URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
34
• Maintaining the pedestrian scaled street wall whereit exists.
• Protecting low-rise residential and mixed-use areasfrom neighbouring higher-rise development.
Animated Street Frontages require the built form torespond to pedestrian traffic in how it interfaceswith the sidewalk, provides weather protection, andvisual interest. A distinction is made for HighlyAnimated Streets where pedestrian traffic is greatestand the primary use at street level is retail/commer-cial. Street Character Types (Figure 12) willdetermine the appropriate built form response on agiven street.
Low-Rise at Street Edge requires that the built formbe constrained in its height at the street wall toreinforce the pedestrian scale of the existing streetwall heights of the surrounding buildings – generallyno more than 3 storeys. Where higher storeys areconsidered, they should be set back a minimum of 3metres or in accordance with the guidelines providedin Section 4.3.3, whichever is greater.
Character Areas (Figure 12) identify existing uniqueplaces in Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown that arecomprised of a distinct and identifiable built charac-ter that should be protected and enhanced. Wheredevelopment is considered, the building typology,massing, configuration, scale and proportions, andmaterial pallet of new structures should harmonizewith and reinforce the existing built character ofthese areas, which are described in Section 4.4.
Although the building stock in these Character Areasare not necessarily of historic significance, theycorrespond to a traditional approach to buildingmassing and proportions, and are highly oriented tothe pedestrian scale. High-rise buildings would beinappropriate forms in these areas as they would bedetrimental to the spirit and sense of place funda-mentally derived from the low-rise and small scalecharacteristics of the existing buildings.
The most significant Character Area is the Village ofYorkville precinct. This precinct consists of a signifi-cant number of house-form buildings, as well as awide variety of other unique building typologies andarchitectural expressions.
The common traits, which define the built characteris low-rise structures, generally 2-3 storeys (6-12metres) at the street wall (the line of the buildings at
4.0 BUILT FORM GUIDELINES
The identity of this part of the city, and specificallythe Yorkville area, is closely linked to its humanscale and pleasant walking environment in allseasons.
Urban design for the area should consider thecomfort and convenience of the pedestrian asshaped by the streetscape and its interface with thebuilt form. In this regard, built form elements suchas height, mass, setbacks, parking and servicing,access, sun penetration, and visual condition at thestreet are crucial to the pedestrian experience.
The following guidelines propose a hierarchy of builtform standards that correspond to three scales: thescale of the Pedestrian, the scale of the Street Walland the Urban Scale. (Figure 13).
The Built Form Framework depicted in Figure 14 istailored specifically to outline the key broad consid-erations for the design of built form in theBloor-Yorkville/North Midtown area as it relates toeach of the public realm scales.
This framework is derived from the followingprimary concerns:
• Maintaining and enhancing the vitality of thepedestrian environment.
URBAN SCALEDESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
STREET SCALE CONSIDERATIONS
PEDESTRIAN SCALE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
SKY LINE 18m+
STREET LINE 9-18m
SIDEWALK LINE 3-9m
Figure 13: Public Realm Scales (step backs shown are diagra-matic to illustrate the different scales)
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 35
Figure 14: Built Form Framework
C P R
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MACPHERSON
COTTINGHAM
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NEL
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AVENUEBIRCH
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AK
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DS
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SID
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AVENUE
PRICE
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AVENUE
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MO
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TPL
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ROA
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AD
DRI
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NY
DOUGLAS
HIG
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ROWANWOOD
AVENUE AVE.
ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
THO
RNW
OO
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CHESTNUT PA RK
CRESCENTROAD
CLU
NY
DRI
VE
DRI
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ROA
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PINE HILL
COLLIER STREET
SEVERN
CHURCH
STREET
ASQUITH AVE.
CH
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ROA
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ELM AVENUE
RACHAELSTREET
ROSEDALE
VALLEY
BLOOR STREET EAST BLOOR STREET EASTBLOOR STREET WEST
SHER
BO
URN
E
DRIVE
WESTSTREET
AVENUE
AVENUE
ELGIN AVENUE
AVENUE
AVENUE
BOSWELL
TRANBY
PEARS
CHICORA AVENUE
ROA
DB
EDFO
RDRO
AD
BED
FORD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
ROAD
MACPHERSON
STREET WESTROXBOROUGH
AVENUE
HILLSBORO
DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
BEL
LAIR
STRE
ET
HA
ZEL
TON
MC
MU
RRIC
HST
REET
ROAD
AV
ENU
E
MO
LSO
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.
AVE.DAVEN
PORT
WESTSTREETCHARLES
ST. MARYS STREET
ST. T
HO
MA
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REET
STRE
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ALM
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ICH
OLA
SST
.
QU
EEN
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RK
SULTAN STREET
STRE
ETB
AY
BA
YST
REET
STREET EASTCHARLES
HAYDEN STREET SELBY STREET
STREETLINDEN
MT.
PLE
ASAN
T
RD.
HU
NTL
EYST
REET
STRE
ET
JARV
ISST
REET
SHER
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URN
EST
REET
AVE.
AVE.
ST.
ST.
ST.
RD.
RD.
ST
LOWTHER
PRINCE ARTHUR
BLOOR
RESERVATION
DRIVE
ROXBOROUGH
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
Built Form FrameworkStudy Area
Highly Animated Street Frontage
Animated Street Frontage
Low Rise at Street Edge
Character Areas
Low Rise Residential Neighbourhood
PublicPark
the edge of the sidewalk). In some instances, higherstructures up to 6 storeys towards the middle of theblock would be permitted away from the street. Themassing of the buildings also express a strong andfine grained vertical order and rhythm that generallymimics the original lot lines. The combination ofnarrow streets, pedestrian lanes and courtyards,narrow retail frontages, irregular setbacks and rooflines, and variety in building materials give this area
its unique and cherished “village-like” charm.Properties adjacent to Character Areas on Figure 14shall have regard for and enhance the area.
Low-Rise Residential Neighbourhoods – These arestable and established low-rise residential areas,particularly sensitive to dramatic change.Development in adjacent areas must ensure noadverse impacts on these residential areas.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
36
second floor level, and appropriately scaled signage,all respond well to the significant vehicular functionof the street, and support the pedestrian experience.If outdoor cafes are provided, they should be setback, or bounded by landscaping treatment to miti-gate noise and reduced air quality from the highlevels of vehicular traffic (Photo 69).
4.1 PEDESTRIAN SCALE DESIGNCONSIDERATIONSThe pedestrian scale is primarily concerned with abuilding’s interface with the sidewalk, protectionfrom the elements and creating visual interest. Theseelements affect how the built form supports thecomfort of the pedestrian and how it animates thepublic realm.
4.1.1 INTERFACE WITH THE SIDEWALK
How built form interfaces with the sidewalk willdepend primarily on the Street Character Type(Figure 12).
On Urban Streets, the built form should engageboth the vehicular and the pedestrian traffic. Theextension of display windows, transparency to the
Photo 69 – Urban Street – Bloor Street West
Photo 72 – Primary Pedestrian Street with retail
Photo 71 – Active Frontages on Primary Pedestrian Street
Photo 70 – Maintain residential character of Hazelton Avenue
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 37
Figure 15: Primary Pedestrian Street with grade-related residential units for Scollard Street
On Connector Streets, pedestrian traffic is relativelylight, and continuous commercial frontage is plausi-ble. A positive pedestrian experience will rely on theeffectiveness of the streetscaping treatment. Thebuilt form should incorporate landscaping treatmentto enliven otherwise neutral building edges (Photo66).
On Primary Pedestrian Streets that are predomi-nantly commercial, transparency at the sidewalk, aswell as awnings and canopies, provide comfort andinterest for the pedestrian. Narrower retail frontagesare desirable on these streets and signage should beappropriately scaled to the pedestrian (Photos 71,72).
On Primary Pedestrian Streets that are predomi-nantly residential, the animation of the sidewalk isaccomplished through the provision for street accesshousing and landscaping. Street access housingrefers to a pattern of buildings which placeentrances to individual units on the street level asopposed to one common entrance shared by multi-ple units. Grade shifts and landscaping will assist tobuffer and screen the interior spaces (Figure 15).
On Neighbourhood Streets, animation of the streetis accomplished through the provision for streetaccess housing with entrances and windows facingthe street. Common front yard setbacks and land-scaping can be used to separate the public andprivate realms. Driveways should be minimized,properly landscaped and restricted to one curb-cutper residence (Photo 70).
cour
tesy
Gre
at G
ulf
Hom
es
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
38
CANOPY
COLLONADE
SETBACK
Figure 16: Wind protection for pedestrians
4.1.2 WEATHER PROTECTION
Urban Streets, Primary Pedestrian Streets and exteri-or mid-block connections carry high volumes ofpedestrian traffic through Bloor-Yorkville/NorthMidtown.
In a city with four seasons, protecting pedestriansfrom the elements should be an important consider-ation in all new developments. Canopies can offershade in the summer months and shelter pedestriansfrom rain, snow and even the wind (Figure 16).
Photo 73 – A highly designed service and parking access at theterminus of Yorkville Avenue
4.1.3 PARKING AND LOADING
Parking and loading areas should be placed belowgrade where possible. In general, loading andparking areas should be hidden from view, andlocated on roads with the least amount of pedestri-an traffic. Access to parking and loading areasshould not be located at gateway sites, or at theterminus of a view corridor unless they are incorpo-rated into the design treatment as demonstrated bythe Prince Arthur residence at the west terminus ofYorkville Avenue (Photo 73).
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 39
4.2 STREET WALL SCALE DESIGNCONSIDERATIONS
The street wall scale is the portion of the publicrealm that defines and forms the edges to the street.The scale and character of the street wall impactsthe pedestrian experience in a fundamental way.
4.2.1 STREET WALL
The street wall is the portion of the building thatfronts the street and which has the greatest impacton the image of the street (Photo 75). In general, astreet wall of a new building should align with thoseof the neighbouring buildings or have the samesetback as the predominant buildings on the block.
In some instances, the street wall alignment may becompromised in order to achieve a wider, landscapedsidewalk, as would be preferred along Avenue Road,for example.
It is critical that the street wall has the highestquality of architectural design and materials, espe-cially at the ground and second floors, as thisportion of the building is the most visible and ac-cessible to pedestrians. It is at the street wall that thequality of the public realm can be most enhanced.The street wall should be designed to ensure pedes-trian comfort and adequate light penetration.
Unless subject to height restrictions, angular planes,or other urban design considerations in these guide-lines, street wall heights should, in general, notexceed a 1:1 relation of height to street width(building wall to building wall). Therefore, on atypical 20-metre right-of-way street, the maximumstreet wall height would be 20 metres (Figure 17).
4.1.4 MID-BLOCK CONNECTIONS ANDCOURTYARDS
Mid-block pedestrian connections and courtyardsare one of the urban design factors whichcontribute to Bloor-Yorkville’s success (Photo 74).
This unique quality and network of pedestrian pathsand courtyards should be continued as new devel-opments are proposed in the area.
These Urban Design Guidelines have identified anumber of potential extensions to the pedestriannetwork, without precluding additional or alterna-tive locations for this to occur. The provision ofpublicly accessible, privately developed and ownedopen spaces is highly encouraged on individual sitesthroughout the Bloor-Yorkville area.
Photo 75 – Masonic Temple Building serves as a visual terminusfor westbound vehicles on Davenport Road
Photo 74 - York Lane, one of Bloor-Yorkville’s most successfulmid-block pedestrian connections
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
40
GATEWAY
TERMINUS, GATEWAY, & LANDMARK
TERMINUS
SIGNATURE
BLOOR - YORKVILLE
BLOOR - YORKVILLE
Figure 18: Types of Strategic Sites
Figure 17: Typical street cross-section showing a 1:1 relation-ship between street wall height and right-of-way (ROW) width
While materials and architecture can vary greatlybetween buildings, it is generally desirable that thestreet wall height be a consistent line. Above gradesetbacks are generally recommended to strengthenthe quality of the pedestrian experience (Figure 17).
4.2.2 STRATEGIC SITES
Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21 illustrate diagramaticexamples of sites that warrant special design treat-ment because of their location and visibility. Thesesites have a tremendous potential to strengthen anarea’s identity and improve the quality of the publicrealm.
The treatment of a strategic site does not corre-spond to building height. The programming of thebuilding, the treatment of the architecture, materi-als, and built form should reinforce their location aseither a gateway, visual terminus, major intersection,or combination.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 41
Figure 19: Gateway Treatment Sites
C P R
C P R
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MACPHERSON
COTTINGHAM
COTTINGHAM
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NEL
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Mc MASTER
AVENUEBIRCH
COTTINGHAMSTREETO
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ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
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AVENUE
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GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
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MC
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STREETLINDENMT.
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Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
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Gateway Treatment
Study Area
Gateway Treatment
Precinct Gateway Treatment
G
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PublicPark
Gateway Treatment: Figure 19 identifies sites thatoffer an opportunity to provide a sense of entry intothe Bloor-Yorkville precincts and which can beexpressed architecturally, or through lighting,signage (excluding advertising) or art installations.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
42
Figure 20: Terminus Treatment Sites
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COTTINGHAM
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AVENUEBIRCH
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FORD
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AVENUE
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DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
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LAIR
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ROAD
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RESERVATION
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ROXBOROUGH
PublicPark
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
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Terminus Treatment
Study Area
Terminus TreatmentT
Terminus Treatment: Figure 20 identifies sites thatterminate a view corridor and have strategic loca-tions for public or commercial uses. They also offeran opportunity to create visual interest from greaterdistances and if designed with distinction, can act aseffective orienting devices where prople can gaugetheir relative location in the district or city.Treatments can include architectural elements,monuments, and art installations. Hence, terminussites are especially appropriate for highly animatedcommercial uses and public buildings.
Photo 76 – Terminus Treatment at west end of YorkvilleAvenue: Prince Arthur Residence
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 43
Figure 21: Signature Treatment Sites
C P R
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COTTINGHAM
COTTINGHAM
RATH
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LY
Mc MASTER
AVENUEBIRCH
COTTINGHAMSTREETO
AK
LAN
DS
AV
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E.
SID
NEY
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MARLBOROUGH AVENUE
AVENUE
PRICE
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AVENUE
SUM
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VE
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NY
DOUGLAS
HIG
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DRIVE
ROWANWOOD
AVENUE AVE.
ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
THO
RNW
OO
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CHESTNUT PA RK
CRESCENTROAD
CLU
NY
DRI
VE
DRI
VE
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NY
PINE HILL
COLLIER STREET
SEVERN
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STREET
ASQUITH AVE.
CH
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ROA
D
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DA
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CRESCENT
SCA
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ROA
DSOU TH DR IV
E
STRE
ETN
ORT
H
ELM AVENUE
RACHAELSTREET
ROSEDALE
VALLEY
BLOOR STREET EAST BLOOR STREET EASTBLOOR STREET WEST
SHER
BO
URN
E
DRIVE
WESTSTREET
AVENUE
AVENUE
ELGIN AVENUE
AVENUE
AVENUE
BOSWELL
TRANBY
PEARS
CHICORA AVENUE
ROA
DB
EDFO
RDRO
AD
BED
FORD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
ROAD
MACPHERSON
STREET WESTROXBOROUGH
AVENUE
HILLSBORO
DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
BEL
LAIR
STRE
ET
HA
ZEL
TON
MC
MU
RRIC
HST
REET
ROAD
AV
ENU
E
MO
LSO
NST
.
AVE.DAVEN
PORT
WESTSTREETCHARLES
ST. MARYS STREET
ST. T
HO
MA
SST
REET
STRE
ETB
ALM
UTO
ST. N
ICH
OLA
SST
.
QU
EEN
'SPA
RK
SULTAN STREET
STRE
ETB
AY
BA
YST
REET
STREET EASTCHARLES
HAYDEN STREET SELBY STREET
STREETLINDEN
MT.
PLE
ASAN
T
RD.
HU
NTL
EYST
REET
STRE
ET
JARV
ISST
REET
SHER
BO
URN
EST
REET
AVE.
AVE.
ST.
ST.
ST.
RD.
RD.
ST
LOWTHER
PRINCE ARTHUR
BLOOR
RESERVATION
DRIVE
ROXBOROUGH
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
S
SS
S
S
S S
S
S S
SS
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
SS
S S
S S
S
S
S
Signature Treatment
Study Area
Signature Treatment: City-Wide
Signature TreatmentS
S
PublicPark
Photo 77 – Signature Treatment at Avenue Road and BloorStreet
Terminus treatment sites should not be consideredthe singular justification for additional height.
Signature Treatment: Figure 21 identifies sites thatare at highly visible intersections and/or occupy sitesof significance to the city (Yonge and Bloor inter-section).
These sites offer an opportunity for landmark buildings that should be unique and immediatelyidentifiable.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
44
4.3 URBAN SCALE DESIGNCONSIDERATIONSThe urban scale defines the segments of buildingsperceived from greater distances. Urban designconsiderations are primarily concerned with issues ofmassing and height. These issues affect how abuilding fits into its surroundings, how it isperceived from the street or on the skyline. Themassing, profile and height of the upper portions ofthe building should satisfy the following designcriteria.
Figure 22: General Pattern of Building Heights
C P R
C P R
C P R
MACPHERSON
COTTINGHAM
COTTINGHAM
RATH
NEL
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Mc MASTER
AVENUEBIRCH
COTTINGHAMSTREETO
AK
LAN
DS
AV
E.
AV
E.
SID
NEY
ST.
MARLBOROUGH AVENUE
AVENUE
PRICE
PRICE FIELD ROAD
AVENUE
SUM
MERH
ILL
MO
UN
TPL
EASA
NT
ROA
D
PLEA
SAN
TRO
AD
DRI
VE
CLU
NY
DOUGLAS
HIG
ND
HLA
DRIVE
ROWANWOOD
AVENUE AVE.
ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
THO
RNW
OO
DRO
AD
CHESTNUT PA RK
CRESCENTROAD
CLU
NY
DRI
VE
DRI
VE
ROA
DRO
SED
ALE
CLU
NY
PINE HILL
COLLIER STREET
SEVERN
CHURCH
STREET
ASQUITH AVE.
CH
URC
H
PARK
ROA
D
YO
NG
EST
REET
YO
NG
EST
REET
PARK
ROAD
SOU
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CH
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S SQ
.
ROSE
DA
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PARK
CRESCENT
SCA
RTH
ROA
D
SOU TH DR IVE
STRE
ETN
ORT
H
ELM AVENUE
RACHAELSTREET
ROSEDALE
VALLEY
BLOOR STREET EAST BLOOR STREET EASTBLOOR STREET WEST
SHER
BO
URN
E
DRIVE
WESTSTREET
AVENUE
AVENUE
ELGIN AVENUE
AVENUE
AVENUE
BOSWELL
TRANBY
PEARS
CHICORA AVENUE
ROA
DB
EDFO
RDRO
AD
BED
FORD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
ROAD
MACPHERSON
STREET WESTROXBOROUGH
AVENUE
HILLSBORO
DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
BEL
LAIR
STRE
ET
HA
ZEL
TON
MC
MU
RRIC
HST
REET
ROAD
AV
ENU
E
MO
LSO
NST
.
AVE.DAVEN
PORT
WESTSTREETCHARLES
ST. MARYS STREET
ST. T
HO
MA
SST
REET
STRE
ETB
ALM
UTO
ST. N
ICH
OLA
SST
.
QU
EEN
'SPA
RK
SULTAN STREET STRE
ETB
AY
BA
YST
REET
STREET EASTCHARLES
HAYDEN STREET SELBY STREET
STREETLINDENMT.
PLE
ASAN
T
RD.
HU
NTL
EYST
REET
STRE
ET
JARV
ISST
REET
SHER
BO
URN
EST
REET
AVE.
AVE.
ST.
ST.
ST.
RD.
RD.
ST
LOWTHER
PRINCE ARTHUR
BLOOR
RESERVATION
DRIVE
ROXBOROUGH
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
Built Form Height Peaks & Ridges
Height Peaks
Height Ridges
Low-Rise Areas
PublicPark
Study Area
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 45
Figure 23 – 3-D view of built form looking northeast which shows height peaks and ridges
Figure 24 – 3-D view of built form looking southeast which shows height peaks and ridges
the Yonge/Bloor intersection and descending“ridges” along the main corridors of Yonge Street,Bloor Street and portions north of Bloor, portions ofBay Street, Church Street and Avenue Road.
4.3.1 BUILDING HEIGHTS
As Figures 23 and 24 depict, existing or approvedbuilding heights in the Bloor-Yorkville area generallyfollow a logical pattern that has a “peak” around
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
46
Photo 78 – Taller buildings along the Bloor Street corridorshould have step backs to minimize their negative impact onthe Village of Yorkville
This pattern parallels the existing and desired urbanstructure for the wider city where greater heightsand intensities are directed to areas where theyalready exist or along major road and transit corri-dors. The remaining areas generally have buildingsthat are of a lesser height and density. Establishedlow-rise pockets are equally important built formpatterns within the Downtown areas that should beprotected from the encroachment of high-rises thatmay have adverse impacts such as shadowing andwind.
This existing pattern of building heights is desirableand effective in that there is a transition in theheight of buildings down to low-rise areas (Figure22). This lessens the impact of height on these areasboth physically and perceptively. To maintain andreinforce this pattern, the heights of new buildingsare subject to the following principles:
Height Peak: This area is where buildings reach apinnacle height providing a landmark at the inter-section of the City’s two principal streets and
contributes to its skyline. This is the appropriatelocation for the tallest buildings in Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown.
Height Ridges: In these areas buildings should stepdown in height from the Peak area (Photo 79).
Low-Rise Area: These areas are significant, estab-lished, contiguous low-rise areas. High-rise towersare inappropriate in these locations as they mayhave significant adverse impacts and would pose athreat to the viability of the area remaining as low-rise.
4.3.2 SHADOWS AND PEDESTRIAN COMFORT
Residential areas and the public realm must beprotected from undue overshadowing by proposedbuildings.
In order to minimize the adverse impact of proposedbuildings on the neighbouring areas, applicants ofprojects which have a height above the existingcontext should provide drawings showing shadowscast by the proposed development on publiclyaccessible areas and on buildings surrounding it.Shadows should be shown for December 21, June21, March and September 21 for the hours of 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm and 4pm. Shadow drawingsare to be provided early in the development reviewprocess. Shadow studies for additional times may berequired when warranted.
Photo 79 – Avenue Road ‘height ridge’
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 47
Figure 25: Areas Sensitive to Building Shadows
C P R
C P R
C P R
MACPHERSON
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COTTINGHAM
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AVENUEBIRCH
COTTINGHAMSTREETO
AK
LAN
DS
AV
E.
AV
E.
SID
NEY
ST.
MARLBOROUGH AVENUE
AVENUE
PRICE
PRICE FIELD ROAD
AVENUE
SUM
MERH
ILL
MO
UN
TPL
EASA
NT
ROA
D
PLEA
SAN
TRO
AD
DRI
VE
CLU
NY
DOUGLAS
HIG
ND
HLA
DRIVE
ROWANWOOD
AVENUE AVE.
ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
THO
RNW
OO
DRO
AD
CHESTNUT PA RK
CRESCENTROAD
CLU
NY
DRI
VE
DRI
VE
ROA
DRO
SED
ALE
CLU
NY
PINE HILL
COLLIER STREET
SEVERN
CHURCH
STREET
ASQUITH AVE.
CH
URC
HC
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RCH
ST.
PARK
ROA
D
YO
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EST
REET
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REET
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ESTN
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LE
AYL
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E
PARK
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SCA
RTH
ROA
D
SOU TH DR IVE
STRE
ETN
ORT
HELM AVENUE
RACHAELSTREET
ROSEDALE
VALLEY
BLOOR STREET EAST BLOOR STREET EASTBLOOR STREET WEST
SHER
BO
URN
E
DRIVE
WESTSTREET
AVENUE
AVENUE
ELGIN AVENUE
AVENUE
AVENUE
BOSWELL
TRANBY
PEARS
CHICORA AVENUE
ROA
DB
EDFO
RDRO
AD
BED
FORD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
ROAD
MACPHERSON
STREET WESTROXBOROUGH
AVENUE
HILLSBORO
DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
BEL
LAIR
STRE
ET
HA
ZEL
TON
MC
MU
RRIC
HST
REET
ROAD
AV
ENU
E
MO
LSO
NST
.
AVE.DAVEN
PORT
WESTSTREETCHARLES
ST. MARYS STREET
ST. T
HO
MA
SST
REET
STRE
ETB
ALM
UTO
ST. N
ICH
OLA
SST
.
QU
EEN
'SPA
RK
SULTAN STREET
STRE
ETB
AY
BA
YST
REET
STREET EASTCHARLES
HAYDEN STREET SELBY STREET
STREETLINDEN
MT.
PLE
ASAN
T
RD.
HU
NTL
EYST
REET
STRE
ET
JARV
ISST
REET
SHER
BO
URN
EST
REET
AVE.
AVE.
ST.
ST.
ST.
RD.
RD.
ST
LOWTHER
PRINCE ARTHUR
BLOOR
RESERVATION
DRIVE
ROXBOROUGH
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont Parkette
West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
BudSugarmanPark
Pricefield
Road Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
SHADOW SENSITIVEAREAS
Study Area
Areas Sensitive
to Building Shadows
Note: Shadow Sensitive Areasare shown for only those areaswhich may be affected by buildingswithin the study area.
PublicPark
Shadow sensitive areas, and neighbourhoods inBloor-Yorkville/North Midtown are shown in Figure25.
In order to minimize the adverse impact of aproposed building on the pedestrian level surround-ing the building and in the neighbouring areas,applicants of projects in excess of 20 metres (6storeys) in height should provide a pedestrian levelwind study of the proposed development early inthe review process.
The study is to be conducted by a qualified micro-climate specialist in accordance with the City ofToronto Development Guide.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
48
Figure 26: Built Form Angular Planes
C P R
C P R
C P R
MACPHERSON
COTTINGHAM
COTTINGHAM
RATH
NEL
LY
Mc MASTER
AVENUEBIRCH
COTTINGHAMSTREETO
AK
LAN
DS
AV
E.
AV
E.
SID
NEY
ST.
MARLBOROUGH AVENUE
AVENUE
PRICE
PRICE FIELD ROAD
AVENUE
SUM
MERH
ILL
MO
UN
TPL
EASA
NT
ROA
D
PLEA
SAN
TRO
AD
DRI
VE
CLU
NY
DOUGLAS
HIG
ND
HLA
DRIVE
ROWANWOOD
AVENUE AVE.
ROXBOROUGH STREET EAST
THO
RNW
OO
DRO
AD
CHESTNUT PA RK
CRESCENTROAD
CLU
NY
DRI
VE
DRI
VE
ROA
DRO
SED
ALE
CLU
NY
PINE HILL
COLLIER STREET
SEVERN
CHURCH
STREET
ASQUITH AVE.
CH
URC
HC
HU
RCH
ST.
PARK
ROA
D
YO
NG
EST
REET
YO
NG
EST
REET
PARK
ROAD
SOU
THRO
AD
CLUNY AVE.
CH
ESTN
UT
PK.
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ESTN
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PAU
L'S
SQ.
ROSE
DA
LE
AYL
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AV
ENU
E
PARK
CRESCENT
SCA
RTH
ROA
D
SOU TH DR IVE
STRE
ETN
ORT
H
ELM AVENUE
RACHAELSTREET
ROSEDALE
VALLEY
BLOOR STREET EAST BLOOR STREET EASTBLOOR STREET WEST
SHER
BO
URN
E
DRIVE
WESTSTREET
AVENUE
AVENUE
ELGIN AVENUE
AVENUE
AVENUE
BOSWELL
TRANBY
PEARS
CHICORA AVENUE
ROA
DB
EDFO
RDRO
AD
BED
FORD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
AV
ENU
ERO
AD
ROAD
MACPHERSON
STREET WESTROXBOROUGH
AVENUE
HILLSBORO
DAVENPORT
GIBSON AVENUE
BERRYMAN STREET
BISHOP STREET
BELMONT STREET
WEBSTER AVENUE
SCOLLARD STREET
AVENUEYORKVILLE
CUMBERLAND STREET
BEL
LAIR
STRE
ET
HA
ZEL
TON
MC
MU
RRIC
HST
REET
ROAD
AV
ENU
E
MO
LSO
NST
.
AVE.DAVEN
PORT
WESTSTREETCHARLES
ST. MARYS STREET
ST. T
HO
MA
SST
REET
STRE
ETB
ALM
UTO
ST. N
ICH
OLA
SST
.
QU
EEN
'SPA
RK
SULTAN STREET
STRE
ETB
AY
BA
YST
REET
STREET EASTCHARLES
HAYDEN STREET SELBY STREET
STREETLINDEN
MT.
PLE
ASAN
T
RD.
HU
NTL
EYST
REET
STRE
ET
JARV
ISST
REET
SHER
BO
URN
EST
REET
AVE.
AVE.
ST.
ST.
ST.
RD.
RD.
ST
LOWTHER
PRINCE ARTHUR
BLOOR
RESERVATION
DRIVE
ROXBOROUGH
Avenue Parkette
Dupont
East
Boswell Parkette
Bernard Avenue Road Allowance
Dupont
Parkette West
Place Parkette
Parkette
Ramsden Park
Village Of Yorkville Park
Jesse Ketchum Park
Jesse Ketchum
Park
Frank Stollery Parkette
Mac Pherson
Lionel Conacher Park
Avenue Road Playground
Marlborough
RosedaleRavine
David A. Balfour Park
MilnerParkette
AsquithGreen Park
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine Lands
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Harold Town Park
RosedaleRavine
RosedaleRavine
Rosedale
Ravine
RosedaleRavine
Park Drive Reservation Lands
Roxborough Parkette
Rosedale Ravine
Pricefield Road
Playground
St. Mary StreetParkette
George Hislop Park
300m200m10m 100m
BUILT FORMANGULAR PLANESFrontages Subject to Angular Planes
of these Guidelines
E
PublicPark
Governed By Angular Planes
Section Lines
JJ
KK
LL
FF AA
II
D B
B
B
CC
HH
EE
GB
4.3.3 BUILT FORM ANGULAR PLANES
The built form angular plane criteria applies tofrontages identified in Figure 26.
Angular planes provide build-to envelopes to main-tain and define the character of the street; ensureadequate access to sun and sky view; and to governrelationships between adjacent differing built forms.Frontages currently subject to angular planes gener-ally reflect Areas of Special Identity and somecharacter areas indentified in these guidelines. Thisis of particular importance in the Village of Yorkville
where part of the European charm comes from thepedestrian experience through a series of finelyscaled streets and public spaces. Additional angularplanes may be identified and recommended follow-ing a proposed review of the Zoning By-law.
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 49
Section A:
Section C:
Section B:
Section E:
Section D:
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
50
Section G:
Section H: South side of Yorkville Avenue
Section F:
Section I: North side of Cumberland Street
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
TORONTOJune 2004 – 51
Section J: Davenport Terrace—Pears Avenue
Section L: Belmont Street
Section K: Yonge Street, north of Ramsden Park
URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINESTORONTO
BLOOR-YORKVILLE / NORTH MIDTOWN
52
4.3.4 HIGH-RISE BUILT FORM DESIGN CRITERIA
Point towers are generally the preferred form forhigh-rise building, in areas which can accommodatethem, because they have a reduced negative impacton the streetscape. The shadow and visual impact isrelatively less of an issue and in some cases pointtowers may be a preferred form to larger massedslab buildings. The following design criteria shouldbe applied to point tower proposals:
PodiumPoint towers should be placed on a podium buildingwhich represents the scale of the street wall, gener-ally 3-6 storeys.
Massing The tower (the portions of the building above thepodium structure) should maintain an average grossfloor plate size that is slender to permit adequatesky view and minimize shadow impacts.
Tower Widths and SetbacksThe width of the point tower that fronts on a streetshould also be slender to permit adequate sun pene-tration onto the public realm.
Placement and OrientationWhere possible and appropriate, the placement ofthe point tower should be staggered from adjacenttowers. The minimum separation between pointtowers should have a 1:1:1 relationship betweenfloor plate size and distance between buildings. Ondense urban sites, such as can be found in theYonge/Bloor height peak, a minimum separationdistance of 15 metres above the street wall must beachieved.
Slab BuildingsSlab buildings may be permitted within the heightridges of Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown. Wherepermitted, these buildings should also be set backfrom a consistent street wall/podium. Slab widthsshould also be limited to permit adequate sunpenetration onto the public realm.
Figure 27: Demonstration sketch showing point tower place-ment with six-storey street wall along Bay Street andthree-storey street wall along Yorkville Avenue.
Figure 28: Minimum tower spacing should follow a 1:1:1 relationship between floor plate size and distance betweenbuildings
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4.4 DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL QUALITYThe Bloor-Yorkville/North Midtown area has ahistory of well-designed buildings representingalmost every architectural era in Canadian history.New developments should be mindful of ensuringexcellence in design and in the use of high-gradematerials, particularly at the street level.
The design and architectural quality of a new devel-opment may be measured according to some of thefollowing principles:
CompositionNew developments should clearly express a base atthe street level, the main body of the building, and a roof form. This may be achieved through variousmeans including setbacks, extrusions, textures andmaterials (Photo 80). The composition of the build-ing must be respective of its context.
Building EntrancesThe sense of arrival to a building should be celebrat-ed through the design and detailing of its entrance.Canopies extending towards the street providingweather protection may be provided to pronouncebuilding entrances (Photo 81).
Mechanical PenthousesVents, mechanical equipment rooms and elevatorpenthouses should be integrated with the architec-tural treatment of roofs and screened from view. Tocreate greater interest in the skyline, higher buildingsshould introduce articulation in the upper floors andthis can be achieved through the use of terracingand/or architectural elements like projecting rooflines, trellises or vertical elements (Photo 82).
Photo 80 – Clear architectural language to distinguish the basefrom the building body through articulation and change incolours and materials
Photo 82 – Roof top mechanical is concealed by architecturalfeatures
Photo 81 – Example of improved building entrance to provide asense of arrival
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Safety and SecurityResidential developments and unit designs shouldbe safe and secure from on-street access. Public andsemi-private outdoor spaces should have somedegree of overlook from the residential units andgood visibility from the street. Landscaping shouldbe illuminated to enhance security (Photo 87).
Roof Top GardensRoofs and terraces should be usable for private andcommunal outdoor patios, decks, and gardens.Green roofs are encouraged as a means of retainingstorm water, improving air quality and to add visualinterest (Photo 88).
SignageFor residential buildings, signage should be closelyrelated to the principal building entrance andgenerally placed in a low wall element. Commercialsignage should add diversity and interest to retailstreets, but not be overwhelming. Signage guide-lines should be developed tailored to specificprecincts and their character. In general, the follow-ing signage types are discouraged: backlit signboxes, billboards, revolving signs, video screens, androof signs. Illuminated signs and lighting fromcommercial or public spaces should not shine direct-ly into windows of residential homes or units.
Compatibility with Historical Contexts of Village of Yorkville and Yonge-YorkvilleFitting contemporary architectural styles withinmore historical contexts should be achieved throughcompatible building proportions, replicating rhythmsof vertical and horizontal lines and through the useof similar materials and colourings (Photo 83).
(i) ScaleStreet facades should reflect the traditionalheight of earlier buildings (2-3 storeys in height)(Photo 84). Each part of the facade shouldexpress a unit of frontage similar to that estab-lished by the original survey for lots in the area.The setback of the facade from the front prop-erty line and additional setbacks in the upperstoreys of new buildings will reflect the appear-ance achieved in the scale of originalhouse-form buildings where this effect wastraditionally accomplished by the use of pitchedroof lines and gable details at the street facade.
Photo 84 – Street facades should reflect the traditional heightof earlier buildings
Photo 83 – Compatability with historical contexts achievedthrough building proportions and replicating rhythms of verticaland horizontal lines
Photo 85 – Expressive forms
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Photo 87 – Privacy for street accessed units
Photo 88 – Roof top garden
Photo 86 – Rich architectural detailing and good quality materials enrich the pedestrian experience
(ii) ProportionThe characteristics and expression of scale in abuilding are most evident in the proportions ofwindow and door openings. Generally in theYorkville area, such openings are proportionallyvertical and have a rough ratio of being twice ashigh as they are wide. Furthermore, the ratio ofarea of such openings to the solid wall area of abuilding facade should also address the tradi-tional pattern found in earlier Yorkville buildingswhere the openings are generally the less domi-nant feature (Photo 85).
(iii)MaterialsThe use of a variety of traditional materialshistorically used in the area will identify thebuilding fabric with its location providing a“sense of place” within the area (Photo 86).Brick masonry with stonework features, havebeen traditionally used in the Yorkville Avenuecontext. Other materials such a limestone,granite and glass have also been used success-fully in Yorkville. The use of concrete as acladding material should be discouraged as it isout of character with the area.
04-025 (100)Urban Development Services Communications Section