Here's one of the most ambitious — and possibly wacky — development proposals for Toronto right now. Winnipeg-based developer Marwest wants to build a 42-storey addition atop an existing 19-storey office tower at 415 Yonge St.
As Urban Toronto reports, a development application filed with the city outlines a plan for a hybrid tower designed by Kirkor Architects that would reach a total height of 239.35 metres or 61 storeys.
The addition would place 450 rental units along the Line 1 subway, but it's one of many high rises proposed for the Yonge and Gerrard area in the coming years, which could be overwhelmed if all are approved at or near their proposed densities.
One thing that sticks out about this development, however, is the number of three-bedroom units proposed, which comes in at 52 (followed by 94 two-bedrooms, and 304 one-bedrooms).
The new addition wraps around the existing building. Photo via the City of Toronto / Kirkor Architects.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the prominent central wedge is intriguing, as is the way that the addition rises from the existing building, which is certainly unconventional by Toronto standards (488 University, for instance, blends the two buildings into one another).
It's perhaps a little strange that the plans call for the preservation of the original tower here, which dates back to 1974 and isn't particularly noteworthy. I'm not complaining, but the relationship between old and new is just a tad odd.
This proposal has a long way to go before approval, but it's already one of the most novel developments in the works for 2018.
Correction: An earlier version of this post characterized the development as a condo, when in fact rental units have been proposed. We apologize for the error.
While the outdoor space — complete with views of Casa Loma and a very useful gas line for a barbecue — is certainly a highlight, the interior is quite striking for its simple elegance. Nothing here screams opulence, but there's a quiet classiness that's entirely compelling. 
If there was a contemporary space made to let mid-century Modern furniture shine, this would be it. In general, all the open space really opens up the possibilities when it comes to decorating the unit. 
As far as practical matters go, it's listed as a 2 + 1, though it looks like the office/lounge area could easily be turned into a full bedroom if need be. I like it as a television room should the two bedroom set-up suffice.
Meanwhile, the three bathrooms on offer underscore that this condo could very easily accommodate a modest-sized family. It's anything but cheap, of course — but when you look at what Annex area houses are going for, this package might be quite enticing. 
Specs
Good For
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The outside doesn't feature any red brick — in its place is smooth limestone — but the very idea of putting such an immaculately outfitted, vertically oriented home on a busy street recalls the brownstones of New York. 
There are too many highlights to name, but a few that stick out to me are the enormous windows, the Prada-inspired en suite/closet combination, and the panoramic rooftop views that span from Casa Loma all the way downtown. 
The fact that there's enough office space for an architecture studio on the lower level is just an incredible bonus given everything else on offer.
The Essentials
Why it sold for what it did
Was it worth it?
