Metropia has filed a updated Site Plan Approval (SPA) submission for The Hill Condos, a major residential proposal at 1406–1428 Yonge Street in Toronto’s Deer Park neighbourhood. The redesigned project keeps its previously approved 50‑storey structure but increases the building’s overall height and removes all commercial and retail elements from the ground level. The new design emphasizes a completely residential program with significant heritage conservation and an enhanced pedestrian‑oriented experience near transit.
Project Overview: Height Increase and Retail Changes
Originally proposed in 2021 as a 39‑storey mixed‑use tower with at‑grade retail, The Hill Condos has seen multiple revisions over the years. Early plans called for approximately 406 units and 158 m² of retail. By 2022, the tower expanded to 50 storeys and 542 units, and further amendments in 2024 increased the height to 162.2 m with 588 units.
In the latest submission, the revised proposal:
- Maintains 50 storeys but increases overall height to approximately 168.7 m.
- Replaces all previous retail space with a fully residential program.
- Includes 509 condominium units plus 8 rental replacement units — fewer than some earlier plans but optimized for residential use.
- Removes vehicular parking entirely, embracing a car‑free design.
- Adds generous bicycle parking and amenity spaces designed for urban lifestyle connectivity.
This shift away from retail reflects broader urban trends where downtown residential demand often outweighs commercial viability at specific mid‑block sites, especially near rapid transit. The decision also aligns with transit‑oriented development priorities that emphasize walkability and proximity to public transportation.
Heritage Conservation and Urban Design Enhancements
One of the most defining elements of the revised design is the full retention of heritage facades along Yonge Street. These late Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings — recognized on the City’s Heritage Register — will continue to front the sidewalk, seamlessly integrating with the new tower massing while preserving streetscape character.
The heritage facades will be incorporated into a podium that provides clear access to St. Michael’s Cemetery through a rear easement. The design by B+H Architects also adds a terrace and activity spaces above the heritage element, creating improved public‑facing interaction at ground level despite the absence of retail.
These design choices signal an increasing emphasis on contextual urban design — balancing new vertical density with the preservation of Toronto’s historical streetscape and neighbourhood identity.
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Transit, Connectivity, and Walkable Living
The Hill Condos benefits from excellent transit access, located just steps from the south entrance to St. Clair subway station on Line 1. Streetcars along St. Clair Avenue and local bus routes add to seamless mobility options, making the site highly desirable for residents seeking transit‑oriented living.
While the elimination of retail may reduce immediate local shopping options on the ground floor, the building’s proximity to existing commercial amenities along Yonge Street and access to rapid transit ensures residents remain connected to the broader urban fabric.
Bicycle infrastructure along Yonge Street further supports active transportation options, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable city living with reduced dependence on cars.
Market and Urban Planning Implications
This revision of The Hill Condos highlights evolving trends in Toronto’s development landscape:
- Height and density optimization: Developers are maximizing residential space within existing approvals, responding to both market demand and planning frameworks that support vertical growth near transit corridors.
- Retail reconsideration: The removal of retail could reflect shifts in retail viability, post‑pandemic consumption patterns, or strategic decisions that prioritize residential returns.
- Heritage integration: Preserving heritage facades shows how modern high‑rise projects can respect Toronto’s architectural legacy while injecting new population and amenities into established neighbourhoods.
Conclusion
The revised The Hill Condos proposal from Metropia represents a significant evolution in one of Midtown Toronto’s most discussed high‑rise projects. With increased height, a fully residential program, and careful heritage conservation, the development reflects both market realities and sensitive urban design approaches. As planning reviews proceed, this iteration could become a benchmark for future transit‑oriented, heritage‑integrated residential towers in Toronto.
