The North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI) Redevelopment is a one of a kind development consisting of a replacement school facility which was integrated with a new residential development, the Republic Condominiums.
The redevelopment includes a 4 storey, 14,500m2 secondary school building, 2 residential buildings with a total of 450 units, a playfield, and a tree-lined public pedestrian walkway as a new through block access.
The 4 storey secondary school building has significant heritage components of the original NTCI. The components were retained and integrated into the design of the courtyard, conceptually embedding the original historic Gothic Collegiate School, originally built in 1912 and demolished for this redevelopment, in the center of the new school and reinforcing its symbolic presence as the heart of the new building. The building is designed to accommodate 1206 students and includes science, art, music and drama classrooms, a 600 seat theatre, a library, and a triple gymnasium. The design for the school was conceived around a major courtyard space which provides daylight, views, orientation, and accessible outdoor social program space. On the ground floor level, the dramatic 3 storey multi-use commons/theatre lobby and continuous glazed hallway overlook the outdoor regulation sports field with bleacher seating along the walkway.
The 24 and 27 storey residential buildings, the Republic Condominiums, are constructed as part of the overall school complex, but with clearly identified and separate entrances, designated parking, and loading and amenity areas. The residential buildings were developed as primarily glass-clad, slender, elegant structures which defer in their massing to the more solid masonry-clad base building of the secondary school. Knock-out panels between units are provided to accommodate future flexibility for larger suites.
Land use efficiency was achieved by minimizing the building footprint and maximizing community open space. An extensive green roof over the school and a full size track and field increase the green space, promoting storm water management and habitat.
The school and residential developments were designed with future flexibility of use, with future expansion potential built into the school.