2024-05-06T16:19:21-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150269128/safdie-architects-design-for-the-orca-mega-development-in-downtown-toronto-finally-clears-a-major-hurdle Josh Niland 2021-06-18T21:17:00-04:00 >2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/1d/1d6057a8a2ca4a45df8144d660362454.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A new multibillion-dollar development has been approved in <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/1880/toronto" target="_blank">Toronto</a>, clearing the way for what could potentially be the latest in a string of high-profile projects, including <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150265103/a-new-proposal-for-55-yonge-street-will-bring-much-needed-vertical-space-to-burgeoning-downtown-toronto" target="_blank">55 Yonge</a> and Gehry's <a href="https://archinect.com/news/article/150249372/frank-gehry-s-shiny-king-street-west-towers-advance-in-toronto" target="_blank">King Street West</a>,&nbsp;altering the city&rsquo;s skyline over the next decade.</p> <p>Situated above a 10.5-acre park that straddles the King West district between the city&rsquo;s downtown and waterfront, the proposed Over Rail Corridor Area (or ORCA) aims to create a mega-district west of the CN Tower by decking eight residential towers along a 16.5-acre railyard site that will add 3,000 new units of housing connected to the park via series of ramps and elevators.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/45/455e1b7d2bf2807de8a7705e1db80a09.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/45/455e1b7d2bf2807de8a7705e1db80a09.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>A view of the interlinking towers, courtesy of Safdie Architects.</figcaption><p><br></p><p><a href="https://archinect.com/safdiearchitects" target="_blank">Safdie Architects</a> is responsible for the multi-use development that will incorporate shopping and office space into the residential design in what the architect hopes is going to unite the continent&rsquo;s, reportedly, most <a href="https://www.good.is/articles/the-new-melting-pot-why-toronto-beats-new-york-on-diversity" target="_blank">diverse</a> city.&nbsp;<br></p></figure><p>"Our design aspires to forge a reconnection in the commun...</p>