frank gehry revises king street west development in toronto

as part of a collaboration with canadian art collector david mirvish, frank gehry has been responsible for the ongoing design of a large development in toronto’s king street district. the project, which was first announced in 2012, has undergone a series of revisions with gehry and mervish now presenting their most recent incarnation. importantly, the new design includes just two condo buildings, rather than the original three, meaning that the princess of wales theater, which was scheduled for demolition, will now remain.

the mixed-use scheme rises from two stepped podiums at ground level
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry (also main image)

the largest of the two towers will cimb to a height of over 300 meters, containing 92 storeys – 6 more than first proposed. envisioned as a jewelry-box for the city, the mixed-use scheme consists of two 6-storey stepped podiums – which relate in scale and articulation to neighboring buildings – topped by two residential towers. retail and commerce space will be housed within the podium housing a range of outlets from national retailers to international brands, restaurants, fashion boutiques and furniture shops. additionally, david mirvish’s collection of contemporary abstract art will be contained within a 9,000 square foot gallery.

the new design includes just two condo buildings, rather than the original three
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

the towers relate in terms of scale and articulation to neighboring buildings
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

david mirvish’s collection of contemporary abstract art will be contained within a 9,000 square foot gallery
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

south-western view of the development
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

view from the north
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

view from the east
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

view from the south
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry

massing model viewed from the south
image courtesy of mirvish+gehry