The Republic (Midtown)

[urban 2.0]

A Visionary Condominium Community on the
North Toronto Collegiate Re-development Site
Between Broadway and Roehampton Avenues, in the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, stands North Toronto Collegiate Institute, a 93 year old school rich in history and spirit, but in need of revitalization. Through a “Request for Proposal” to Toronto’s development community, Tridel – was declared the winning candidate. A talented team of architects, planners and
designers was formed to create plans for a new North Toronto Collegiate Institute EcoSchool and a visionary “Naturally Better” condominium community focused on innovation and design excellence.

Between Broadway and Roehampton Avenues stands North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI), a 93 year old school rich in history and spirit, but in serious need of revitalization. The process of addressing the future of NTCI began with an expert panel from Toronto District School Board (TDSB) carefully weighing three options: to keep the school at status quo with necessary upgrading, to renovate and add an addition, or to redevelop from the ground up. Months of intense investigation confirmed that the first two options were too costly and inefficient, and to facilitate construction of a brand-new school, a portion of the site would be sold through a public tender process to an interested private developer.

Through a “Request for Proposal” to Toronto’s development community, the best candidate - Tridel - was chosen and a team of architects, planners and designers was formed to draft up plans for the re-development. To ensure the new plan would work for the school and integrate well into the neighbourhood, various public groups, school alumni, students and community members were also consulted. Final plans outline that the new school and two condominium residences will be built at the east end of the site, allowing the current school to operate during construction. Accessed off Broadway Avenue, the new NTCI will be registered with the Canada Green Building Council to pursue becoming a LEED Certified Green Building EcoSchool within the TDSB and will feature state-of-the-art facilities, working to fulfill its’ new vision: an enriching place for students, staff and community alike.


http://www.tridel.com/northtoronto/images/map_600.gif


"It will consist of two towers: a 24 storey and a 27 storey condominium residence, with a focus on excellence in architecture. An acclaimed interior designer is currently finalizing the common areas and recreational facilities and we are putting the finishing touches to suites that will range to over 3000 sq.ft. Once you submit your name recommendations, we will publish a list of selected condominium names during our next posting to this forum. Everything begins with an idea and we’d appreciate hearing yours! "

[valantino]

re-zoning application

http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/70_roehampton_it029.pdf

elevations look more like massing models

[phunky]

they look like they're gonna be pretty typical looking toronto buildings.

[KGB]

I would generally not use the word "visionary" and Tridel in the same sentence. Tridel delivers middle-of-the-road, market driven buildings, that buyers can safely rely on being well built, with a solid, consistant reputation.

Tridel is dependable...but not visionary.

In the end, Y&E needs to keep building and improving on it's Midtown cache, and while it may not be visionary, Tridel will no doubt not make it worse.




KGB

[The 'Sauga]

http://www.tridel.com/republic/northtoronto3.php

24 and 27 Storeys:

http://www.tridel.com/republic/images/buildings_640.jpg

[Waterloo_Guy]

Doesn't look like Yonge and Eg, does it? These renders are always so full of it.

[thryve]

I'll tell ya what it DOES look like. It looks like theres a high school at the bottom of it. lol

[Epi]

I don't understand this development.

People who buy condos aren't usually families with high school aged children. Why would ANYONE want to live in a condo attached to a high school? So that they can keep up with all the latest teen fasions, or inhale a large cloud of smoke everytime they go outside?

[salvius]

This is not pretty.

[Waterloo_Guy]

Wait, will that high school continue to exist? And attached to the condos? Have the developers lost their minds?

[xfogus]

This is awesome, I've always wanted to live in my highschool

[phunky]

it will be interesting to see sales for this. if it sells then I guess there is demand for this sort of thing. it's unusual to say the least!

also is it just me or does it borrow a lot of this building's style?

http://www.khristopher.com/pictures/north%20shore%201.jpg

[urban 2.0]

Well I'm glad to see that we all read older threads:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=413711

[davidmillerismyboss]

While i hate to see the old school destroyed (some day someone will regret it) i love the concept: looks like tridel is finally beginning to take architecture seriously. Tridel with their high quality rep+good design=unbeatable.

I've always wanted to see manhattan-style schools here in canada--schools built into the base of highrises (or better: on top of highrises?) Nice.

Although personally, I wouldn't want to live around noisy kids (but i suppose most residents of condos work during school hours.) Also, I wonder if the toronto police will have an undercover agent on hand at the sales centre--to watch out for potential pedophiles;)

[Jaye101]

^^ Wow, I had not noticed. I thought the school would be located at the other end of the picture, but looking at the website that's not the case. This is a first in Toronto--the first of many I predict.

[Waterloo_Guy]

I would NOT live like that.

[thryve]

^^ C'mon, be urban with us :P

No, I think this is GREAT... true mixed-use. This is the way it has to start going... and I hope we see more of this type of arrangement.

[Metroland]

I think they need to add on a public library, a hospital, a mall, community centre, a bowling alley, and a shooting range.... then i'd live there
=)

[Ed007Toronto]

People who buy condos aren't usually families with high school aged children. Why would ANYONE want to live in a condo attached to a high school? So that they can keep up with all the latest teen fasions, or inhale a large cloud of smoke everytime they go outside?

How is this any different then living in a condo attached to a grocery store? Its not like they won't have seperate entrances.

[davidmillerismyboss]

Maybe tridel is starting a new trend in a bid to keep the condo madness going in toronto: Rich parents will buy condos for their highschool kids to live in trash and generally stay away from. Perfect too if like the majority (it seems) the parents are divorced; that way one parent + kid(s) live in the condo while the other keeps the house + mistress.

Welcome to the new status symbol! (And banks will happily oblige: they'll have clients for life saddled in debt!)

[Waterloo_Guy]

I think they need to add on a public library, a hospital, a mall, community centre, a bowling alley, and a shooting range.... then i'd live there
=)

A high school with a shooting range--I definitely wouldn't live there!

[current]

From the June 11-25 2007 Condo Guide Magazine, sales are going well:

Tridel and the Toronto District School Board collaborate on the design and development of The Republic – an innovative new community at Yonge and Eglinton - Unprecedented early sales success leads to the immediate release of second condominium
http://www.newhomesandcondos.ca/content/4/20070611/RepublicBld.ExteriorVR-Day

Taking a unique idea and an ideal model of collaboration, Tridel, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), students, alumni, parents and local ratepayer committees have come together to create an extraordinary solution to the redevelopment needs of North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI). This has resulted in The Republic, a new, sustainable Tridel community that has already been greeted with incredible sales success.

The development will transform the existing school and lands into an all-new school with two separate, yet structurally attached, residential towers, with the entire development built to meet the stringent Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. The four-and-a-half storey school will feature a full-sized theatre along with stunning open galleries and will be built on the current playing field, giving the school the new address of 17 Broadway Ave. Because the existing NTCI building will not be demolished until the students and staff have moved into the new school, there will be no interruptions for students or staff. A new playing field will be created on the site of the original school.

The condominium residences are located at 25 Broadway and 70 Roehampton, and offer a variety of residence sizes and designs with stunning features and finishes. This selection, combined with Tridel’s commitment to build all future communities to LEED environmental standards, led to unprecedented demand for suites at the sales kick-off in early May. “We opened our doors to a line-up that went around the block,” says Jim Ritchie, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Tridel. “In fact, we sold so many homes in this vibrant neighbourhood that we quickly needed to introduce the second residential building.”

Between the strong community support and the strong sales reception, it is clear that Tridel and the TDSB have discovered a winning formula to fill the development needs for both our organizations. As Ritchie succinctly notes, “it is a win-win for all involved.

The Republic offers something for everyone

The exquisitely appointed residences at The Republic feature a range of home designs and sizes. However, due to the on-going sales success, there is no time for purchasers to delay if they are looking for smaller-sized suites at affordable prices. Residence Collection homes are available in two- and two-bedroom-plus-den designs priced from $485,000 to $625,000.

The community also offers Tridel’s highly renowned, larger-sized Signature Collection homes. These residences range from 1,535 to over 3,200 sq. ft. and are located on the upper floors of both of the condominiums. This collection ranges in price from $795,000 to $2,500,000. These suites will easily meet urban living needs by offering high-calibre spaces, finishes and design. All Signature Collection suites feature 10-ft. ceilings and large home-sized living and dining rooms.

Building Green for the future

As one of Canada’s largest Green builders, Tridel’s commitment to sustainability includes offering numerous environmentally preferred features in all new residences, including The Republic. Some of these features include: heat recovery on exhaust air to reduce heating and cooling costs; high-efficiency boilers offering 85 per cent efficiency or better to reduce gas consumption and utility costs; ENERGY STAR appliances; long-lasting compact fluorescent lighting in common areas and hallways; landscaped rooftop terraces; and reflective light-coloured roofing materials to reduce the urban heat island effect where possible. In addition, low-flow, high-pressure toilets, faucets and showers reduce water consumption, while increased natural lighting will be in place to reduce electricity consumption and increase personal comfort. Residents also benefit from environmentally preferable corridor carpeting, wall coverings, adhesives, coatings and paints with low volatile organic compounds that help to minimize toxic odours, both in their suite and in the buildings’ common areas.

Refined architecture and amenities

The team of CS&P Architects Inc. and Burka Varacalli Architects have designed a 27-storey residence facing Roehampton Avenue and a 24-storey residence facing Broadway Avenue. The condominium exteriors will embody a structured modern design of clear and tinted glass, cool steel, warm pre-cast and open-air balconies in harmony with the nearby school facility. At street level, artful landscaping will please the eye with a tree-lined pedestrian walkway, strategically placed natural barriers to mark boundaries, and vibrant seasonal gardens that will weave gracefully through the site.

Acclaimed interior designer Alessandro Munge of Munge-Leung Design Associates has taken a fresh approach to The Republic’s amenity spaces by integrating distinctive layouts, innovative materials and rich finishes, all combining to make an urbane design statement that blends beauty and function. Gracious minimalist lobbies will display glass sculptures, calming water features, a 24-hour concierge and inviting seating alcoves. This theme flows into the entertainment salon, screening room and the spa-inspired, state-of-the-art fitness centre. Residents will also have the option of entertaining in the chic private cabana areas that feature barbecue entertainment stations and furnished lounges set amongst beautiful landscaping.

Yonge and Eglinton’s vibrant lifestyle

Located off of Roehampton Avenue and Broadway Avenue, just steps from Yonge Street, The Republic boasts exceptional proximity to a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. For example, the nearby Yonge and Eglinton Centre offers a movie theatre, bookstore, shopping and grocery store. Meanwhile, event venues such as the Eglinton Theatre are close by and you can have your pick from a wide variety of personal services such as hair salons and aesthetic services. Of course, access to the TTC, including the subway, is mere moments from your front door.
....

http://www.newhomesandcondos.ca/modules/magazine/article.asp?AID=5240&MID=4&IDATE=6/11/2007&CMID=4&CIDATE=6/25/2007

[DanfromTO]

Although this may be the first highrise/school in toronto, there are many of these in new york and im sure other high density cities across the world.

Keeping in mind the amount of shit disturbing that me and my friends caused in the past 4 years of my life, it would be a horrible place to live. but at least that shit disturbing only took place between the hours of 9am-4pm.

Also, kids at north toronto dont fuck around nearly as much as kids from northern (1 block east on roehampton/broadway), so this should actually be a solid investment.

I hope for the school's sake that the track is the standard size so that meets can be held in the north toronto area (northern and ntci's current tracks are not up to scratch)

All that being said, i am impressed with the rendering and hope this project is underway soon.

[valantino]

pretty sure there's a highrise/school(s) in the St Lawrence area however not condo but affordable co-ops

[InTheBeach]

pretty sure there's a highrise/school(s) in the St Lawrence area however not condo but affordable co-ops

Yes. There is a Catholic School, but it is primary, and the building is around 5-7 storeys.

[DanfromTO]

o i just remembered

@ yonge and lawerence theres an alternative(dono what that means) highschool at the bottom of a roughly 5 storey building, its an office not a condo tho

its called city academy and its in the bottom of the building at the north west corner of the intersection