April 21, 2022 (Toronto, ON) – Best practices to revitalize Toronto-Dominion Centre, Canada’s most prestigious business community, has been captured in a new book by Getty, the leading cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy.
Cadillac Fairview, PCL Construction and ERA Architects contributed to Managing Energy Use in Modern Buildings: Case Studies in Conservation Practice as one of ten global case studies in the second volume of Getty Conservation Institute’s Conserving Modern Heritage Series.
“The book showcases unique challenges and practical examples to balance improvements to a building’s energy efficiency with its conservation,” said Bernard Flaman and Chandler McCoy, co-editors of the book. “The subject is of pressing importance today as developers, architects, builders and policy makers look to lower the carbon footprint of both new and existing buildings by identifying more sustainable solutions to combat climate change.”
Toronto-Dominion Bank and Fairview Corporation, now known as Cadillac Fairview, joined forces in 1962 to build Toronto-Dominion Centre to the tune of $60 million. While designed by the pioneer of modernist architecture, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, little did they know it would set the stage for the future of commercial real estate in Canada.
“Over 40 years after opening, an evolving real estate market and increasing competition made it clear that Toronto-Dominion Centre needed an upgrade in order to preserve its revered stature in the Canadian marketplace,” said Sal Iacono, Executive Vice President, Operations Cadillac Fairview. “In 2009, we embarked on a journey to breathe new life into the historic landmark, focused on integrating high-performance building systems, renewable energy sources, curtainwall preservation and other cost-effective solutions.”
Highlights of the revitalization and sustainability program included:
- Window replacement program that saw between 16 to 18 windows replaced with double-glazed windows each night
- Sophisticated painting and glazing program that required a custom-made paint, subject to temperamental environmental conditions
- Upgrading 55,000 lights across 4.3 million square feet to LED
- One of the first buildings in Toronto to convert to Enwave’s Deep Lake Water Cooling technology
- Completing the work with limited disruption to 20,000 tenants
“As the commercial real estate market becomes more competitive and diverse, developers and asset owners are driving towards deep carbon retrofits. In many cases, success in revitalizing these heritage assets is making it look like the work never even happened,” said Peter Olive, manager of Building Revitalization, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “We are proud to be part of supporting Toronto-Dominion Centre’s continuing legacy and sustainability efforts.”
Today, Toronto-Dominion Centre continues to set new and innovative standards for industry leadership and is considered an architectural and commercial monument in Toronto.
To learn more about what went into to revitalizing the iconic Toronto-Dominion Centre, check out this video. Copies of the publication are available to purchase on Getty’s website or through authorized vendors.
About Toronto-Dominion Centre
Situated at the very centre of Canadian business, TD Centre is Canada's most prestigious global business address. Continually setting new and innovative standards for industry leadership and operational excellence, TD Centre provides the ultimate environment for success. With over 4.3 million sq. ft. in six LEED EB:O&M Platinum towers, TD Centre has set the standard for real estate everywhere. Learn more at www.cadillacfairview.com/office/group/cf-td-centre.
About Cadillac Fairview
Cadillac Fairview (CF) is a globally focused owner, operator, investor, and developer of best-in-class real estate across retail, office, residential, industrial and mixed-use asset classes. Wholly owned by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, CF manages in excess of $35 billion of assets across the Americas and the United Kingdom, with further expansion planned into Europe and Asia. Internationally, CF invests in communities with like-minded partners, including Stanhope in the UK, Lincoln Property Company in the U.S., and Multiplan in Brazil. The company's Canadian portfolio comprises 68 landmark properties, including the Toronto-Dominion Centre, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Tour Deloitte, CF Carrefour Laval, CF Chinook Centre and CF Pacific Centre. Continually striving to make a positive impact in communities where it operates by promoting social connection, growth, and a sustainable future, CF's Purpose is Transforming Communities for a Vibrant Tomorrow. Learn more at cadillacfairview.com and follow CF on LinkedIn.
About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that carries out work across Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Australia. These diverse operations in the civil infrastructure, heavy industrial, and buildings markets are supported by a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers. Together, these companies have an annual construction volume of more than $8 billion, making PCL the largest contracting organization in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Watch us build at www.pcl.com.