From Low-Rise to High-Rise
Liberty Village has always been defined by its mid-rise character — converted warehouses, six-to-twelve-storey condos, and a human-scale streetscape that makes the neighbourhood feel distinct from the glass towers of CityPlace to the south. That identity is about to change.
Two massive residential towers are in the proposal pipeline, and if approved, they will fundamentally reshape Liberty Village's skyline and population density.
51 Storeys at 58 Atlantic Avenue
The proposal at 58 Atlantic Avenue is a plot twist. The site was previously approved for a 12-storey office building — the kind of mid-rise commercial development that fits Liberty Village's established character. The revised proposal scraps the office plan entirely and replaces it with a 51-storey rental tower.
This is significant for several reasons. First, the height: 51 storeys will tower over everything currently standing in Liberty Village. The tallest existing buildings in the neighbourhood top out around 15 to 18 storeys. Second, the shift from office to residential reflects a broader market reality — the demand for office space in Liberty Village has softened since the pandemic, while rental demand remains strong.
The tower would add substantial rental inventory to a neighbourhood where the median rent already sits around $2,608 per month. More supply could put downward pressure on rents, which is good news for tenants and a concern for condo investors. See our condo market analysis for how this fits the broader picture.
55 Storeys at 147 Liberty Street
The proposed tower at 147 Liberty Street is even taller. At 55 storeys, it would become the tallest structure in Liberty Village by a wide margin. The development includes:
- 732 residential units comprising 536 one-bedrooms, 123 two-bedrooms, and 73 three-bedrooms - 27 percent two-and-three-bedroom units — a ratio that suggests the developer is targeting families and long-term residents, not just investors - Ground-floor retail space - Underground parking
The unit mix is notable. Liberty Village has been criticized for building too many small investor-grade one-bedrooms with minimal layout creativity. A development that allocates over a quarter of its units to larger layouts suggests a maturing market.
What This Means for Current Residents
Population Density
Adding over 1,000 new residential units to a neighbourhood that already feels dense is a legitimate concern. Liberty Village's infrastructure — sidewalks, parks, transit, grocery stores — was not designed for this level of growth. The single FreshCo on King Street already struggles to serve the existing population.
The City of Toronto's Liberty Village Public Realm Strategy acknowledges this gap. The planned park at 34 Hanna Avenue (4,900 square metres, construction after FIFA 2026) is one response, but residents and community groups are pushing for more comprehensive infrastructure investment to match the incoming density.
Transit Pressure
The 504 King streetcar is already crowded during rush hour. Adding 1,000+ new residents without additional transit capacity creates a real problem. The Ontario Line's Exhibition Station, scheduled for 2031, will eventually help — but these towers could be occupied before that relief arrives.
Read our transit guide for current commuting strategies.
Construction Timeline
Neither tower has received final approval yet. The municipal review process — including community consultations, planning committee hearings, and potential Ontario Land Tribunal appeals — typically takes 18 to 36 months for projects of this scale. Construction, once approved, adds another 3 to 4 years.
Realistic occupancy for these towers is somewhere in the 2029 to 2031 range, which actually aligns well with the Ontario Line's completion.
The Broader Trend
Liberty Village is not unique. Across Toronto, mid-rise neighbourhoods are facing intensification proposals that dramatically exceed existing zoning. The provincial government's push to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 is accelerating approvals and limiting municipalities' ability to push back on height.
For Liberty Village specifically, the question is not whether tall buildings are coming — they are — but whether the infrastructure keeps pace. More residents need more:
- Transit capacity (Ontario Line helps, but not until 2031) - Park and green space (34 Hanna Avenue park is a start) - Retail and grocery (one FreshCo is not enough for the current population, let alone 1,000+ more units) - School capacity (the local elementary schools are already at or near capacity)
How to Get Involved
If you want a say in how these developments proceed:
- Attend City of Toronto planning committee meetings when these proposals come forward for review - Join the Liberty Village BIA or local residents' associations listed in our community groups guide - Submit formal comments during the public consultation periods — these are on the record and reviewed by planning staff - Contact your City Councillor's office directly with specific concerns
The towers are likely coming regardless. The question is what conditions and community benefits get negotiated along the way.