Toronto is still (impatiently) waiting for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to enter service as the TTC's Line 5, but neverending delays and cost overruns have done little to slow the tidal wave of development reshaping the corridor the route will soon serve.

An evolving development proposal planned at the western terminus of the line's initial leg could bring a distinctive landmark to the Mount Dennis neighbourhood, though it will mean substantial changes for the established low-rise neighbourhood that abuts the station today.

A group of five single-family homes spanning 11-23 Hollis Street, near Weston Road and Eglinton, have been on the chopping block since a 2021 proposal was tabled with the City by Gairloch Developments.

Existing homes on-site today. Image via Google Street View.

The assembly of roughly 1,800 square metres is situated on a rectangular plot of land immediately next to the forthcoming Mount Dennis station on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and its connecting GO station.

Initial plans from 2021 called for a 34-storey condominium tower on the site, though new documents filed with the City now seek approval for a 48-storey tower with a substantially altered design from architects—Alliance.

Gairloch/architects—Alliance

These updated plans reflect a 2023 settlement offer presented to City staff and greenlit by the Ontario Land Tribunal — resulting in some significant changes to the plan from what was previously proposed.

Gairloch/architects—Alliance

As one would imagine is the case with a 14-storey height increase, some major changes have been proposed to the layout of the building, most notably an increase in the condominium unit count from 365 up to 583.

However, one department where the plan has not been upsized is the parking component, which has actually been reduced by approximately 20 spaces. The adjacent transit hub would be expected to handle most residents' transportation needs, while an included bike parking component has been increased by almost 250 spaces, now calling for 585 spaces.