Skyscraper is about to rise from site of demolished Toronto apartment building

A new skyscraper is set to rise from the site of a demolished Toronto apartment building that existed for 60 years before meeting its demise in 2025.

The new 50-storey purpose-built rental tower at 88 Isabella St., just south of Bloor and Church, is set to replace the 14-storey apartment building that previously occupied the site.

Capital Developments (representing its purpose-built rental platform, Address) and Woodbourne celebrated the start of construction for their new rental tower with a ceremonial ground breaking at the project site earlier this week.

Speaking at the event, Jordan Dermer, Co-Founder and CEO of Capital Developments, promised that the new building "will offer renters exceptional amenities in one of the city's most well-located, dynamic communities," set to include an outdoor terrace around the base of the tower, an outdoor pool, a large fitness studio and spa, a children's room, and a mix of group and individual co-working spaces.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, the 50-storey tower was previously envisioned to rise 62 storeys, first proposed back in April 2022, before the vision was scaled back to the current plan in 2026.

The previous tower at 88 Isabella St. was constructed in 1965 amid a construction and population boom in Toronto, though its 60-year history came crashing down when demolition crews mobilized at the site in spring 2025 to begin the teardown of the apartment tower.

The new building that will rise in its place is expected to be completed in 2030, bringing approximately 500 new rental units to the area.