The University of Toronto’s groundbreaking Academic Wood Tower is progressing toward completion after nearly three years of construction, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s mass-timber building movement.
Designed by Patkau Architects and MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, this 14-storey hybrid mass-timber and steel structure will stand 77 meters tall when finished, claiming the title of Canada’s tallest academic timber building. Located at the northern edge of the St George campus, the project has advanced substantially since November 2025, with north elevation glazing now reaching the 14th floor as of September 2026.
The construction complexity is notable: the building cantilevers above the occupied Goldring Centre athletic facility, features a distinctive peaked roof with angular timber framing, and must operate within the constraints of a downtown urban site. Work is expected to continue into the 2026–27 academic year, with the university’s Governing Council approving revised project costs and funding in June 2026.
This project represents a pivotal moment for sustainable building in the GTA, demonstrating how mass-timber construction can serve institutional needs while advancing environmental goals. The tower’s completion will showcase innovative timber engineering on Toronto’s academic landscape.
For full construction details and progress updates, visit the original article on UrbanToronto.ca.
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