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