Ontario Construction News staff writer
Arcadis has been selected as design architect and architect of record for Toronto Metropolitan University’s new 21-storey, purpose-built student housing project on Bond Street.
In addition to architectural services, Arcadis is providing interior design for the building’s academic spaces, including auditoriums and study areas. The residence will add 1,382 beds to TMU’s downtown campus, significantly expanding student housing capacity in the city’s core.
The project is backed by an $83-million investment from the Government of Ontario’s Building Ontario Fund, marking the first student housing development to receive financing through the fund. Once complete, the Bond Street residence will more than double TMU’s student housing capacity, increasing it from 1,144 beds to 2,526.
TMU selected Pomerleau as construction managers for the project, with an official groundbreaking ceremony to take place later this spring.
The development will include 393 suite-style units, with most designed as three-bedroom suites that combine private and shared rooms. Each suite will feature an eat-in kitchen, providing an alternative to traditional residence meal plans. Residence rates are expected to remain significantly below average market rents in Toronto.
Two large auditoriums, building-wide lounges, study areas and creative spaces are included in the plan. Arcadis worked in partnership with Cedar Podium Investment Management on the overall design.
“TMU’s newest residence is an excellent example of how we can address the student housing gap in a major city and leverage design and planning to make the most of the site,” said Mansoor Kazerouni, global director of architecture and urbanism at Arcadis.
The building is located on a key axis between TMU’s main campus and Sankofa Square, formerly Yonge–Dundas Square. The design features two distinct vertical volumes with a bronze-and-white façade. According to Arcadis, a chiselled corner facing the campus is intended to create a prominent entrance and visual connection to the university.
Excavation is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
