A revised proposal has been filed for 200 University Avenue, where GWL Realty Advisors is seeking approval for a 53-storey mixed-use tower designed by KPMB Architects atop the site’s Modernist heritage office building. The updated plan, following an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) settlement in 2024, replaces the previous proposal for a 51-storey concept that retained office uses with a residential program containing retail at grade. It would rise where Toronto’s Financial District meets the Entertainment District, steps from Osgoode station.

Looking southwest to 200 University Avenue, designed by KPMB Architects for GWL Realty Advisors

Occupying the southwest corner of University Avenue and Richmond Street West, the property is home to a 1961-built, 14-storey Modernist office building designed by John B. Parkin Associates. Recognized on the City’s Heritage Register, retail units occupy the ground floor, while upper levels contain professional offices. Located at the transition between the Financial District and the King–Spadina area, the building sits among a mix of heritage structures, corporate offices, and new residential towers.

Looking southwest to the heritage office building, image retrieved from Google Maps

The redevelopment journey began in June, 2022 with applications to add a 35-storey residential tower above the existing office building, creating a 51-storey, 174.7m, mixed-use project with replacement office space, and heritage work overseen by ERA Architects. Following appeals to the OLT for City Council’s lack of a decision, and then its 2023 refusal of a heritage alteration permit, the file advanced to mediation. 

Previous plan, looking southwest, designed by KPMB Architects for GWL Realty Advisors

In mid-2024, a settlement was reached allowing a 37-storey addition for a total of 53 storeys, converting the office space to residential units, and introducing some affordable rental housing. The Tribunal issued an interim approval that December. Bousfields has now submitted Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and Site Plan Approval applications to the City of Toronto on behalf of the developer, reflecting those settlement terms.

The latest tweaks to 53-storey, 193m plan envision a residential tower with 197m² of retail fronting University Avenue at ground level, with 36 new storeys above the retained heritage structure. The heritage structure would have its upper storeys converted from mechanical space, adding 3 new storeys to total 17 storeys.

Looking northwest to 200 University Avenue, designed by KPMB Architects for GWL Realty Advisors

The proposal totals 50,964m² of Gross Floor Area, up from 48,572m², with the office replacement component of 13,257m² now removed. The Floor Space Index increases from 27.7 to 29.0 times coverage of the 1,754m² lot. Residential space would account for 50,767m², up from 35,315m², supporting 626 units, an increase from the previous 478. This includes 24 secured affordable rental suites. Six elevators are proposed for the tower, equating to about one per 104 units, requiring high speed motors for prompt service.

Site plan, designed by KPMB Architects for GWL Realty Advisors

Indoor amenities would occupy 1,594m² in the revised plan, slightly above the 1,583m² previously proposed, while outdoor amenities increase from 285m² to 294m². Below grade, a private six-level underground garage would replace the existing commercial parking facility, with 48 vehicular spaces, down from 56 in the earlier plan, including 40 reserved for residents and 8 for visitors. There would be 710 bicycle parking spaces, up from 548 previously, with 564 long-term stalls and 126 short-term stalls.

Ground floor plan, designed by KPMB Architects for GWL Realty Advisors

Osgoode station on University Line 1 is about 100m north, less than a two-minute walk, where Ontario Line 3, now under construction will introduce a new interchange. St Andrew station lies about 250m to the south, while Union Station is approximately 600m away. The area is also served by frequent TTC surface routes.

An aerial view of the site and surrounding area, image from submission to City of Toronto

The proposal is within an intensifying pocket of Downtown West. To the north, 250 University is planned to rise 47 storeys, while westward developments include 241 Richmond West at 41 storeys and RioCan Hall with towers of 37 and 42 storeys. Southwest, 260 Adelaide West and the Freed Hotel & Residences is planned at 61 and 63 storeys respectively. South of the site, proposals include 217 Adelaide West (23 storeys), 150 Pearl Street (57 storeys), and 100 Simcoe (67 storeys).

UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you’d like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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