River City Phase 3
River City Phase 3
Toronto (Ontario), Canada

A landscape of restrained complexity for an extraordinary building in an unprecedented neighbourhood

Strategically situated on a flood-protection landform between two accomplished public parks, this unique residential development by architects Saucier + Perrotte manifests the groundbreaking urban design vision that is developing across the West Don Lands neighbourhood east of downtown Toronto. The constraints imposed by the significant urban infrastructure surrounding this formerly derelict site required a light touch to amplify an experience of vastness within the limits of a compact space. In the absence of potential development on the adjacent parks and infrastructure, there is an opportunity for long views to the Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario, and Don River Valley. This unique vantage point underlies a design logic that aims to optimize full immersion into the horizon of the ground level as well as the sky above. This is achieved at the Level 7 outdoor amenity space by perching the pool deck and amenity lawn above the perimeter parapet wall. Long terrace steps lift visitors above the datum of the parapet, transforming the pool deck and adjacent lawn into an informal belvedere with a long unbound prospect across the city.

The property is immediately surrounded on all sides by parks. The main entrance is planted to carry the Plane Tree bosk planting from Corktown Common across the street. The south sidewalk is left open for full sun to enter the retail space looking across to Lawren Harris Square. The row of townhouses on the north side are connected by a linear pathway that forms a prairie threshold to the adjacent Corktown Common extension. The west side connects into Underpass Park under the Eastern Avenue overpass, where a dog park in the shape of a bone has been constructed for residents and their pets.

Client
Urban Capital Property Group

Collaboration
Saucier + Perrote Architectes, ZAS Architects

Area
4 440 m2 (1 acre)

Awards

2022
Excellence in Built Work – Waterfront Design Review Panel Awards

2020
Award of Excellence – The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) – Best Tall Building under 100 meters category – in collaboration with Saucier+Perotte/ZAS Architects

2017
Award of Merit – The Canadian Architect – in collaboration with Saucier+Perotte/ZAS Architects

Year
2013-2018

Status
Built

Categories
Plaza / Garden
Skyscraper
Rendering, 7th Floor - Designstor
Landscape Plan, 7th, 10th, 13th and Tower Roof Floors - Claude Cormier et Associés
Section, 7th Floor - Claude Cormier et Associés
Plan, Ground Floor - Claude Cormier et Associés
Rendering, Phase 3 - Designstor
Rendering, Phase 3 - Designstor
Phasing 1 to 3 - Claude Cormier et Associés
Rendering, Phases 1 to 3 - Designstor
Photo, under construction - Claude Cormier et Associés
Photo, under construction - Claude Cormier et Associés
Photo, under construction - Claude Cormier et Associés