Originally built in the late 1800s, the former National Casket Company factory building at the corner of Niagara and Tecumseth is currently being redeveloped into a new mixed-use residential community called WEST Condos.
The development by Aspen Ridge Homes made headlines in 2019 after tenants and artists living in the heritage building’s affordable live-work units were evicted to make way for the new project.
Plans for its redevelopment include construction of a pair of modern condo towers situated behind the heritage buildings with 320 suites, outdoor spaces and private amenities. The façades of the old factory building will be retained and refurbished to house new residential and commercial spaces when complete.
The new condo towers will share a podium, but will be separated from the heritage buildings by a central landscaped courtyard. The two complexes will only be linked via an underground service tunnel at the basement level.
Construction on the project started in summer 2020, when crews demolished the rear two-storey portion of the existing building, along with an adjacent surface parking lot. The site was cleared by the end of summer and excavation started shortly thereafter. By January 2021, shoring work was complete and the pit was excavated to a depth of three-and-half storeys.
The project’s latest milestone was hit last week when a mobile crane was on site as workers assembled the tower crane. With the crane now installed, it won’t be long before forming work starts on the foundation levels and the podium begins to rise. Meanwhile, the façade of the heritage building remains in place, including all windows on the upper levels. However, the entryways and windows on the ground floor are closed off and boarded up.
When complete, WEST Condos will consist of a 12- and 14-storey, CORE Architects-designed residence. The design reflects the site’s industrial heritage, with a mix of materials and angular forms. Inside, guests and residents will be greeted by a welcoming lobby with a concierge, along with a collection of amenities like a party room, gym, cafe and outdoor terrace.
Available suites feature one- to three-bedroom layouts with finishes curated by Mike Niven Interior Design Inc. Each unit comes standard with nine-foot ceilings, wide-plank engineered flooring, front-load washer and dryers, and private balconies or terraces. The European-style kitchens boast granite countertops, under-cabinet LED lighting, ceramic tile backsplashes and undermount stainless steel sinks.
To learn more about WEST Condos, visit the project listing on BuzzBuzzHome.
