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Defining a New Future for Old City Hall
Old City Hall, Toronto, Ontario
Development Strategy Engagement Highest & Best Use Placemaking

Defining a New Future for Old City Hall ...

Balancing Heritage, Public Life, and Long-Term Value

Client

CreateTO & City of Toronto

Location

Toronto, ON

Services

  • Real Estate Advisory
  • Project Visioning
  • Highest & Best Use Analysis
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Heritage & Placemaking Strategy
  • Market & Financial Analysis

By the Numbers ...

~2 acres

Site Area

430,000 sq. ft.

Total GFA

200,000 sq. ft.

Usable GFA

Heritage

Landmark in Toronto’s Civic Core

The Ask

Old City Hall is one of Toronto’s most iconic and historically significant buildings. Located at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street, the landmark occupies a prominent position within the city’s civic, commercial, and cultural core, presenting a unique opportunity to reimagine its future role in the heart of downtown Toronto.

In partnership with CreateTO and the City of Toronto, Spanier Group led the strategic visioning, real estate analysis, and development planning process for the future revitalization of Old City Hall. The mandate focused on identifying a long-term direction for the asset that balances heritage conservation, public access, cultural programming, city-building objectives, economic development, and financial sustainability.

Old City Hall from the plaza

The Challenge

Drawing on real estate market analysis, highest and best use assessment, stakeholder engagement, financial evaluation, and international best practices, Spanier Group assessed the property’s opportunities, constraints, and long-term repositioning potential. Through the evaluation of multiple development and operating scenarios, the team established a decision-making framework to guide future investment, define viable redevelopment pathways, and identify the optimal strategy for one of Toronto’s most important civic assets.

Old City Hall street corner

The Results

The project represents a rare opportunity to unlock the full potential of a landmark public asset, creating a destination that celebrates Toronto’s history while generating lasting cultural, economic, and community value for future generations.

Old City Hall clock tower and flag