The University of Toronto is moving forward with a reimagined vision for the building planned for 90 Queen's Park Crescent - one that reflects evolving space requirements in the post-pandemic academic landscape and ensures long-term financial sustainability.
The building - set to become a major centre for scholarship on urban issues, a hub for community engagement and a key gateway to the St. George campus - will now rise six storeys instead of eight and will occupy approximately 60 per cent less space than originally envisioned.
U of T's School of Cities will be the primary occupant, anchoring the facility with a mission to advance urban-focused research, teaching and dialogue. The building will include spaces for the Faculty of Arts & Science, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Music and will feature a world-class recital hall.
The latest revisions will preserve more of Falconer Hall's west wing than previously planned, maintaining a greater portion of the historic structure.
U of T President Meric Gertler, who championed the creation of the School of Cities, said he is delighted to see it reside at the heart of the project.
"This new space will welcome scholars, students, community members and civic leaders who are interested in understanding the forces shaping cities and are committed to developing inclusive and evidence-based solutions," said President Gertler, who will become a distinguished scholar in residence at the School of Cities after stepping down as president on July 1, following 12 years in the role.
"It reflects the university's deep commitment to collaboration, public engagement and the pursuit of knowledge that serves society. I would like to thank all those involved in making this ambitious and important project a reality."
Alongside Falconer Hall, 90 Queen's Park includes the site of the former McLaughlin Planetarium, which ceased operations 30 years ago and was later acquired by U of T. The project, first unveiled in 2019 , has since undergone several modifications following extensive consultation with the city and community members.
The updated design reshapes the building's form to better harmonize with its surroundings while preserving collaborative space for U of T students, researchers and members of the public to contribute diverse perspectives to city-building.
The project will continue to feature a significant public component, including a café and accessible pedestrian connections between Falconer Hall and the nearby Edward Johnson Building, home to the Faculty of Music.
"Ninety Queen's Park occupies a unique place at the heart of the city's educational, cultural, and legislature corridor - arguably one of the most prominent and visible locations in the country," said David Palmer, U of T's vice-president, advancement. "In housing the University's School of Cities and the Jay Telfer Forum, which will present hundreds of concerts each year, the building will be a focal point of public and civic engagement and serve as a gateway to the core of the St. George campus."
Work to prepare the site for construction will begin in July.
"This reimagined project at 90 Queen's Park is a carefully considered response to the changing needs of our academic community," said Scott Mabury, U of T's vice-president of operations and real estate partnerships. "It reflects our commitment to building spaces that not only support world-class research and teaching but also foster meaningful engagement with the city around us.
"We're creating a place that is versatile, sustainable and financially responsible - while delivering on our vision for a vibrant new gateway to the St. George campus."
