RioCan Hall

RioCan Hall, located on a prominent downtown block at John and Richmond Streets, is being reimagined to introduce a two-tower mixed-use development to the site. The existing theatre and retail space will be replaced with two new towers that will bring high-rise residential units, retail and office space, as well as a new theatre and day care to the site. The heritage façade on the east side of the site will be retained and will inform the design of the two-tower RioCan Hall, allowing for an improved integration of the historic brick exterior within the architecture of the development through materiality and scale.

The revitalized block will respond to the cultural corridor forming along John Street with a pedestrian-oriented podium and a 1000-square metre park leading into the development. Widened sidewalks, landscaped walkways, and a permeable site with several pedestrian entrances replacing the vehicular access points on the block will strengthen the envisioned public realm. The towers will step back from the street, creating a language of smaller blocks within the larger site to allow for an enhanced integration with the busy streetscape.The proposed towers will contrast the surrounding glass high-rises with a material articulation that will echo the historic architecture of the neighbourhood’s streetscape and offer a distinct landmark for those that will live, work, and play in this new development.