Davpart Inc. - The United Building

The United Building in Toronto, announced today by Davpart Inc., is North America’s tallest architectural heritage retention development.

Located on the northeast corner of University Avenue and Dundas Street West, the United Building will evolve to a 55-storey highrise, 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.

“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,” says Davpart Inc. President and CEO David Hofstedter.

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 continue,” says Hofstedter.

The United design team includes B+H Architects as the prime consultant and design architects; heritage consultants ERA Architects Inc. and Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc. Baker Real Estate will manage sales activities.

“The United is a realization of our vision,” says 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 says, “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.”

ERA Architects Principal Graeme Stewart says, “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 mid-century example of modern stone office towers that contribute to the distinctive character of University Avenue.”

The United includes 224,245 sq. ft. of commercial office space and 39,320 sq. ft. of retail space up to the 10th floor where the 759 residence units begin. The front door to 481 University leads to the offices and retail; the residential condominium entrance will be at 88 Centre Street, offering direct access to the TTC’s St. Patrick Station from inside the building.

Adds Hofstedter: “481 has a grand and iconic presence on University Avenue from Dundas to Centre Streets and 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 will have two-storey plans.
Suites sizes start at 300 sq. ft. to 1,400 sq. ft.