Located at Spadina Avenue and College Street in Toronto, our scope of work focused on transforming this urban infill site into a vibrant mixed-use development that merges heritage preservation with contemporary design. Once a 1900s hotel, the Waverley has been reimagined to include a boutique-style lobby featuring a dynamic retail space, café, and bar that serve both residents and the public. Adjacent to the residential entrance, we reconstructed the iconic Silver Dollar Room, a homage to the site’s storied musical past, by reinstating its original mural, bar, stage, terrazzo flooring, and historic signage. We achieved Toronto Green Standard Version 2.1, Tier 2 by implementing a well-rounded sustainable design strategy that supports both environmental performance and resident well-being. The project includes nearly 200 bicycle storage spaces and EV charging stations to encourage low-carbon transportation.
Green roofs planted with native and drought-tolerant species reduce irrigation needs and promote biodiversity, while high-efficiency irrigation systems and rainwater reuse cut potable water use for landscaping by 65%. Inside, low-flow fixtures exceed Ontario Building Code standards by 39%, saving over 9.6 million litres of water annually. Each unit is equipped with an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to improve indoor air quality, and low-emitting materials were used throughout to support occupant health.
Owing to its status as a cultural landmark in the city, we carefully preserved elements of the Silver Dollar Room and reincorpated them into its redesign. The room’s iconic hand-painted mural was reinstated, along with its original bar, stage, terrazzo floor, as well as the historic Silver Dollar Room sign, after the building’s completion. These restoration efforts earned the Silver Dollar Room an Award of Merit for Conservation – Small & Lovely in 2021.
Our projects often involve heritage buildings or elements of heritage environments, and we specialize in integrating these historic components into modern designs. The Waverley is a perfect example of how past and present can harmoniously coexist, creating a space that serves the needs of today while honoring its past legacy.
Media:
Published June 30, 2025, Globe & Mail: “Fitzrovia expands student housing ahead of expected residence shortfall”
Published April 24, 2024, Toronto Life: “Inside Toronto’s Swankiest Condo Lobbies”
