news release
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE FORMER MACLEAN-HUNTER BUILDING, THE TALLEST ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE RETENTION IN NORTH AMERICA
DAVPART INC. REDEVELOPS TORONTO LANDMARK AS THE UNITED BLDG.
TORONTO, September 10, 2020 – DAVPART INC. today began construction on The UNITED BUILDING (https://www.theunitedbuilding.com) in Toronto, North America’s tallest architectural heritage retention development.
AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLING DOWN –
Marking the beginning of construction/demolition at the former MacLean-Hunter Publishing building which will become The United, the tallest architectural heritage retention in North America, (l-r) Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson, Davpart President/CEO David Hofstedter and Baker Real Estate President Barbara Lawlor wield sledge hammers to knock down an 8’ faux wall. The restored heritage structure will evolve to a 52-storey high-rise at 481 University Ave- 88Centre Ave. with retail space on the ground floor, commercial office space from floors 2-9 and 709 new residences including luxury penthouses above the historic structure. The design team includes B-H Architects, ERA Architects Inc. and Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc. Photo Credit: Arthur Mola
Located on the northeast corner of University Avenue and Dundas Street West, the UNITED BUILDING will evolve to a 52-storey high rise which will highlight the restored heritage structure of the storied Maclean Publishing Company/Maclean-Hunter Building at 481 University Avenue, with commercial and retail space from the ground floor to the 10th floor and new residences above the historic structure.
Said Davpart Inc. President and CEO David Hofstedter, “From 1910 to the 1980s, 481 was the location of Maclean Publishing and later Maclean-Hunter with several buildings added to become one of the most recognized structures on University Avenue.”
During the 20th century, Maclean-Hunter grew to become the largest Canadian publisher of trade journals and the home to flagship Maclean’s Magazine, Chatelaine and the Financial Post newspaper.
“The existing structure is an example of a commercial building from the interwar era and is the result of many bold design influences, from Beaux-Arts to Modern Classical. While restoring the exterior, we will complete the interior to the highest standard of contemporary office and retail available today, so their current uses can continued,” Hofstedter added.
The UNITED design team includes B+H Architects as prime consultant and design architects; heritage consultants ERA Architects Inc. and Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc. Baker Real Estate manages sales activities.
“The UNITED is a realization of our vision,” said Hofstedter. “It’s a massive undertaking which started within the context of preserving and restoring the existing building. The complexities are enormous and it has taken lots of teamwork and patience to make it happen.”
Mark Berest, B+H Architects Principal said, “The design of this building draws from the energy of its location at the intersection of the city’s primary cultural, institutional and retail anchors as well as its preserved architectural cultural heritage. It is a tribute to Toronto’s cosmopolitan character and considers a new convergence of live, work, and play.”
Said ERA Architects Principal Graeme Stewart, “Our heritage work includes retaining, restoring and enhancing two large and significant buildings. The first is a noteworthy 1930s collegiate gothic building by Toronto architect Murry Brown, designed with New York’s Schultze & Weaver. The second, designed by Marani & Morris architects is a midcentury example of modern stone office towers that contribute to the distinctive character of University Avenue.”
The UNITED includes 31,392 sq. ft. of retail space at ground level; 182,457 sq. ft. of commercial office space from floors 2-9 and 709 residences which begin from floors 10-52. The front door to 481 University leads to the offices and retail; the residential condominium entrance will be at 88 Centre Avenue, offering direct access to the TTC’s St. Patrick Station from inside the building.
Hofstedter added,, “481 has an iconic a grand presence on University Avenue from Dundas Street to Centre Avenue, is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act and listed on the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties.”
The UNITED will include studio to one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom designs, some with a den, flex or media room; some have two storey plans. Suites sizes start at 300 sq. ft. to 1,400 sq. ft.
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