have been built here. Economics don't support an office tower at this time due to the supply which will be coming online in the next few years. These guys are in the business of making money, so they have to optimize the real estate they're sitting on. That dictates general building improvements, like the colonnade.

Thankfully, there are other sites along University, that can be repurposed into bigger and more impressive buildings . All the hospital renovations we have seen here over the years are proof of that.

[isaidso]

The city does have considerable leverage though. Developers still need to get approvals.

[WhipperSnapper]

The podium which covers several buildings is still planned as office space. A tower as large as FCP is not realistic and likely will never be.

[DrNest]

Originally Posted by isaidso

I prefer the new design, but wish they used almost the entire floor plate of that historic building at the base and that it were office. In the core, there aren't too many spots right at a subway station (St. Patrick). This should have been set aside for office. This lot is ideal for something as big (or bigger) than FCP.

A taller version of Hearst would be much better:

Now you're talking. I like your thinking and it makes sense to have a large office tower on the subway station. I hadn't thought of the Herst tower until you mention it, but a similar design in the 240m range office tower would look fantastic in that location.

[WhipperSnapper]

240 metres? You guys are whacked. Even the current proposals will tower over everything.

[caltrane74]

Yeah, WS is right, the two towers proposed right now on Dundas on opposite sides of University are around 200 meters and will create a real "Lord of the Rings" effect when on University.

[uzi]

Which proposal are u guyz talking about?

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally Posted by caltrane74

Yeah, WS is right, the two towers proposed right now on Dundas on opposite sides of University are around 200 meters and will create a real "Lord of the Rings" effect when on University.

You couldn't further from the truth as the statues are as tall as the mountains or "street wall" . In case of University Avenue, the tstreet wall ais in the 35 to 85 metre range. In this case, 120 metres enhances the surroundings. 240 metres makes everything else feel insignificant. This was a problem with the skyline pre 2000. A tight core of immense skyscrapers surrounded by 50 metre high rises. I don't share the sentiments that downtown Toronto will be home to hundreds of 200 metre tall towers and dozens of 300 metre towers. These are the usual arguments for a fantasy or real 200 metre tower proposal in an area where the tallest is half that height. "More will come". There is so much room to intensify the city. At some point, our aging population and maturity in the developing world including improved investmest and savings opportunity will catch up to our rapid growth

[caltrane74]

I was just talking about the two 200 meter towers creating a gateway, not the streetwall.

I should have used another example.

[koops65]

WS needs to stop and take a few deep breaths... these 2 towers (The Icon http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=6029 and 481 University http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?buildingID=49855) are NOT 240 meters... they are 207 and 184 meters. Taller than the surrounding towers? Yes. But not dwarfing them...

[DrNest]

^exactly.
I postulated 240m as something I would love to see built in a copy of the Herst tower. In my opinion it would look fantastic in that location, helping add to the skyline. I never stated the tower actually proposed was anywhere near that height.

[Beedok]

I think looking down Yonge from the lake is more akin to the entrance to Gondor thingy.

[uzi]

is this Herst tower in NY?

[FrankieFlowerpot]

Yes uzi it is.

And Google will help answer some of your questions

[FrankieFlowerpot]

So - the Mirvish and Gehry towers are being discussed at council at the minute and Frank Gehry himself is there talking about the project

[suburbanite]

What's the bigger hurdle for this project, getting approval from council or actually selling enough units to build three 250m towers?

[WhipperSnapper]

Council's approval and sales are bumps compared to the mountain of finding financing and keeping those investors content.

[Southcore]

Originally Posted by suburbanite

What's the bigger hurdle for this project, getting approval from council or actually selling enough units to build three 250m towers?

Sales are the least of their worries, mega projects generally have great interest - this is one of the best we've seen in a long time (maybe ever?)

As WS said, who will team up with them to make it a reality though remains to be seen

[isaidso]

Originally Posted by DrNest

Now you're talking. I like your thinking and it makes sense to have a large office tower on the subway station. I hadn't thought of the Herst tower until you mention it, but a similar design in the 240m range office tower would look fantastic in that location.

University is only now starting to see tall buildings erected on it. Shangri-La was the first and we'll likely see lots more. I was thinking more on the lines of 340m not 240m though. It's been 38 years since the 298m FCP went up. Surely, this city has grown enough to see a new tallest and University Avenue is the perfect street for it. It's our widest street after all.