Construction to begin on Ryerson University student residence in Toronto by 2014

Construction is expected to begin by 2014 on a new student residence project in downtown Toronto that will create more than 500 additional spaces at Ryerson University.

To be developed by the MPI Group and designed by IBI Group Architects, the residence will be located at 186-188 Jarvis Street, a five-minute walk from the heart of the Ryerson campus. It is expected to open in September 2016.

While the design of the new student residence has not been finalized, preliminary plans feature a two-storey podium at grade providing retail and other services, and a 20+ storey building offering a mix of one to four bedroom units.

The building will meet Toronto’s Green Building Standards and will include amenities such as laundry, shared kitchens, modern open-concept living spaces, open terraces and glassed-in lounges, the university said.

A Ryerson spokesperson said construction costs have not been determined, given that the building size hasn’t been finalized. Nor has a decision been made on whether a general contractor or construction manager will be retained.

The innovative public-private partnership between Ryerson and the MPI Group will see the private company cover all of the construction and development costs while the university will provide the student tenants for the building as well as a mix of student services.

“This sleek student residence is a great addition to the Ryerson community,” said Julia Hanigsberg, vice-president of administration and finance. “Our new residence will assist with the ongoing transformation of the neighbourhood and help meet the need for more residence space.”

The proposed residence is in keeping with Ryerson’s approach to city building and reflects the core principles of the Ryerson Master Plan: urban intensification, putting people first through “pedestrianization” of the urban environment, and a commitment to design excellence.

“Our students have told us that they want more and better housing options closer to campus,” said Ryerson president Sheldon Levy.

“This new residence will do just that, adding more than 500 beds, increasing the number of residence spots by 30 per cent.”

Levy said this is just the first wave of 2,000 new residence spaces that the university plans to add by 2020.

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