West Queen West's New Look: A Closer Look at the 450 Dufferin Proposal

Toronto’s housing conversation is always buzzing, and the latest news from West Queen West is no exception. A new development proposal at 450 Dufferin Street is generating discussion, with plans for a sleek, 18-storey rental tower that could dramatically change the corner of Dufferin and Alma Avenue.

So, what's the scoop on this new project, and what does it mean for the future of this vibrant neighborhood?

The New Proposal at a Glance

The developer, Hullmark, has submitted plans for a purpose-built rental building at 450 Dufferin. Designed by the renowned local firm Superkül, the new tower would replace an existing one-storey commercial building and its parking lot. Key features of the proposal include:

• 176 new rental units: A mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units.

• Affordable housing component: The plans include just six affordable units, representing a small fraction of the total.

• Modern design: The architecture by Superkül is described as a "compatible contrast" to the area's industrial past, featuring a pale brick façade with dark metal accents. The design aims to create a more vibrant streetscape with ground-floor retail.

• Focus on sustainable transit: The building would include 37 parking spots for cars but a staggering 160 underground bike spaces, reflecting a push for greener transportation options.

• Geothermal heating and cooling system: The building is designed to be highly energy-efficient and reduce its overall carbon footprint.

This is not Hullmark's first attempt at developing the site. An earlier 2022 proposal for a 15-storey building was scaled up to the current 18-storey plan after a zoning amendment was approved by the city earlier this year. The developer officially filed the updated application in September, and the ball is now in the city's court for a final decision.

A rendering of the proposed 18-storey rental tower at 450 Dufferin St. Superkül for Hullmark

The Broader Conversation: Affordability and Urban Growth

The proposal at 450 Dufferin sits at the intersection of two major issues facing Toronto: the need for more housing and the pressing affordability crisis.

On one hand, the project promises to add 176 new purpose-built rental units to a city in desperate need of them. Adding density in a well-serviced area, close to transit and amenities, aligns with the city's broader growth strategy. The project's emphasis on bike parking and its location along the Dufferin bus corridor and near the West Toronto Railpath Extension also make it a model for transit-oriented development.

However, the inclusion of only six affordable units has raised eyebrows. While any affordable housing is a step in the right direction, a mere six units in a 176-unit building highlights the significant gap between new housing supply and truly accessible housing options for a large portion of the population. The affordable units are spread across different unit types (one of each kind from studio to three-bedroom), but they do little to move the needle on a systemic problem.

This project is a perfect example of the balancing act Toronto faces as it attempts to build more housing while also ensuring that new developments benefit a diverse range of residents. As the city reviews Hullmark's application, it will weigh the benefits of a new, well-designed rental building against the need for more substantial affordable housing contributions.

The future of 450 Dufferin remains to be seen, but its journey through the approval process will offer another chapter in Toronto's ongoing story of real estate, development, and the quest for a more livable city.

What are your thoughts on this new development? Share this post with a friend who's always keeping up with Toronto's real estate scene and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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