ARIDO Award: 99 Gerrard

Caroline Robbie Jan 09, 2023
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The design challenge at this outdated yet exceptionally located building with a mash-up of parking, retail, and an anonymous office tower was to turn it into the most sought-after rental address in downtown Toronto.

Our design team was tasked with seamlessly integrating the existing 1970’s building with a brand new residential tower. Located in this prime downtown location, 99 Gerrard now offers the usual amenities that one might expect from a mixed-use building like a spa, games room, and a wonderful rooftop oasis with the emphasis on a luxurious, modern aesthetic.

Interior Designers: Julie Sumairski, ARIDO; Caroline Robbie, ARIDO
Design Firm: BDP Quadrangle
Design Team: Lindsay Brown, ARIDO; Kim Phan, Intern, ARIDO
Photographer: Adrien Williams

Double height feature fire place in the lobby lounge area with the cafe visible behind it

Vignette of the cafe separated from the lobby by a metal decorative screen

This design allows the residents of 99 Gerrard to enjoy the luxuries usually found in high end condominium buildings. These features help attract a new demographic of renters, elevating the profile of the property. Each area was designed with its own distinct characteristics to create the feel of a micro urban environment. Simple, elegant and high-quality materials were selected for aesthetics and durability while respecting the identities of each tower.

A double height fireplace visually grounds the lobby waiting area and centres the lobby and café in the main level space. Custom metal screens are used to add visual interest while separating the café and main elevator bank. Small touches like pet wash stations in the back entrance to the building and the quiet second floor co-working lounge overlooking the glazed double height lobby add to the luxury and convenience of this property.

Towards the top floors, amenities shift to health and wellness with a 180-degree view pool overlooking the bright lights of the big city. The senses are engaged through the juxtaposition of the gritty urban view and the smell of the warm, natural cedar clad room.

Pool on the top floor overlooking the Toronto skyline

Lounge space on the top floor in a warm, sophisticated colour scheme and comfortable contemporary furniture overlooking the skyline through floor to ceiling windows all around

Entertainment is the name of the game on the 32nd floor with a full height games room in a casual hip aesthetic using colourful accents, industrial light fixtures and a fun comic book graphic mural on the walls. This top floor takes advantage of the long building footprint by utilizing full height windows along the indoor corridor overlooking the rooftop terrace.

Interior spaces on this floor include social amenities such as the games room, a theatre, and sprawling dining and lounge space which can be segmented into two separate event spaces by a large sliding door clad in charred black wood. These comfortable lounge and dining spaces connect directly with the outdoor terrace and BBQ area.

Fun games room on the top floor in a colourful hip coloiurscheme with fun graphic comic book details on the wall, pool table and areas for socializing.

In the rooftop outdoor space a luxurious boardwalk conceals concrete plinths below that supply the firepit and BBQ stations. An anchoring shade pavilion invites visitors to the end of the boardwalk where they can sit back enjoy stunning skyline views from cozy loungers and. A dog park and theatre screen make this space the resident’s urban park in the sky.

Each rooftop zone compliments one another while offering residents and guests the opportunity for dining, relaxing, and socializing. There are spaces for quiet escapes, a secure area to take out pets, and even a large integrated movie screen to host screenings or building events.

Our design took highly coveted yet outdated real estate in the heart of busy Toronto and created an aesthetically beautiful, modern, and functional space that utilizes every square inch of space given to it to create a masterpiece. We measure success in the raised eyebrows and smiles of those who pass by, the residents who live in and enjoy the space everyday, and the future developments who will take inspiration from us.