1021 Birchmount Accessibility Retrofit

Located in the heart of Scarborough, this 11-storey high-rise multi-unit residential building provides 236 units for the community. Originally constructed in 1972 as two slab towers connected by a compact ground-floor lobby with a depressed floor slab; the building was acutely in need of an accessibility retrofit to better provide convenient, barrier-free access throughout the public lobby. 

A critical upgrade is a new raised floor to align the ground floor lobby level with the adjoining ground-level suite corridors, which were separated by a 440mm change in elevation. Given the existing spatial constraints, interior ramps were not possible. This required the need to regrade and reconfigure the landscaping at both front and newly designed rear entrances. These exterior modifications provide smooth, barrier-free transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The addition of a new universal washroom and reconfiguration of the existing mailroom help facilitate a more inclusive and functional ground-floor environment.   

Raising the ground floor elevator lobby meant the existing elevator system and shaft needed major rework. Working within the limitations of the existing structure, careful attention was paid to maximize ceiling height and spatial interconnectedness. To support the new floor elevation, the existing elevator opening will be enlarged with additional structural reinforcement. The building will remain operational throughout construction and will require careful logistical phasing and planning in collaboration with the general contractor.