The Well

Toronto, ON

The Well—as in “living well”— shapes a synergistic space where residents, workers, and neighbours enrich the urban experience for one another. Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Front, Draper, and Wellington Streets, the project injects a dynamic mix of uses into a key city-centre site. Close to half a million square feet of retail and over a million square feet of commercial office space have been added to this underserviced area. More than a million and a half square feet of residential units were also added, including both rental and market condominiums. The site has a total of seven buildings and preserves the character of the neighbourhood including the historic cottages of Draper Street. A new 36-storey office building at the intersection of Front and 8 Spadina, also designed by HPA, marks the gateway into the new neighbourhood.

A significant linear park lines Wellington Street connecting Victoria Memorial Park to the west and Clarence Square to the east. The pedestrian-centred plan restricts vehicles to a few underground garage access points and uses existing laneways and new promenades to link existing pocket parks to a retail-oriented pedestrian thoroughfare that crosses the neighbourhood bringing a mix of international chains, independent boutiques, and restaurant patios. The undulating glass canopy provides shelter to the retail spine year-round.

The Well integrates live-work-play to a greater extent than any other project currently proposed in Toronto.

Project Facts
Client
Allied Property REIT, RioCan, DiamondCorp
Location
Toronto, ON
Status
Completed 2024
Size
3,200,000 sq. ft.
Partner
David Pontarini
Selected Awards

2025 – Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Award of Excellence

Recent Press

"Toronto Megaproject 'The Well' is Canada's Answer to Hudson Yards"

Allied and RioCan Announce Major Office Tenant at The Well

The Globe and Mail - New Toronto Development Envisions the City of the Future: Corporate-Artisanal Urbanism

A significant linear promenade park has beencreated along Wellington Street, connecting Victoria Memorial Park to the westwith Clarence Square to the east.

The master plan is located along a gateway to the city with the Spadina exit ramp from the Gardiner Expressway leading into the core along the eastern edge of the site. Re-invigorating a significant site in downtown Toronto, The Well will contribute to the pedestrian-oriented, urban revitalization of the city.

Green energy will be used throughout the development. The project will take advantage of innovative technologies developed by Enwave such as the deep lake-water cooling system that uses cold water from Lake Ontario as a renewable cooling source. A large reservoir under the development will hold the lake water that will be pumped through the towers in the development and surrounding buildings.

8 Spadina Avenue, a landmark commercial building also designed by HPA, is envisioned for the north-west corner at Front Street and Spadina Avenue to anchor the master plan and create a gateway to the city. The entire master plan will be delivered in three phases, the first being 8 Spadina Avenue.

Sketch by David Pontarini

A undulating glass canopy will allow access to the street year-round. Creating a vibrant, mixed-use community within, The Well will become a gathering place that reflects the nature of the city and connects to the surrounding neighborhood in a seamless, dynamic extension of this urban hub.

The Well is a highly anticipated addition to the neighborhood, integrating the live-work-play approach to a greater extent than any other project currently proposed in Toronto.

Interiors of 8 Spadina Avenue designed by Hariri Pontarini.