Toronto's iconic Scotiabank Theatre may be replaced by condo towers (RENDERING)
The corner of Richmond Street West and John Street are iconic downtown Toronto.
From the strip of restaurants along John Street to the massive Scotiabank Theatre, this corner puts “entertainment” in the term “entertainment district.”
A giant urban entertainment complex known as RioCan Hall occupies the southwest corner of the intersection, and is home to retailers like Marshall’s, Goodlife Fitness, and the movie theatre.
The complex has been there since 1999, occupying a six-storey structure as well as a 425-space underground parking garage.
City of Toronto application
But that may be changing.
According to a redevelopment application submitted to the City of Toronto on April 24, two new towers may be going up at the corner.
The application is for a mixed-use development including two buildings, 39 and 40 storeys in height (136.65 metres and 142.9 metres, respectively, including mechanical penthouses).
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The proposed uses include two levels of retail, seven levels of office space, a daycare, the replacement of the existing movie theatre, an on-site publicly accessible privately owned open space and 613 residential units, according to the application.
The total gross floor area proposed is 76,799 square metres consisting of 49,709 square metres of residential floor area, 1,335 square metres for the daycare and 25,755 square metres of office and retail space. Two levels of below-grade parking are proposed and 304 vehicle and 796 bicycle parking spaces.
The proposed buildings/City of Toronto
Along with that, there will be a sizeable new public square that would be introduced at the southwest corner… where RioCan Hall currently stands.
The subject of the redevelopment site is located on the south side of Richmond Street West and comprises the northerly portion (approximately 65%) of the city block bounded by Richmond Street West, John Street, Adelaide Street West, and Widmer Street.
It covers 259-267 Richmond Street West, 126-142 John Street, and 41-59 Widmer Street.
Daily Hive has reached out to Cineplex for comment regarding the potential closure of Scotiabank Theatre, and this story will be updated accordingly.