Wonder Condos is a new midrise condominium under construction now at 462 Eastern Avenue in Leslieville.

The highly anticipated development by Graywood Developments and Alterra is no ordinary Toronto condo as it’s poised to revitalize the former Weston Bakery facility that once produced Wonder Bread. The area landmark dates back to 1919 and the official groundbreaking for the new project took place 100 years later in May 2019.

Demolition work, heritage preservation and shoring took place last year, making way for excavation in March of this year. Excavation on the two-level underground parking garage continued into the spring, and today a large tower crane sits in the middle of the pit. Meanwhile, crews are pouring concrete for subsequent levels and some concrete walls and rebar-reinforced columns are visible.

Views from the north end of the site looking south reveal a unique perspective into the rear section of the retained heritage facade which is composed of two sections. The two-storey section on the east side consists of just the brick facade and is being supported by a bright yellow steel bracing system. The larger section towards the west retains more of the old building’s front portion and is still standing on its own with much of the original columns still in place.

When completed in 2022, Wonder Condos will blend the site’s industrial past with the present through a modern eight-storey residential structure designed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc. The exterior will be clad in red brick and punctuated by oversized factory windows.

Interiors by TACT Design will include artifacts from the original building that will be preserved as art pieces in the common areas and amenities. Those amenities include a coworking lounge, multipurpose family room and an industrial-inspired gym. Residents will also have access to an expansive rooftop terrace complete with seating areas, barbecues and firepits.

The development will house a total of 289 units including condo suites, lofts and towns. Select units in the new addition will boast glass-walled balconies or stepped terraces with sweeping views.

Source: Livabl