Backstage Construction Update – March 2017 update

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, March 2017 – Update

NOTE: We will be posting major construction updates mid-month, with other updates as developments warrant.


The waterproofed outdoor lap pool at Backstage

Exterior Work

The return of winter weather conditions has affected all the exterior work at Backstage. However, we were able to take advantage of favourable conditions to complete completed the aluminum work between the windows and limestone on the lower levels on the north and east face of the building.

Railings and glass panels have been installed on the north side of the podium deck. Higher railings with noise dampening glass are in the process of being installed on the east and south sides of the podium deck.

The water proofing and testing on the outdoor pool were completed successfully. Construction management is now awaiting delivery of the tile from Italy. None of the porcelain tile on the east fins is being installed because of the extreme cold temperatures.

Construction management is in the process of planning with their landscape contractor, the schedule for finishes on the podium deck. They are also still waiting on the landscape permit from the City of Toronto before proceeding on finishing the sidewalk and exterior at street level.

Glass & railings installed on the north side of the Backstage podium deck

Higher railings on the east and south side of the podium will be completed with strong, noise dampening glass


Storm Water Tank

Prior to proceeding with any street level finishing and sidewalk work, the underground stormwater runoff tank had to be be completed. The work is now done and we took a peak inside.

Looking down into the stormwater tank from the sidewalk at Yonge & The Esplanade

Inside the completed stormwater tank (1 of 2)

Inside the completed stormwater tank (2 of 2)

 


Interior Work 

During the last phase of occupancy the building department passed the men’s and women’s steam rooms, the Screen Theatre room, the Bar Lounge, Party room Kitchen, Private dining area and Party room. With the exception of the steam rooms, we are awaiting furniture for the other remaining areas (first week of April) before they  can be used by the residents.

The last unfinished suite at Backstage, soon to be completed.

Completed bar in the 6th floor amenity space at Backstage

The freshly waterproofed hot tub just inside from the pool at Backstage.


We will be continue to provide construction updates while work remains to be completed through the remainder of the winter and spring. Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.



The east face of Backstage, porcelain tile installation will resume as the weather warms up


And we will leave this month’s update with this – the western view from the 36th floor: 

Backstage Construction Update – February 2017 update

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, February 2017 – Update

NOTE: We will be posting major construction updates mid-month, with other updates as developments warrant.


Backstage porcelain cladding installation on the east face of the tower

Backstage porcelain cladding installation on the east face of the tower on February 15


Exterior Work

Over the past few weeks high winds and extreme cold weather have slowed progress on all exterior work. The porcelain tiling was  postponed because of cold temperatures affecting the adhesives. On warmer days, such as this past Wednesday, porcelain work has and will resume.

The railing system has been partially installed on the north and east walls on the podium and construction management is expecting the tempered glass, that will fill in the railing structure, in the next 2-3 weeks.

detail-of-backstage-porcelain-cladding-installation-on-the-east-face-of-the-tower

Detail of porcelain installation on February 15

On the podium deck the swimming pool has been waterproofed and is now being water tested. Tiling work will begin soon under the weather protection tenting. 

backstage-podium-deck-with-railing-installation-in-progress-and-the-outdoor-pool-covered-to-permit-tiling-work-to-begin

The pool under weather protection tenting and railing structures on the south side of the podium deck.

Exterior work on the sidewalk and front entrance will begin later in the season when weather conditions permit.


Interior Work 

The bar lounge and theatre room have been completed and after occupancy inspection will be furnished . The party room and private dining area on the 5th floor have also been completed and after occupancy has been granted will be furnished.

backstage-private-dining-room-amenity-space-for-residents-completed-except-for-mirror-installation-on-the-north-right-wall

Private Dining Room, 5th floor amenity space.

Residents have been using the fitness/yoga areas since December. The lockers are in the process of being handed over to the residents by Customer Service. The Car Share program in the building has been implemented by Enterprise. Some of the large mirrors in the public areas are in the process of being installed along with artwork in the lobby.

backstage-completed-fireplace-in-the-indoor-amentiy-space

Finished fireplace in the 5th floor amenity space.

While the building is almost entirely occupied, there are a few suites that are still being finished, including the one pictured below on the 36th floor, one of the last suites to be prepared for future occupancy.

 

36th-floor-suite-one-of-the-last-to-be-compeleted-at-backstage

36th floor suite, one of the last to be completed at Backstage


We will be continue to provide construction updates while work remains to be completed through the remainder of the winter. Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.


 

Backstage Construction Update – January 2017 update

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, January 2017 – Update

backstage-east-tower-face-showing-porcelain-tile-cladding

Backstage east tower face showing porcelain tile cladding in progress.


Interior work has been underway at Backstage since the holiday season break with a continuing focus on finishing the amenity areas and the few remaining suites in the podium level. Most of the building’s suites are finished and the majority of these are occupied. While exterior work remains to be done over the coming weeks, Backstage is already a lived in and well on its way to becoming a vibrant addition to the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood. 


backstage-front-entrance-showing-remaining-concrete-at-grade-work

Backstage front entrance showing the remaining concrete work to be completed at-grade.


Exterior work remains to be done around the podium level at-grade. Work such as pouring concrete is weather dependent and will be completed when conditions permit.

On the podium deck the outdoor pool remains enclosed by tenting as work continues to seal and tile the pool in the coming weeks. Similarly, the completion of the porcelain tiling on the east towers “fins” will continue through the next month.

east-facing-wall-of-the-backstage-podium-showing-remaining-clean-up-work-to-be-done-at-grade

East wall of the Backstage podium showing remaining clean up work to be done at-grade.


We will be continue to provide construction updates while work remains to be completed through the remainder of the winter. Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.


elipitical-machines-intsalled-in-the-backstage-gym-area

Elliptical machines installed in the Backstage gym.

Yonge & The Esplanade signalized intersection update

L Tower  8 The Esplanade – Signalized Intersection Update for Yonge & The Esplanade 

As residents and passerby have noticed, the new traffic lights have been installed for the new signalized intersection at Yonge and The Esplanade. This was one of the public realm deliverables of the L Tower development. It was supported by the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIADeputy Mayor McConnell, City Councillor for Ward 28 and the developers, Castlepoint Numa, Cityzen, and Fernbrook Homes.  Under Deputy Mayor McConnel’s leadership the installation and funding of the intersection was taken on by the City of Toronto.

While the poles lights are installed, the intersection won’t “go live” yet. It usually takes a month or so, weather permitting, after the hardware is installed before the traffic lights are tested and become active. We expect an update from the Deputy Mayor’s office shortly and will post and circulate the information once we have it. 

Check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for updates.


new-signalized-crossing-at-the-esplanade-and-yonge

Traffic light for the new signalized intersection at Yonge and The Esplanade


new-traffic-lights-at-yonge-and-the-esplanade

Northbound traffic light for the new signalized intersection at Yonge and The Esplanade


 

 

Backstage Construction Update – December 19, 2016 – January 3, 2017

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, December 19, 2016 – January 3, 2017

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

view-looking-west-from-the-7th-floor-amenity-space

View looking west from the 7th floor amenity space.

Winter weather has played havoc with exterior work on the exterior at Backstage. Despite these weather-related setbacks, installation of porcelain tiling on the east face of the tower and finishing touches to the podium facade have proceeded slowly and steadily. Work on both will continue this week as possible. As well, the railing for the podium deck outdoor amenity space is scheduled to begin being installed, again weather permitting.

Finally, on the podium deck the tent enclosed outdoor pool is being kept heated and monitored, in order to maintain the concrete at a temperature that permits the required waterproofing to adhere to its surface. 

Interior work continues steadily, with work progressing on the finishes in the party room, flooring installation, tiling in the men’s change room on the fifth floor, and the soon to be completed panelling in the theatre room.
Measuring and installation of acoustic fabric panels and will begin in the New Year.

The site will be operating until Friday, Dec 23, then shutting down for the holidays. Work will resume on January 3, 2017

Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.

railings-for-the-podium-deck-set-to-begin-being-installed-the-week-of-dec-19-weather-permitting

Railings for the podium deck, which are set to begin being installed the week of December 19, weather permitting.

Monday, December 19

  • Exterior work as weather permits: porcelain tile installation east tower, railing installation on the podium deck, finishing work on the podium. 
  • Interior work: finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.
Finishing work on the Backstage podium.

Finishing work on the Backstage podium.

Tuesday, December 20

  • Exterior work as weather permits: porcelain tile installation east tower, railing installation on the podium deck, and finishing work on the podium. 
  • Interior work: finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.
progress-continues-weather-permitting-on-installing-porcelain-cladding-on-the-east-face-of-the-tower

Progress continues, weather permitting, on installing porcelain tiles on the east face of the tower.

Wednesday, December 21

  • Exterior work as weather permits: porcelain tile installation east tower, railing installation on the podium deck, and finishing work on the podium. 
  • Interior work: finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.
detail-of-the-porcelain-cladding-being-installed-on-the-east-face-of-the-tower

Detail of the porcelain tiling installed on the east face of the tower.

Thursday, December 22

  • Exterior work as weather permits: porcelain tile installation east tower, railing installation on the podium deck, and finishing work on the podium.
  • Interior work: finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.
amenity-space-flooring-installed

Amenity space flooring installed.

Friday, December 23

  • Exterior work as weather permits: porcelain tile installation east tower, railing installation on the podium deck, and finishing work on the podium.
  • Interior work: finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

keeping-the-outdoor-pool-warm-so-the-waterproofing-materials-will-adhere-to-the-concrete-surface

Heaters installed to keep the outdoor pool concrete at a constant temperature which is required to insure waterproofing adheres to the surface.




Happy Holidays – Site Closed December 24 – January 2

There will no scheduled construction work from December 24 through January 2.

Happy New Year

Construction work will resume at Backstage on January 3, 2017.




NOTE: Signalized intersection at The Esplanade & Yonge

City of Toronto contractors have been working to install the footings and electrical conduit for the traffic signal that will be installed at Yonge and The Esplanade. As well, the former concrete median has been demolished. When this work is complete there will be a signalized pedestrian crossing to the GO Bus Station and the west side of Yonge Street. This was identified as key deliverable in the original development consultations for the L Tower and Backstage.

Work on the sidewalk on the south side of the The Esplanade, in front of Backstage, will proceed in the New Year, once the City has completed necessary work for the traffic signal and when weather permits.

footings-and-electrical-conduit-for-the-traffic-signals-that-will-be-installed-at-yonge-and-the-esplanade

Footings for the traffic signals that will be installed at Yonge and The Esplanade

median-removed-by-city-of-toronto-contractors-in-preparation-for-the-signalized-pedestrian-crossing-at-yonge-the-esplanade

Median removed by City of Toronto contractors, in preparation for the signalized pedestrian crossing at Yonge and The Esplanade



 

Backstage Construction Update – December 12 – 18, 2016

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, December 12 – 18, 2016

Porcelain tile installation on the east face of the tower.

Porcelain tile installation on the east face of the tower.


Exterior work was considerably slowed last week because the of the inclement weather. Despite the weather some progress has been made on installation of porcelain tile on the east face of the tower, including finishing tiling on the 36th through the 38th floors.  
This week is already of to a snowy start but more critically the forecast calls for below normal cold which will limit exterior work. So as weather permits work may progress on the east face of the tower and the outdoor pool surfaces. 
In the interior of the building unit inspections have been carried out for January move-ins. Wood working is being done in the 6th floor bar/lounge amenity room, as well as the adjacent theatre room. Tiling of the steam rooms is in progress and carpet flooring has been installed on 7th floor corridor. This week will see more interior work continue in the podium level amenity areas. 
Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.

Touch ups on the podium facade.

Touch ups on the podium facade.


Monday, December 12

  • Exterior work as weather permits on the tower and podium deck. 
  • Finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

Tuesday, December 13

  • Exterior work as weather permits on the tower and podium deck. 
  • Finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

Wednesday, December 14

  • Exterior work as weather permits on the tower and podium deck. 
  • Finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

Thursday, December 15

  • Exterior work as weather permits on the tower and podium deck. 
  • Finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

Friday, December 16

  • Exterior work as weather permits on the tower and podium deck. 
  • Finishing work in amenity areas and podium level hallways.

Panelling installed in the interior amenity spaces.

Panelling installed in the interior bar/lounge amenity space.


Saturday, December 17

  • No scheduled work.

Sunday, December 18

  • No work onsite. 


 

Sony Centre Plaza Public Art – Dream Ballet Triptych revealed

L Tower  8 The Esplanade – Sony Centre Plaza Update – December update. 

On December 8th the major new public art installation in the Sony Centre Plaza was revealed: Triptych Dream Ballet by Toronto artist Harley Valentine is now fully revealed. Dream Ballet is the centrepiece of the Claude Cormier + Associés designed plaza. As with the adjacent redesigned Bercy Park (also by Claude Cormier), some finishing and landscaping work remains to be complete before the Plaza is “finished” but the artwork is easily viewable by all as the new gateway to the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood and Old Town Toronto. 

Dream Ballet Triptych by Harley Valentine, in the Claude Cormier designed Sony Centre Plaza.

Dream Ballet Triptych by Harley Valentine, in the Claude Cormier designed Sony Centre Plaza.

The reveal event on December 8th featured remarks from Alfredo Romano, President of Castlepoint Numa, artist Harley Valentine, and Rex Harrington, former Principal Dancer of the National Ballet who performed for many years at the Sony Centre. Attendees included Suzanne Kavanagh, President of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, and Al Smith, Executive Director, of the St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA

alfredo-romano-president-of-castlepoint-numa-speaking-at-the-dream-ballet-triptych-%22reveal%22-on-december-8

Alfredo Romano, President of Castlepoint Numa, speaking at the Dream Ballet Triptych “reveal” on December 8.

artist-harley-valentine-speaking-about-dream-ballet-triptych-at-the-%22reveal%22-of-the-artwork-on-december-8

Artist Harley Valentine speaking at the Dream Ballet Triptych “reveal” on December 8.



The Esplanade and Yonge

City contractors are at work on installing footings for new traffic lights and street lights at the corner of Yonge and The Esplanade. They are also taking the concrete median apart that divides Yonge Street. This work is preparation for the new controlled pedestrian crossing at The Esplanade, which was one of the public realm deliverables of the L Tower redevelopment.

city-contractors-installing-the-base-for-new-traffic-lights

City contractors installing the footings for new traffic lights at The Esplanade and Yonge Street.


Check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for updates.


 

 

Backstage Construction Update – December 5 – 11, 2016

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, December 5 – 11, 2016

West view from the 5th floor amenity space at Backstage.

West view from the 5th floor amenity space at Backstage.


Work on the podium deck has focussed on parging and waterproofing on the surface of the outdoor pool under the protective cover of the tenting. The installation of porcelain tiles on the tower’s east face continues.

Interior finishing work in the amenity spaces continues this week with a focus on installing stone cladding on the fireplaces, completing wall panelling, and installing flooring. In the lower corridors carpet installation is close to being completed in the corridors on floors 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. 

Inspected unoccupied suites continue to be released for occupancy.

Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.


treadmills-installed-in-the-backstage-gym

Treadmills installed in the Backstage gym.


Monday, December 5

  • Porcelain tile installation on the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Tuesday, December 6

  • Porcelain tile installation on the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Wednesday, December 7

  • Porcelain tile installation on the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Thursday, December 8

  • Porcelain tile installation on the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Friday, December 9

  • Porcelain tile installation on the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

 

Fireplace installation in progress in the 5th floor amenity area.

Fireplace installation in progress in the 5th floor amenity area.



Saturday, December 10

  • No scheduled work though move-ins are possible.

Sunday, December 11

  • No work on site though move-ins are possible.

Podium deck with the winter tenting covering the outdoor pool.

Podium deck with the winter tenting covering the outdoor pool.


 

Backstage Construction Update – November 28 – December 4, 2016

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, November 28 – December 4, 2016

Work on the podium deck and east tower porcelain tile continues this week.

Work on the podium deck and east tower porcelain tile continues this week.


Work on the podium deck has focussed on completing parging or the application of a thin coat of a cementitious mortar to the pool’s concrete to refine the surface in preparation for waterproofing, which will commence this week. Work also continues on installing the porcelain tiles on the tower’s east face.

Work continues in the indoor amenity areas. Fireplaces are ready to be measured for stone cladding this week. While flooring in the 5th floor party room scheduled to begin in the next week. Steam units for steam rooms are installed and have been enclosed, and ready for tiling this week.
In the lower corridors carpeting is being installed in the corridors on floors 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. Wallpaper and painting has been completed.
Another round of inspections on unoccupied units has been completed. This week should see more of the remaining unoccupied suites released for occupancy.

Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.


The pool is being prepared for waterproofing under the protection of the tenting.

The pool is being prepared for waterproofing under the protection of the tenting.


Monday, November 28

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Tuesday, November 29

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Wednesday, November 30

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Thursday, December 1

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Friday, December 2

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Hallways on the lower floors are being completed.

Hallways on the lower floors are being completed.


Saturday, December 3

  • No scheduled work though move-ins are possible.

Sunday, December 4

  • No work on site though move-ins are possible.

Amenity room panelling installed

Amenity room panelling installed


 

Backstage Construction Update – November 21 – 27, 2016

This is a construction update for Backstage Condominium, 1 The Esplanade, November 21 – 27, 2016

Porcelain tile installation on the east face of the tower.

Porcelain tile installation on the east face of the tower.


Exterior work at Backstage is making more progress. One the west side of the tower balcony railings are being installed in the centre and north suites. Last week railings were installed up to the 21st floor, weather permitting, work will continue this week. 

On the east side crews have been installing the porcelain tiles at the very top of the tower and will return to the lower areas in about a week, again this work is weather dependent.

Work on the podium continues with an emphasis on the outdoor pool which is now covered to permit work during cold or inclement weather. 

In the interior amenity areas continue to get closer to being finished.  There has been a lot of progress in the steam rooms and finishing in the 6th floor movie room and poker room.

Remaining unoccupied suites continue to have inspections and new residents are moving in as the finished suites are approved for occupancy. 

Please check back here at ltowerconstructioninfo.com for regular updates.


Podium deck work in progress with the outdoor pool tented to permit cold weather work.

Podium deck work in progress with the outdoor pool tented to permit cold weather work.


Monday, November 21

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Tuesday, November 22

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Wednesday, November 23

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Thursday, November 24

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Friday, November 25

  • Porcelain tile installation at the top of the east tower.
  • Balcony railing installation continues on the west tower.
  • Podium deck work on the outdoor pool under the tent.
  • Finishing work in amenity areas.

Amenity space panelling in progress.

Amenity space panelling in progress.


Saturday, November 26

  • No scheduled work though move-ins are possible.

Sunday, November 27

  • No work on site though move-ins are possible.

south-side-of-the-podium-deck-looking-east

South side of the podium deck looking east.