Toronto Asks Gehry to Go Back to Drawing Board

Toronto city council has rejected a proposal by developer David Mirvish and architect Frank Gehry to build three landmark condos – each more than 80 storeys - in Toronto’s core. Concerns include height, heritage loss, and density.

1 minute read

December 26, 2013, 1:00 PM PST

By Kasper_O_Koblauch


Frank Gehry, recipient of the 2007 Henry C. Turner Prize, giving a presentation about how the work of Gehry Partners and Gehry Technologies has driven construction innovation.

National Building Museum / flickr

"Though the proposal to build three Frank Gehry-designed condo towers on King Street West near John Street remains alive, the project as designed has hit a new roadblock," reports CBC news.

"A motion introduced by Coun. Adam Vaughan on Wednesday calls for a working group to be struck to examine the project in greater detail. Vaughan said the intention is to find a compromise that will see three Frank Gehry-designed buildings come to the Entertainment District but not of the size and scale proposed."

"Vaughan said components of the plan – such an art gallery showcasing Mirvish's collection and a classroom space for OCAD University – would be a great addition to [the] King West [neighbourhood]."

Thursday, December 19, 2013 in CBC News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking behind a podium, pointing a finger upwards. The American and California flags are behind him.

New bill requires California data center developers to create water scarcity plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed 7 bills intended to give California communities more information about the impact of proposed data centers.

45 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

Two women sit inside a Metropolitan Transit System streetcar.

San Diego may kill one-third of its bus routes as budget crisis looms

Under the city's proposed plan, 21% of Metropolitan Transit System riders would lose access to transit services.

1 hour ago - San Diego Union-Tribune

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

September 23 - WHYY