November 17, 2009

Toronto launches design contest for new St. Lawrence Market building

TORONTO

The City of Toronto has launched an international architectural competition to find the best design for a new north building in the St. Lawrence Market complex.

“We’re looking for the best creative minds in architecture to replace the underused, single-storey North Market building with a new four-storey, multi-purpose facility that will be a model for sustainable design, energy efficiency and design excellence,” said Mayor David Miller.

“The challenge for architectural teams is to come forward with a forward-thinking design that is also mindful of the character and heritage of the St. Lawrence Market and surrounding neighbourhood.”

The new North Building will continue to host the Saturday farmers’ market and Sunday antique market. Space for court rooms and administrative offices for Toronto Court Services and a 250-space underground parking garage will also be part of the new building.

The strategy to redevelop the North Building property was approved by Toronto City Council in November 2008.

As part of the official kickoff, Miller and Councillor Pam McConnell released the competition brief — a formal set of submission requirements and site and design criteria for architects vying for the winning design.

The competition is a two-stage process, with expressions of interest and then evaluation of submissions by the short-listed architectural teams. A winning design will be announced in June 2010.

The new building is expected to be completed and operating in 2014.

DCN News Services

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