Sony Centre for the Performing Arts / L-Tower
8 The Esplanade, Toronto, Ontario
Type: New construction, renovation
Size: 503,621 sf
Project Cost: $324 million ($44/$280)
Development Partners:
- Castlepoint Realty Partners Limited
- Cityzen Development Group
- Fernbrook Homes
- City of Toronto
Status: Opened in 2010 (Sony), 2015 (L-Tower)
Description
The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts / L-Tower at the corner of Yonge and Front Street is a multi-purpose entertainment venue and condominium project. It includes a 58-storey, 600-unit tower with amenities such as fitness and spa facilities, a lounge, cinema, library and catering kitchen. The tower is built adjacent to the heritage-designated and City-owned Sony Centre for the Per- forming Arts. Formerly known as the Hummingbird Centre and O’Keefe Centre, the Sony Centre opened its doors in October 1960 and was repurposed as part of this project. The renovated facility has a new mechanical system with upgraded HVAC Systems, a new lobby, new dressing rooms and terrace area, new washrooms, audience seating and floor upgrades. A new 40,000 square foot public plaza was added along its west side.
Complexity / Collaboration
In the 2000s, the Sony Centre (then Hummingbird Centre) was owned by the cash-strapped City of Toronto and was expected to be demolished and the land sold. After a decade of talk about demolition, a deal was made where the Sony Centre’s restoration was financed by the sale of half an acre of land and $50-million worth of density for the L-Tower. The deal between the Sony Centre and the development group provided $28 million to ration and renovation of the aging and cash-strapped arts facility.
User Interaction/Partnership Framework
The condominium tower is adjacent to the Sony Centre on the southwest corner of Yonge Street and The Esplanade. There is no direct access between the condo and the arts centre, although some rooms under the tower are used as rehearsal halls and change rooms.
Costs / Funding
The cost of renovations for the Sony Centre was originally suppose on but escalated to $44 million.
Questions?
If you’d like more details on our case studies, please contact us at infrastructure@utoronto.ca