A Transformative Mixed-Use Urban Hub
45-47 Sheppard Avenue East
Written by: Jeff Cogliati Principal, Architecture | M.Arch., BArchSc, OAA
With more than 18 years of experience, Jeff is known in the industry for his contributions to high-rise, mixed-use projects in Canada, significantly shaping Toronto’s urban fabric. He’s passionate about integrating technology and sustainable design into his work and dedicated to maintaining top-quality standards throughout all project phases, from initial concept to construction.
Introduction
The 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East development in North York, Toronto, represents a groundbreaking approach to urban intensification, transit-oriented living, and community-focused design. Designed by B+H for Lev Living, this project reimagines the potential of tall buildings in dense urban environments. With four residential towers (30-59 stories) atop mixed-use podiums, the development blends contemporary and Art Deco styles to create a striking yet timeless architectural identity.
Strategically located near the Sheppard-Yonge TTC station, this high-density project enhances connectivity, livability, and environmental performance. By prioritizing public realm activation, innovative architectural strategies, and sustainability principles, 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East sets a new benchmark for tall building design, demonstrating how density can coexist with vibrant community spaces.
We’ll explore key aspects of the project, including site planning, architectural design, sustainability strategies, and public realm integration. Each section underscores the project’s role as a model for future urban developments.
Site Planning and Urban Integration
At the core of 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East is a carefully considered site organization that balances density with openness and connectivity. The strategic placement of the four towers at the site’s corners unlocks the central portion of the development for a vibrant public realm. This includes a landscaped public park, a drive court, and a retail promenade, all of which create opportunities for interaction, leisure, and pedestrian movement.
The central park, a defining feature of the project, serves as an urban oasis for residents and visitors. It provides a mix of active and passive green spaces, from open lawns to shaded seating areas. Flanked by retail spaces, the park is not just a visual centerpiece but also a lively destination for community engagement.
Pedestrian porosity was a key guiding principle in the site’s organization. By creating clear and accessible pathways, the development acts as a connector, seamlessly linking residents and visitors to the nearby Sheppard-Yonge TTC station, local shops, and amenities. This connectivity reduces reliance on automobiles while fostering a walkable, transit-oriented lifestyle.
Designed to blend seamlessly with the broader urban fabric, the site invites the public to traverse and enjoy its spaces while establishing strong links to North York’s growing city centre.
Architectural Design and Innovation
The architectural design of 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East redefines Toronto’s skyline by breaking from the norm of all-glass towers. The project embraces a contemporary Art Deco aesthetic, blending timeless elegance with modern functionality.
Form and Function
The four residential towers rise above mixed-use podiums, creating a clear visual hierarchy while maintaining harmony with the surrounding urban context. The towers feature strong vertical lines, solid materials, and dynamic façade articulation, which collectively establish a bold and refined presence.
One of the most distinctive features of the towers is the carved-out outdoor amenity terraces, which punctuate their forms. These terraces serve as private green spaces for residents, offering panoramic views of the city while creating moments of architectural drama. Functionally, these terraces provide residents with outdoor areas for leisure, blending the benefits of high-rise living with the comforts of nature.
Material Selection
The material palette emphasizes solidity and performance, with an enhanced solid-to-glass ratio that reduces solar heat gain and improves energy efficiency. This departure from the ubiquitous glass curtain walls of neighboring towers establishes a unique identity while aligning with sustainability goals.
Public Podiums
The mixed-use podiums activate the streetscape with carefully curated retail spaces and amenities. By integrating retail along Sheppard Avenue and the park’s edges, the podiums create continuous activity throughout the day. This programming transforms the podiums from mere structural bases into vibrant, community-oriented spaces.
Sustainability and Environmental Performance
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project’s design ethos. By addressing environmental performance, resource efficiency, and livability, 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East exemplifies how tall buildings can contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance
- Green roofs are incorporated across all towers, mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving stormwater management, and enhancing biodiversity.
- The use of bird-friendly glass on lower podium levels and landscaped terraces supports local wildlife, adhering to Toronto’s bird-friendly design standards.
- The solid-to-glass ratio not only enhances the towers’ architectural expression but also improves thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling demands.
Transportation and Mobility
To promote sustainable transportation, the development includes dedicated bicycle storage rooms, offering one space per residential unit. This design choice encourages active transportation, reducing reliance on automobiles and associated carbon emissions. Additionally, the project minimizes the underground parking garage footprint, reflecting a commitment to sustainable land use and reducing the carbon footprint of construction. This decision also aligns with the project’s transit-oriented design philosophy, which prioritizes access to the nearby TTC station and walkability over car dependency.
Public Realm and Community Connectivity
The public realm is a cornerstone of the project’s design, emphasizing accessibility, engagement, and vibrancy. The integration of a central landscaped park, drive court, central plaza, and retail promenade creates a variety of spaces that cater to diverse community needs.
Activating the Streetscape
The project leverages mixed-use programming to animate the streetscape and foster continuous activity. Retail spaces along Sheppard Avenue and within the interior promenade ensure that the public realm is active and engaging throughout the day and into the evening.
Community Integration
By prioritizing pedestrian connectivity, the site strengthens its relationship with the broader community. Residents and visitors can seamlessly navigate the development, accessing transit, shops, restaurants, and other amenities. This integration positions the project as a vital link within North York’s urban fabric, enhancing its appeal as a place to live, work, and gather.
Inclusive Design
The design of the public realm prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that spaces are accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Wide pathways, ample seating, and a mix of shaded and open areas create an environment that invites everyone to participate.
Lessons Learned and Broader Implications
The 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East development illustrates how thoughtful design can transform high-density sites into vibrant, livable communities. By integrating strategic site planning, bold architectural innovation, and comprehensive sustainability strategies, the project sets a new standard for urban intensification in Toronto.
Key takeaways from the project include:
- The importance of site organization in balancing density with community connectivity.
- The value of architectural diversity in creating lasting urban landmarks.
- The potential for tall buildings to contribute positively to sustainability goals through innovative design and programming.
As cities worldwide grapple with the challenges of urbanization, 45-47 Sheppard Avenue East demonstrates that high-density developments can foster strong communities while addressing environmental imperatives. The project serves as a model for future transit-oriented developments, proving that tall buildings can be both functional and transformative.