Two major real estate developments approved for the Distillery District

There’s something about the Distillery District that makes it both great and a little too transient.

That something might just be a lack of life.

For all its charm, the Distillery District just doesn’t really feel like a neighbourhood. At least not a lived in one. It carries museum vibes – something to be admired behind a glass case.

That could change over the next few years after two major residential real estate projects in the area were recently approved by city council.

First development

The first approved building is a revised proposal for a 57-storey mixed use tower at 31A Parliament Street that was first submitted in June of 2014. The approved proposal will limit its height to a maximum of 165.7 metres, which would hover around the 50-floor range.

Initial rendering of 31R Parliament Street.

It will also include a five-storey commercial building that will extend as a podium and has been cleared to house office, hotel, retail, and residential space – important info for the “not another condo” crowd.

Second development

The second approved building (60 Mill Street) has been scaled down from its original 34-storey proposal. It will now include roughly 12 storeys of office, hotel, retail, restaurant, and/or residential space. All indications suggest it will be home to the Gansevoort Hotel & Condos, which will sit atop the landmark Gooderham and Worts rack house.

Initial rendering of the Gansevoort Hotel and Condos.

The architects behind each respective project – KPMB Architects for 31A Parliament Street and Saucier + Perrotte for 60 Mill Street – will now submit revised floor plans based on the city’s recommendations.

The city’s green light means that both projects will now require only formal approval by the Ontario Municipal Board, which is expected to pass.

“City Council authorize the City Solicitor, in consultation with the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to finalize the elements of the settlement, including the final form of the official plan amendments, amending zoning by-laws and other related planning instruments generally in accordance with Council’s decision,” reads a recent city council decision on the matter.

First development

Second development

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