1 Adelaide Lobby Repositioning

Located at a prominent downtown intersection, the reimagining of 1 Adelaide’s ground floor was driven by the owners’ vision to rebrand this 30-story Class A office building, originally built in the 1990s. With post-pandemic office vacancies, the goal was to modernize the design to meet tenants’ evolving needs. This transformation encompassed the 1,500 square foot exterior forecourt, 8,500 square foot ground floor lobby, retail storefronts along Adelaide St. East and the lower-level retail concourse that connects to the subterranean PATH system. The vision focused on creating an “urban living room,” enhancing tenant and visitor experiences while strengthening the real estate asset’s competitive appeal.

To create a more inviting and expansive space, our multidisciplinary design team prioritized openness, flexibility and comfort. This was achieved by reducing the number of supporting columns through innovative structural solutions designed to handle significant loads and cantilevers. The transformation included removing the stone-clad entrance pavilion and replacing the dated, mirrored lobby with a modern, natural material palette enclosed by chamfered structural glazing. A protective entrance canopy featuring a wood plank ceiling seamlessly transitions visitors from the exterior to the interior, while supporting a landscaped terrace adorned with trees, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The entrance lobby offers a variety of comfortable seating and gathering spaces, each anchored by a suspended sculptural or lighting piece. Neutral, warm finishes improve acoustics and indirect daylighting creates an appealing setting where tenants can eat lunch, charge their phones or meet casually. A concierge desk fronts an 8-by-20-foot marbled mural that can be interchanged for different seasons or special events. A preserved moss wall incorporates biophilic design, while a backlit illustration of a turtle by a local Ojibwe artist represents a common origin story in many Indigenous cultures. Human-scaled and inclusive of all users, the project also meets the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification standards.

The transformation of 1 Adelaide has increased foot traffic while reducing energy and maintenance costs. The asset has been refreshed by modern, inviting spaces that are functional, flexible and accessible to tenants and visitors alike. Building users are welcomed by a new entrance and a bright, spacious lobby that connects visually to the dynamic urban activity outside.