Tall purple-brick tower proposed for slice of low-rise Eglinton rankles residents

Some local residents in the Eglinton Avenue and Avenue Road area are expressing concerns regarding a proposed 19-storey condo development on a slice of the street that features mostly low-rise buildings and a “village” atmosphere. 

One neighbourhood resident, lawyer Peter Danson, had received information about the development via email, and he described the proposal as “ridiculous” and emphasized concerns about the suitability of such a large building for the neighbourhood’s infrastructure. 

“I mean, 19 storeys is ridiculous, and I’m not opposed to density if it’s appropriate,” said Danson. “What do we want our city to look like? And be like? The concrete jungle they have at Yonge and Eglinton? That’s a terrible situation.”

Local residents have also started a petition against the development and other tall towers in the area. The petition requests the city enforce height limits on new developments along Eglinton Avenue West. The petition also contains information arguing that a proposed 19-storey condo would disrupt the predominantly two-storey streetscape, potentially paving the way for more oversized buildings. Advocates stress the importance of responsible development, urging adherence to zoning regulations that cap building heights at eight storeys in order to maintain the area’s historical charm.

The development is proposed by Arista Homes and is calling for the construction of a 19-storey mixed-use condominium at 444 Eglinton Ave. W. It would occupy a large portion of a block on the north side of the Eglinton Way strip, west of Avenue Road. 

The site contains a number of small but well-known retailers, including Josephson’s Opticians, Honey and a popular Starbucks. The design by Core Architects includes 185 residential units and amenities on the 13th floor. The development emphasizes pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. One of the more unique aspects of the proposal is the striking purple bricks used on the first six storeys. 

“You see a lot of red and dark grey in Toronto,” said Eslahjou, principal at Core Architects, of condo facades in Toronto. “I haven’t seen a lot of purple — yet.”

Anticipating a significant redevelopment of Eglinton Avenue West in the years and decades ahead, Eslahjou expressed his view that the project presents an opportunity for increased creativity. With the potential demolition of numerous low-rise properties, he believes the established context could undergo a radical transformation.

“We’re kind of dealing with a blank slate here,” he said of Eglinton’s future. “It’s like making an urban street from scratch,” he added.

Meanwhile, Danson said he has been attempting to engage with local authorities, including contacting his local city councillor Mike Colle and seeking involvement in consultation meetings regarding the development. 

“According to the basic provincial planning rules, you can build whatever you want there,” said Colle. “You’re within 400 metres of a higher-order transit station so basically you can build what you want.”

Danson expressed frustration over perceived “finger pointing” between provincial and city governments regarding responsibility for regulating such projects. But what concerns him most is the precedent that approval of this particular development might set for the rest of the area. 

“Once you get a 19-storey building at the end of a street like Castle Knock [Road, the intersection the condo is proposed for], that’s it,” he said. 

“They do all kinds of comparables, because there’s been a slew of proposals that are either in process or even approved all along the Eglinton. And it’s ugly.”

The development proposed for 444 Eglinton Ave. W. was scheduled for a public meeting on Feb. 28.

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