Density Toronto: Why the skyscrapers on steroids?
Published on Friday October 26, 2012
Wendy Gillis, Staff Reporter
Toronto’s fascination with towering architecture is in stark relief in its inimitable and ever-changing skyline.
There, the iconic CN tower and lofty downtown office buildings are increasingly joined by glass and steel residential structures reaching upwards of 40 storeys.
But lately, developers and city builders have their heads even further in the clouds. Within just weeks, Toronto has seen five proposals for super skyscrapers that, if built, would be among the tallest in the country.
First, businessman David Mirvish announced plans to build three 80- to 85-storey condominium towers. On Thursday, Oxford Properties Group revealed its casino proposal includes two towers that would be 70 storeys each, 40 for office space below and 30 for residences above. All would be within a few blocks of each other near King St. W.
Why is it that Toronto is suddenly going for skyscrapers on steroids — is this a matter of need or desire?
Jennifer Keesmaat, Toronto’s chief planner, says if the city focuses on building midrise buildings along the avenues — streets planners have designated as ripe for growth — Toronto can meet the province’s growth targets without 80 storey buildings, and with “significant amount of room to spare.”
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/arti...rs-on-steroids
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