The ground is being broken today for
One Valhalla, the first phase of a massive residential project that is replacing central Etobicoke's storied
Valhalla Inn.
The three-tower, multi-townhouse development by
Page and Steele/IBI Group architects will ultimately house around 2,000 people. The first tower is set for completion by the end of 2012, and the first town houses will be ready for occupancy around December of this year.
"Heritage Preservation Services became aware of the fact that there were some notable features related to the hotel," says developer
Edilcan's vice president G.P. Di Rocco of the 1963 building. "What made it somewhat notable, the architect was
George Robb, who had done some notable things throughout the city. We worked with Heritage Preservation Services to identify certain aspects that we're going to remove, salvage and restore and reintroduce back into the project."
Edilcan salvaged several elements of the old Robb building, including a copper sculpture by the architect, which will be erected in one of the outdoor amenity areas, as well as the Viking bar and some Robb-designed light fixtures, which will become the centrepieces of one of the party rooms.
The second tower is scheduled to start construction this fall for a 2013 completion. The third tower is set to launch in the fall.
The three towers will be 22, 35 and 30 storeys, respectively.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: G.P. Di Rocco
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