LOBLAW’S GROCETERIA WAREHOUSE ADAPTIVE REUSE – Toronto, ON
Jury Comment: “After standing idle for a decade, the adaptive reuse of this 1928 heritage structure is worthy of recognition. Within the context of the large mixed-use development that occupies the remainder of the site, it has catalyzed the revitalization of a section of Toronto’s waterfront. Conserving the embodied carbon in existing buildings is an increasingly important strategy in combating climate change.”
The 1928 Loblaws Groceteria warehouse was listed on the Toronto Register of Heritage Properties in 2001, but sat abandoned for over a decade. The 2020 restoration and adaptive re-use has preserved a remarkable example of Toronto’s waterfront industrial heritage, while introducing healthy food options, local retail and community services into a neighbourhood experiencing rapid intensification.
Perched on the south edge of a site bisected by the Gardiner Expressway, the warehouse was commercially unviable due to its small footprint, lack of services and structural deterioration. The architect devised a masterplan inserting high-rise residential towers at the north end of the site, with below-grade servicing and parking. The land value unlocked by this strategy financed the restoration and expansion of the Groceteria warehouse, which is reborn as a centre for food, retail, local services and employment in the Fort York neighbourhood.
A four-storey Class AAA office ‘pavilion’ sits lightly atop the 1928 structure, clad in glass and steel brises soleil and set back from existing exterior walls to allow a clear reading of historic and new elements. The renovated and expanded warehouse is fully accessible, and certified LEED Gold.
Preserving an historical building is an act of environmental responsibility. The architects retained the original footprint, and reinforced its structure to accommodate a modest but effective density increase.
The warehouse typology is highly adaptable to a range of programming. A ground floor ‘galleria’ of small shops is convenient for pedestrians stopping quickly as they go about their day. The entire second floor is occupied by a flagship Loblaw grocery store, offering groceries and freshly prepared meals for office workers and local residents. The new rooftop pavilion has space for 1,100 Loblaw’s digital economy workers.
The building is fully accessible. All entrances are flush with grade. A barrier-free lift at the south entrance enables visitors to negotiate an internal grade change on the ground floor.
Sloan products, supplied by Dobbin Sales, used in the project include: Designer Series Sink Systems, Touchless soap dispensers, high efficiency faucets and flushometers for water closets and urinals.
Project Credits
- Architect architects-Alliance
- Associate Architect ERA Architecture
- Owner Choice Properties Construction & Development
- Developer Wittington Properties
- General Contractor (Heritage Building and Towers)
- EllisDon Ledcor PAAV Inc
- General Contractor (Under Gardiner Plaza)
- Rochon Building Corp
- Landscape Architect NAK Design Strategies
- Civil Engineer LEA Consulting Ltd
- Mechanical/Electrical Engineer MCW Consultants
- Structural Engineer Read Jones Christoffersen [RJC]
- Project Manager CD Capital
- Heritage Contractor/Consultant Historic Restoration Inc
- Wayfinding/Signage Entro
- Photos Michael Muraz Photography, A-Frame Studio
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