Thanks for putting the list together/starting this new thread Ramako!
Should we add 2 bloor/Cumberland Terrace Re-development to the list?
Here's the full article that was posted at UT:
CUMBERLAND TERRACE - Eyesore revamp approved
March 12, 2010
The city has approved the large-scale redevelopment of a low-rise mall near one of the city’s highest profile intersections.
Oxford Properties’ plan to redevelop Cumberland Terrace northwest of Yonge and Bloor streets with two high-rise condo towers and new retail space got the nod from council at its February 22 and 23 meeting.
Several redevelopment plans have been put forward over the years. The latest one calls for two towers, 36- and 48-storeys respectively, above a three-storey retail podium and four floors of parking with a total of 556 condo units.
In addition, retail units will front onto Cumberland Street, creating a more appealing pedestrian environment. The current mall doesn’t have an engaging presence on Cumberland.
When Oxford submitted its rezoning application almost two years ago, the taller tower was proposed at 45 storeys and the residential component set for 391 units.
At the time, Oxford’s vice president of development John Filipetti told NRU that the developer wants to maximize the site’s potential and add a street presence along Cumberland. Filipetti characterized the current building as an eyesore, stating that Oxford is looking to enliven the south side of Cumberland. (See NRUToronto Edition, October 10, 2008)
The approval includes a $500,000 Section 37 contribution and an agreement to include an underground pedestrian connection between the new retail space and Bay Station, much like the one that now connects Cumberland Terrace to the subway.
In a report approved by council last month, city officials concluded that the project “represents an opportunity to intensify and revitalize an underutilized site at an important intersection and improve the pedestrian realm along Bay, Cumberland and Yonge streets.”
The Bloor-Yorkville BIA also supports Oxford’s plans, but plans to address streetscape improvements on Cumberland during the site plan approval process. The BIA wants to ensure the same treatment and features on the north and south sides of the street.
In a letter to the city outlining the BIA’s concerns, board director Ron Palmer raised questions about the above ground parking levels, Palmer, chair of the BIA’s planning, preservation and urban design committee and a planner with The Planning Partnership, cited potential traffic issues and possible negative visual impacts of the parking facility.
The mass of the taller structure also raises some concerns for the BIA.
“While the Bloor-Yorkville BIA is not necessarily opposed to taller building elements,” Palmer states in the letter, “we certainly remain concerned about the impacts tall buildings, and buildings with large floor-plates may have on adjacent buildings, properties and businesses.”
To avoid future conflicts between residents and businesses, Palmer said the BIA wants assurance that new residents are aware of potential noise from the area’s outdoor bars and restaurants.
Bregman + Hamann Architects designed the building.
Local councillor Kyle Rae is out of the country and was unable to comment. Calls to Oxford Properties were not returned.
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