Early site activity is setting the stage for Nørdic Condos near Wilson subway station in North York, clearing the way for Collecdev's 12-storey residential complex. Designed by Raymond Chow of gh3, the project is part of a wave of residential intensification within walking distance of the station, and will add another 429 condominium units to the mix, along with increased retail presence fronting Wilson Avenue.

Looking northeast to Nørdic Condos, image via submission to City of Toronto

Demolition commenced earlier this summer at the site's west end, closest to Wilson Station, starting with the gutting of a four-storey commercial building at 530 Wilson Avenue which had been used as a presentation centre for Nørdic, and for previous Collecdev projects in the neighbourhood. A pair of four-storey rental buildings at 470 and 490 Wilson Avenue were also gutted.

Residential buildings at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira

When we last checked in on the site in August, the first signs of demolition were apparent as the site had been surrounded in fencing and initial interior gutting had commenced. A month later, interior demolition has progressed a fair bit as crews from Orin Demoltion meticulously strip out interior finishes in preparation for structural demolition.

Residential buildings at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira

To the west of the residential buildings, the former commercial building recently had the first of its exterior cladding removed, a section of its (recently white-painted) red brick finishes. Structural demolition of the commercial and residential buildings is next, to clear the site and allow the start of shoring and excavation for the new residential complex and park.

Office building at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira

Meanwhile, the first signs of the building's geothermal system—a regular feature in Collecdev projects—have been spotted in the form of geothermal drilling rigs, which will drill wells across the site as an element of the sustainable system. Geothermal heating and cooling is expected to reduce Nørdic's carbon emissions by 70% and provide residents with predictable utility costs.

Geothermal drilling rig at site of Nørdic Condos, image by Edward Skira

Source: Urban Toronto