Oxford Properties to Develop Office High-Rise in Downtown Toronto

By Adriana Pop, Associate Editor

Oxford Properties Group has unveiled plans to develop the new 40-story Ernst & Young Tower in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Upon completion in June 2017, the class AAA, LEED Platinum skyscraper will offer 900,000 square feet of space.

Ernst & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, will anchor the property, which is currently 45 percent pre-leased. Another major tenant includes TMX Group, whose key subsidiaries operate cash and derivative markets and clearinghouses for multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income and energy.

Located at 100 Adelaide St. W., between Bay and York streets, the Ernst & Young Tower will be part of Oxford’s full block Richmond Adelaide Centre mixed-use complex.

“Oxford creates exceptional workplaces for high-performing organizations,” said Blake Hutcheson, president & CEO, Oxford Properties. “Working closely with Ernst & Young and TMX Group, we are helping to create today’s state of the art knowledge workplace at 100 Adelaide West. This LEED Platinum building is another example of Oxford’s leading sustainability program and of our world class development program in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. We are excited to work with both Ernst & Young and TMX Group, and to be building what will be one of our city’s most enduring office towers.”

Designed by architects Kohn Pederson Fox and locally based WZMH Architects, the building will create a high-quality, energy and cost efficient environment through the use of smart technology and productivity tools. The high-rise will feature multiple outdoor spaces, including a 5,000-square-foot terrace on the sixth floor, high performance building envelope and mechanical systems, on-demand fresh air, daylight and motion sensors, state-of-the-art lighting controls, bicycle storage, change rooms, showers and electric car parking.

Additionally, through stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and 9’6″ ceiling heights, the tower will offer 360 degree views of Toronto’s downtown skyline.

The leases at the Ernst & Young Tower represent Oxford’s first official use of a “Green Lease,” which incorporates commitments on how the building is to be occupied, operated and managed in a sustainable way.

“This new LEED platinum building represents a true workplace of the future, and Ernst & Young is very proud to be at the heart of it,” said Eric Rawlinson, Ernst & Young, Managing Partner, Greater Toronto Area. “Having the right workplace is a strategic business tool that empowers us to make a difference for our people, our clients, and our wider community. From the sustainable construction to the leading-edge design, we’re looking forward to watching the project come to life and become a new Toronto landmark.”

“As we have grown and diversified our organization, our efforts to integrate our acquisitions and optimize synergies have made clear the importance of a work space that fosters innovation and teamwork,” said Michael Vivaldi, TMX Group, Vice President, Finance & Administration. “We are excited about the LEED Platinum building at 100 Adelaide Street West, which will provide a state-of-the-art, sustainable workplace in close proximity to key local clients and readily accessible to transit options for employees.”