
37 Storey Rental & Hotel Proposed in Liberty Village
A new high-rise proposal could soon reshape Toronto’s Liberty Village skyline, as plans have been submitted to add a 37-storey tower to the historic Carpet Factory complex. The development reflects the continued evolution of the former industrial district into a dense, mixed-use urban neighbourhood.
Project Overview and Site Context
The proposal, led by developer Hullmark, targets lands within the block bounded by King Street West, Mowat Avenue, Fraser Avenue, and Liberty Street. The tower would rise from a site currently occupied by a single-storey building and a surface parking lot at 72 Fraser Avenue.
BlogTo reports that the broader Carpet Factory complex dates back to between 1899 and the 1920s, when it operated as a carpet manufacturing facility. In the 1990s, the buildings were converted into office space, helping establish Liberty Village as a hub for creative and commercial tenants.
Now, the site is poised for another transformation as intensification continues across the area.
Development Scope and Program
The proposed 37-storey tower would reach just under 135 metres in height and introduce a mix of residential and hospitality uses.
Key program elements include:
- 263 purpose-built rental units
- Approximately 23,200 square metres of residential space
- 168 hotel suites
- Approximately 9,200 square metres of hotel space
The shift toward rental and hotel uses reflects broader market trends, as developers respond to changing demand and challenges in the condominium sector.
Design and Architectural Approach
The project is being designed by U.K.-based architecture firm Allies and Morrison, with a focus on complementing the historic character of the existing complex.
Design considerations include:
- A contemporary tower form integrated with heritage buildings
- Material choices that align with the existing brick industrial structures
- A vertical massing strategy that increases density without overwhelming the site
The tower will rise alongside the preserved factory buildings, creating a contrast between historic low-rise forms and modern high-rise construction.
Demolition and Site Modifications
To accommodate the new development, several existing structures will be removed or altered.
Planned changes include:
- Demolition of a single-storey building currently housing restaurant and retail uses
- Partial demolition of a structure at 100 Liberty Street
- Construction of a new low-rise building for retail, office, and commercial uses
These modifications will allow for a reconfigured site layout that supports both the tower and new commercial spaces.
Mixed-Use Integration and Urban Design
The proposal aims to integrate residential, hotel, and commercial functions within a cohesive development.
Key features include:
- New retail and commercial space at grade
- Continued activation of the pedestrian-oriented streetscape
- Integration with surrounding office and creative spaces
The addition of hotel suites alongside rental housing introduces a layered approach to occupancy and usage within the site.
Construction Trades Involved
At this stage, with the project in the planning and rezoning phase, the primary trades involved include:
- Architectural and heritage integration specialists
- Structural and civil engineering consultants
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers
- Planning and zoning consultants
- Surveying and site analysis teams
- Cost estimation and development management professionals
As the project advances, additional trades will be engaged for demolition, structural construction, and high-rise building systems.
Closing Thoughts
The proposed tower at the Carpet Factory site highlights the ongoing transformation of Liberty Village from an industrial district into a high-density mixed-use community. By combining heritage preservation with new vertical development, the project demonstrates how older urban sites can be adapted to meet modern housing and commercial needs.
For construction professionals, the development underscores the importance of balancing adaptive reuse with new construction, managing phased demolition, and integrating high-rise structures into historically significant sites.
Judy Lamelza
Editor-in-Chief
