Malibu | U/C | 30 st | ??? m | Downtown

[Istrian]

Saw today they are started diggin' on the Malibu site, amen... :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

[You are to blame]

good news

http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/malibu_rendering.jpg
http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/2507malibu.jpg

[taal]

hmm interesting, might turn out pretty well. Where is it located?

[You are to blame]

hmm interesting, might turn out pretty well. Where is it located?

near Lakeshore and Bathurst i think

[Are Be]

Another Gardiner saver!

[valantino]

But it isn't really beside the Gardiner

[You are to blame]

yeah it is

[jonovision]

Nice design.

[Hillis]

Well, not right next to the gardner, but near enough I guess.

Looks good.

[rbt]

yeah it is

There is plenty of room for another tower between Malibu and the Gardiner along Bathurst.

I don't think it is any closer than Infinity is.

[valantino]

"yeah it is"

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/mark3333/FYNsite.jpg

c'mon, there's enough space to not implode the elevated freeway but to also precision blast a 6 lane trench without breaking a window

[You are to blame]

well i it's still pretty damn close, even though another building can be built between.

[valantino]

^you must mean two buildings and a public street

[Are Be]

In any and all circumstances, this tower impedes ones freedom to walk to the lake, as allegedly the Gardiner does. As this building is south of the Gardiner, it reduces the validity of the reason to tear down the Gardiner: easy access to the lake.

I like this building, as it is a Gardiner saver!

[algonquin]

^ how does this tower impede access to the lake? Did you used to cut across the car dealership that used to be there?

[Buster]

Yeah, that comment doesn't make any sense. Besides the Loblaws project, what retail is planned for the neighbourhood? There's a dire need for businesses that'll create more pedestrian traffic along the streets and off the Waterfront trail.

[partybits]

In any and all circumstances, this tower impedes ones freedom to walk to the lake, as allegedly the Gardiner does. As this building is south of the Gardiner, it reduces the validity of the reason to tear down the Gardiner: easy access to the lake.

I like this building, as it is a Gardiner saver!

Yeah I hate how the MINT impedes on my freedom from everything east of Yonge. Damn all those buildings!

Seriously though, I can't see how condo's will impede your freedom. In fact, it may well revitalize this area & bring more people south of Front. Just 7yrs ago. The whole stretch from Yonge to Strachan (approx. 3km of prime downtown real estate) was empty lands & industrial. Now we have approximatly 40 condos either built, U/C or approved to be built. Assuming 500 people (not units) per condo, that's 20,000 people in a mere 3KM strip. Your telling me this will impede freedom? It will cause the critical mass that was always needed by the harbourfront.
Commercial stores will blossom, bars & restaurants will open up, more people will visit as the area does'nt seem so empty. This is urban renewal at it's finest.

Gardiner on the other hand, along with the Lakeshore is another story. This to me is what impedes your freedom. Crossing a tunnel with two & in some intersections three traffic lights all for the Lakeshore. Little concrete islands to wait stuck in between traffic of westbound & eastbound lanes, just to cross a stupid street. Not even the rail lines come close to that because at least your not forced to stop & wait under the railpass bridge.
If they get rid of the gardiner, or at least change the Lakeshore blvd so it's easier for pedestrians to cross, this would open up the Harbourfront

[partybits]

Yeah, that comment doesn't make any sense. Besides the Loblaws project, what retail is planned for the neighbourhood? There's a dire need for businesses that'll create more pedestrian traffic along the streets and off the Waterfront trail.

Other than the Loblaws, at Lakeshore Bathurst, I hear one is also proposed within the Cityplace complex. Perhaps in the newest construction portion (N & West One). Also, on a smaller scale, A TD bank is opening at Front/Spadina. And soon enough they'll start opening other businesses in the HVE section along both Front & Spadina.

On another note, I was just biking through the ACC area & I can't believe how quick those buildings are coming up. Infinity was at about 16-18 floors, Pinnacle was way into the 30's & 18 Yonge was also nearing 20. The crane for the second of the Pinnacle towers was also up. Looks like the first phase of each of these projects will be topped off before this year is out!

[bloojays]

So they they just started pouring concrete at the Malibu. Talk about dragging their heels. Is it me, or is this one really moving slowly.

[phunky]

ooh it's a nice one. i didn't even know about it. glad to hear they've started on it :)

[Martinsizon]

They are moving slowly because they had unearthed those old docks that set them back a month or two

[bloojays]

ekkkk... they're really really behind.

How far have you seen tenative occupancy dates moved from the original contractual date? Developers surely use it as a marketing gimmick and fully exercise their breathing room via the Tarion home warranty.

[teryaki]

Tower is about 9 floors up now. The developer claims that it will be completed on time with people starting to move in Nov. of this year.

[thryve]

Yeah, I had completely forgotten about it until I drove past it recently and was like "whaaat?" I think it will turn out to be another pleasant tower. We'll have to wait and see the materials.

[current]

Construction has reached to about the twenty first floor.

[Waterloo_Guy]

Construction has reached to about the twenty first floor.

Already?

[VikkyD]

eh.... I'm not so sure about this one.... think it'll look mighty cheap pretty soon...

[Martinsizon]

You can see it in the background here:


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/483306470_507878e408.jpg

[thryve]

Can someone keep us updated on this one?

[Filip]

I walked past it a day or so ago.. It's getting tall!

[Marcanadian]

From the TD Centre today:

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/396/img1405lb9.jpg

[bigcityboy]

Great photo, marcanadian. And it's amazing to think how much that exact shot will change in the next 3-5 years. From the Royal Bank & Ritz towers in the foreground to the expansion of Cityplace in the mid-ground to the filling in of additional condo towers on the old brewery site in the background. Can't wait for it all. The CNE will finally be connected to the city, rather than this satellite event location.

[Marcanadian]

Update 5/29
Shot from the car.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1582/img1532rc3.jpg

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8914/img1533vi1.jpg

[thryve]

By moi:

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/8586/torontomay279sv9.jpg

It's the ground level of this tower that I shall be most interesting to see. We need more of those friendly neighbourhood-looking waterfront-area streetscapes.

[valantino]

The new portlands location for the concrete plant behind Malibu/Waterparkcity is really coming together. I imagine the big move should happen anytime between now and summer's end

[taal]

concrete plant? what do you mean - big move?

[phunky]

I saw that big concrete plant last time I took the GO Bus downtown. They're moving it? GOOOOOOD! That thing was UGLY to see.

[valantino]

concrete plant? what do you mean - big move?


There is a large concrete making facility occupying part of West Harbour City's 3rd phase and the rest of the proposed Fort York Neighbourhood. It will soon be dismantled and moved to the Portlands beside two other concrete plants creating what has been dubbed a concrete district (or something to that effect). I'm assuming the move will take place in one night with road closures and lots of flashing lights

[elliot]

You can see a portion of Fort York neighbourhood (tinted pink) behind Malibu and West HarbourCity I & II in this pic from Flickr (sorry, forgot the photog name).

This is where the concrete campus is at present.

http://www.upside-down.ca/sdphotos/concrete.jpg

[InTheBeach]

The conrete plants are moving to the portlands. Such irony.

[phunky]

I'm tryin to understand the irony there.

[valantino]

^don't quite get it either unless he's under some false impression that the entire portlands is planned to become greenspace and shiny condo towers over the next decade

[valantino]

http://www.upside-down.ca/sdphotos/concrete.jpg

cool to finally see a 3D model (all I have is a siteplan from two years ago)

[Ziggy]

I'm tryin to understand the irony there.

"portland cement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland_cement)" is what's used to make concrete.

[valantino]

^^WOW - really missed that one

[phunky]

LOL. Well I never knew that the cement was called that. So I've learned something new then. Thanks :P

[camel_trainer]

I got the irony! I got the irony! YES! I RULE!

Except that I don't think it's technically irony. I think it's coincidence. But that's not really the point here. What's important here is that I know what portland cement is, and because of that people will like me and respect me.

[current]

They are installing windows on the second floor. The glass is dark tinted green. Construction is working on the 26th floor. Four more floors to go plus mechanical.

[current]

Indentation has begun. They are working on about the 28th floor

[current]

Two good pictures of Malibu


And here's Malibu for fun........


http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4173/pict6545vz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/48/pict6532tb7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



KGB

[Marcanadian]

Update on the glass - 6/28

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/6997/img1657tu3.jpg

[DanfromTO]

i went to the argos home opener yesterday (fuckin lost tho) and was very impressed at the development

honestly i wish (and im sure we all do) that i had a time machine so that i could see the finished products of all these projects

regardless of the transit situation the toronto waterfront will look spectacular in about 5-8 years

[V of E]

Say what you want about unappropriate names for condo's but looking at KGB's first photo a person who didn't know it was Toronto could, with the boats slips and lake substituting as the ocean, easily be persuaded that they were looking at a condo development on the coast of Florida.

[camel_trainer]

Isn't Malibu in California though?

Anyway, thanks for the pics everyone. I hadn't realized just how large this tract of land is. What is the new excavation going to be? And what else is scheduled for this location?

[nitzomoe]

are they planning to convert the warehouse across from Malibu into lofts?

[phunky]

Say what you want about unappropriate names for condo's but looking at KGB's first photo a person who didn't know it was Toronto could, with the boats slips and lake substituting as the ocean, easily be persuaded that they were looking at a condo development on the coast of Florida.
Until it snows.

[valantino]

are they planning to convert the warehouse across from Malibu into lofts?

back in 2000 however as 'office lofts' but since then the plan is to redeveloped the site as a Loblaws grocery store while keeping the facade

[current]

A photo of Malibu under construction thru the lighted arch of Exhibition Place. Thank you kalabaw


Exhibition Place
http://lh4.google.ca/moja.kalabaw99/Rodmu6klLfI/AAAAAAAABtw/tW6ZEYlaEks/IMG_3796.JPG?imgmax=512

[teryaki]

Quick question, does anyone know what building is going directly behind(to the north of) the malibu building?

[valantino]

^nothing yet but a ten storey stepping down to 6 storeys midrise is planned

[Taller, Better]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/IMGP6182.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/IMGP6180.jpg
and for good measure, a building coming down just west of the Malibu:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/IMGP6166.jpg

[phunky]

It's so nice to see that monstrosity come down!

[Waterloo_Guy]

Thanks for the update. Malibu is really coming along.

[casaguy]

Taken this morning...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu1.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu5.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu6.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu7.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu9.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/malibu10.jpg

[vancouverite/to'er]

I like it. Suites the area but unfortunately not all glass. (jk. lol)

[thryve]

I love the precast and the windows (the ones framed by the precast) on this development. Very simple but attractive.

[casaguy]

A couple weeks later... A progress update taken today...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m21.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m20.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m19.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m18.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m17.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m16.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m15.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m14.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m13.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m12.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m11.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/m10.jpg

[CrazyCanuck]

Nice pics. I'm really digging the base on this one. It seems to meet the street very well.

[thryve]

Me too... in the photo of just the podium/lower-rise section, you can see that the retail unit entrances are going to be big and airy.

I like the general design of the podium, it's really pleasant.

[Mollywood]

I agree. I was by here today and so far it looks to be a good development. I just hope there is good retail in the bottom. That area is in some serious need of animation.

[citycentre]

I have a friend moving into Malibu. Her original move-in date was Nov. '07 but
has now been changed to Apr '08, due to a shortage of plumbers in the city.

[rick1016]

Thanks for posting the pictures!! :):)

[Taller, Better]

I have a friend moving into Malibu. Her original move-in date was Nov. '07 but
has now been changed to Apr '08, due to a shortage of plumbers in the city.

LOL! I thought you were isaidso because you have the same avatar!

[casaguy]

Pics taken yesterday.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0622.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0623.jpg

I think there is a strong consensus to keep the exterior of the gorgeous building on the northeast corner in tact.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0627.jpg

Will it really become a Loblaws?

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0626.jpg

BELOW: The empty lots to the west of Malibu. This is sure to become quite a wall of condos soon enough.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/DSCN0624.jpg

[Taller, Better]

Hmmmm.. that old deco warehouse is quite nicely detailed. Would make nice lofts.

[thryve]

I like the idea of such a beautiful old building being for the public, not residential lofts/private use. A Loblaws will be nice there if it's done right. I look forward to it.

Malibu's podium has obviously made a slight nod to the art deco building in a low-key manner. I still really like Malibu, even though I was expecting to hate it with a passion. It doesn't look cheaped-out like I was expecting. Some decent retail and cafes would be nice. I doubt that will happen immediately, but in a few years maybe some cool places will open at sidewalk level. I'm willing to put up with crappy little places in the meantime, as the area hasn't quite become a "neighbourhood" yet. More like a bunch of residential "pods" at the moment.

[Ziggy]

Hmmmm.. that old deco warehouse is quite nicely detailed. Would make nice lofts.

Loblaws owns it wants to tear it down. Talked about in this thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?referrerid=39159&t=243848

[Taller, Better]

Hmmmm... that article is two years old. Does anyone know the current status?

[bloojays]

I have a friend moving into Malibu. Her original move-in date was Nov. '07 but
has now been changed to Apr '08, due to a shortage of plumbers in the city.

That must hurt... oh, I also bought at the Malibu, tentative July '06, now May '08 (still tentative). That would be a cool 46 MONTHS after signing on the dotted line. :ohno:

I hate to say it, but I OUTGREW needing a condo before i even moved into IT!!!

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

To put it into perspective, their corporate site still mentioned some stadium called SkyDome. Nice.

[current]

Malibu has topped out and the crane has been removed.

[Marcanadian]

Update from today.

http://i24.tinypic.com/2zdzz1u.jpg

[Marcanadian]

Update from yesterday, 10/20/07.

http://i24.tinypic.com/2qstkt4.jpg

http://i21.tinypic.com/358djlw.jpg


Does anyone know if this is the next phase of Waterpark City or the start of West Harbour City?

http://i20.tinypic.com/5mxrg8.jpg

[wannabeplanner]

I am pretty sure that's West Harbour City.. The next phase of waterpark city probably won't start until next year.

[wannabeplanner]

The Malibu is turning out a lot better than I was expecting!

[Taller, Better]

It is kind of Vancouvery looking... except that there is a pedestal.

[WinnipegPatriot]

I like the shape! Add two more attached to it, various heights, with the tallest section at 1000 feet, and...um, anyway...

[Marcanadian]

Quick update today from the Gardiner.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6136/img3967ve8.jpg

[Taller, Better]

You were on fire today, Marcanadian! Got a lot of shots of sites! well done....

[Elkhanan1]

Excellent post by grey on UT:

When this building is complete, it will immediately look about 12 years old.

They should wire Ace of Base into the elevators.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Oh, and thanks for the pic's, Marcanadian.

[Regan4000]

^^ HAHA

It looks a little bland. Those massive cut outs near the top are kind of a sad excuse for detail.

[current]

Toronto Star article on Malibu.

http://multimedia.thestar.com//images/34/9e/c40e5c6042cc947705eaf664ccbb.jpeg

Condo critic

Christopher Hume

April 26, 2008


LTD, 600 FLEET ST.: What can one say about this very unremarkable complex, except that even before it's completely finished, it seems uncomfortably familiar? Not only is the architecture undistinguished, the materials – glass and precast concrete – are ordinary. To be fair, some effort has been made to address the corner of Bathurst and Fleet, where a 30-odd storey tower sits. Flanking it to the north and west are midrise slabs that represent a half-hearted attempt to acknowledge the street. Given the meanness of that street, however, maybe this was the best strategy.

GRADE: C

http://yourhome.ca/homes/article/417260

[thryve]

Even from the Gardiner, the other day this building looked absolutely STUNNING... I love it.

It's very inoffensive in its design, and has some really cute and charming features.

I have to admit... I love Malibu. (the condo that is)

:cheers:

[vancouverite/to'er]

I find the setbacks are kind of unique actually. The materials are a bit too modest though. 7/10

[Martinsizon]

aug 31:
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/Martinsizon/100_2106.jpg

[v_skyline]

Yet again Hume is off base.
Its an upgrade over almost everything east of it.

[Air33]

I Usually agree with Hume, but I don't find this building that ugly at all. It has a wonderful view south, but the rest of the ways people will probably be peering into other people's apartments. I'm not too keen on that...I like natural light and nice expansive views.

On that note, I visited the Malibu last year a few times. Was so much fun, spent a few hours each time.

I have a write up here with more images : http://www.ntropy.us/archives/32



http://www.ntropy.us/air33/pblog/images/20080113160641_malibu_cntower.jpg

http://www.ntropy.us/air33/pblog/images/20071007205704_rooftop_bathurst3.jpg

http://www.ntropy.us/air33/pblog/images/20071007205913_rooftop_bathurst2.jpg

http://www.ntropy.us/air33/pblog/images/20071007210117_rooftop_bathurst.jpg

http://www.ntropy.us/air33/pblog/images/20071025221447_malibu_roof1a.jpg

[Taller, Better]

What a SPECTACULAR view of the city! That is going to be the best view of downtown that there is, in my opinion...

[current]

November 9

Monument to the War of 1812 in front of Malibu by Douglas Coupland.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3017513534_66601e4f6d_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/3017513538_94df0ccbc9_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/3017513656_d920eac181_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3017513662_2a8eb9eac7_b.jpg

[CrazyCanuck]

I'm really digging that new monument, it really is different then anything else i've ever seen and sends just the right statement.

This kind is returning the favour to Britain. Anyone who has visited the Prime Meridein in Greenwich can tell you that. A statue financed by Canada and sent to Britain stands next to it. It is a statue of Wolfe, who had defeated the French at the Plains of Abraham. The statue has bullet holes in, covering some of the inscription.

[v_skyline]

The statue has bullet holes in
Guess someone didn't appreciate being reminded of that little bit of history.

[Taller, Better]

Copeland's meaning is clear; he has left nothing to the imagination.