Revitalization at U of T’s Downtown Campus Carries on as Part of ‘Landscape of Landmark Quality’ Project | UrbanToronto
A transformation is taking place at the University of Toronto’s St George Campus, where asphalt roads with copious surface parking are beginning to disappear, the powers that be wresting much of the campus away from cars to give it over to one of the school’s more intrinsic elements: its students. In place of the pavement, long sections of granite interlock pavers are being laid, such as in the heart of the campus at Hart House Circle.
Current installation of interlock pavers at Hart House Circle by UT Forum contributor Benito
Immediately to the southwest of Hart House Circle, the university has also confirmed that all 374 geothermal boreholes have been installed at King’s College Circle, and excavation for an underground garage has begun below the field. Currently, there are two shoring rigs on site to complete the walls that are holding back the earth around the excavation, from where close to 700 truckloads of debris have already been removed.
Facing east, current excavation at King’s College Circle, photo by UT Forum contributor Benito
The revitalization of the two ‘circles’ is part of U of T’s Landscape of Landmark Quality project, which aims to create a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment through the refreshing of four of the campus’ most important outdoor spaces: King’s College Circle, Hart House Circle, Sir Daniel Wilson Quad, and the Back Campus Fields.
With many moving parts, the excavation at Tower Road has also been completed, and the service tunnel below it is currently being repaired. Following the tunnel remediation work, a new concrete base will be placed where Tower Road was, and the new granite paver stones will be laid.
Rendering of U of T’s Landscape of Landmark Quality project, image via kpmb.com
The 20 acres of open space improvements at the campus are designed by KPMB Architects, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA), and Urban Strategies, and involve all new walkways and landscaping, and plenty of new public seating while reducing vehicular access and relocating all at-grade parking in the area into the underground garage that is currently being excavated below King’s College Circle.
Facing southwest, current excavation at King’s College Circle, photo by UT Forum contributor Benito
Facing southwest, current excavation at King’s College Circle, photo by UT Forum contributor Benito
The garage will serve the campus with parking, including 60 of its spaces for electric vehicles plus secure storage for more than 300 bikes. Below it, the large geothermal heating and cooling system will reduce the GHG emissions of the surrounding university buildings.
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