Strong Architectural Expression of Ace Hotel Toronto
Every great square needs a great hotel to anchor it, and the Ace is the one to do it in this neighbourhood. The building’s massing and materiality tie into the context of the west Fashion District and establishes a strong architectural expression on this hidden yet important corner.
This is a well crafted “brickworks” project that contributes to the quality of the block. The building does a lot for the fabric of the city and the nearby park. The materials at-grade are substantial, and the structural elements are delicate and iconoclastic. It is refreshing to see a deliberate approach to the history of the neighbourhood through the colour and choice of the materials, which is the obvious focus of the composition and the basis for the design. There is a warmth to the ground level of this project. This project digs deeply into how it fits into the layers of history and thus responds accordingly with an elegant architecture. The glazed ground façade brings the park inward, extending the interior lounge to the city.
Located in a long forgotten, but up and coming neighbourhood, the Ace provides a visual and cultural anchor to the west side of Portland Street. The geometry and structural expression of the extruded entrance anchors the corner. However, its success could have been strengthened if the entrance faced the park to further enhance and animate this relationship. As a result, a side street has more prominence than the park edge.
Project Information
Architect: Shim-Sutcliffe Architects
Interior Architecture: Shim-Sutcliffe Architects in collaboration with Atelier Ace
Landscape Architect: NAK Design Strategies
Planning Team: Bousfield Inc. and Stikeman Elliot
Structural Engineer: RJC Engineers
Civil Engineer: Cole Engineering
MEP: MCW Consultants Ltd.
Construction Manager: Alterra Construction Management Ltd.
Hotel Management: Ace Hotel Group
Developer/Owner/Client: Alterra Developments, B-right, Finer Space Corporation, Prowinko, Zinc Developments
Photographer: Scott Norsworthy Doublespace Photography
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