619 Queen West

Replacing a heritage building destroyed by a fire, Quadrangle has designed a contemporary replacement that recalls its predecessor with a stainless steel screen etched with the image of the lost building.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this retail and office building is part of Toronto’s Heritage Conservation District (HCD), which protects the original character of the streetscape, including new construction heights, materials and details. Quadrangle’s brief was two-fold: to adhere to the HCD legislation, while also creating a building that would reflect the values of its client, Hullmark, a real estate developer that is committed to using thoughtful and bold architecture to elevate Toronto’s urban environment.

Addressing these seemingly opposing requirements, Quadrangle found a solution in a simple, and straightforward curtain wall box, with retail at grade, two floors of offices above, and a rooftop patio — veiled by a paneled screen. In a pointillist technique, the stainless steel panels were laser cut with circular holes of various sizes to render the image of the former façade and then bronze highlights were added to highlight depth and detail. Daylight passes through the many small apertures to illuminate the office interiors, while the screen also serves as window coverings. At night, the interior lighting filters through the screen, projecting a dappled glow onto the street. At different times of day and in different weather conditions, the screen seems and more and less prominent, but always sparking interest and visual delight.

Inside, clean lines and open areas are set between large windows at the front and back of the floorplate, creating an uncomplicated office environment. A rooftop terrace is set back to provide users with functional outdoor meeting space and incredible 360 degree views of their surroundings, while still adhering to elevation requirements.

According to Quadrangle principal Richard Witt, “We were determined to find a solution that maintained the historic architectural character, while at the same time authentically basing the building in the here and now, and in a manner that is as confident and practical as our client. We’re proud of how the resulting design raises the bar for this block of Queen Street, and for how people address urban heritage requirements.”

Hullmark Developments

Architecture team: Quadrangle
Interiors team: Richard Witt, Andrea Spencer, Kevin Offin, Kenzie Terzic, Jan Schotte

Mechanical & Electrical Engineers: Integral Group
Contractor: First Gulf Development Corporation Structural: Dorlan Engineering
Lighting Design: Smith and Andersen