Massey Tower

Toronto, ON

The design of the 60-storey Massey Tower condominium makes inventive use of its small, constrained site containing the historic Canadian Bank of Commerce building. Vacant since the 1980s, the heritage bank restoration refreshes the façade and preserves the interior’s plaster mouldings and circular mosaic floor. The available site for the project was decreased by the donation of land to the legendary concert venue (and namesake of the development), Massey Hall, located at the northeastern edge.

Ideal for a residential development, the project is located steps from the Queen subway station, across the street from the Eaton Centre shopping mall, and close to the Financial District and Ryerson University. The project received four 2013 BILD awards, including Project of the Year – High-Rise and Best High-Rise Building Design.

Project Facts
Client
MOD Developments
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2019
Size
538,000 sq. ft.
Partner
David Pontarini
Selected Awards

2013 – Ontario Home Builders' Association, Project of the Year, High or Mid-Rise

2013 – Ontario Home Builders' Association, Most Outstanding High-Rise Building (11+ Storeys)

2013 – Building Industry and Land Development Association,BILD Awards, Project of the Year, High-Rise

Full Awards List

The site spans the block below Shuter Street between Yonge and Victoria Streets, within the Theatre Block. Designed by Sidney Badgley, the historic Massey Hall was built by Hart Massey in 1894 in memory of his son. Part of the site fronting onto Victoria Street has been donated to Massey Hall.

The design completely restores the four-storey portion of the bank and erects a 60-storey mixed-use development behind the historic landmark. An airy glass retail pavilion animates the street and contributes open space to the public realm through its narrow footprint and setback from the sidewalk. Due to site constraints, parking is accommodated above ground behind a frit-glass screen. The parking levels conserve space by using a vehicle elevator instead of ramps.

Deviating from a typical box-like design, the tower’s upper floors are angled to accommodate the helicopter flight path of nearby St. Michael’s Hospital.

The undulating balconies consist of glass panels finished with a combination of transparent and fritted laminated glazing. The transparent glass blends into the tower, while the fritted sections stand out—giving the tower a sculptural character when seen from a distance.

The fritted glass and sculpted ribbon balconies of the new development’s point tower will serve as a backdrop to the architecturally significant, 1905 bank building.