Menkes Welcomes B+H Architects to The Permanent

TORONTO, October 16, 2019 — Menkes Developments Ltd. (Menkes) in collaboration with TD Greystone Asset Management (TD Greystone) announced today the signing of a lease with B+H Architects (B+H) for 23,008 square feet of office space at 320 Bay Street, also known as The Permanent, a heritage building prominently situated on the southwest corner of Bay and Adelaide streets.

B+H is a global, award-winning consulting and design solutions firm providing architecture, interior design, planning, landscape design, and strategic consulting services across ten studios around the world.  Founded in Toronto and having played a role in iconic developments throughout the city, it seems fitting that B+H take up occupancy in one of Toronto’s architectural gems. The building, designed by prominent Canadian architect Henry Sproatt, originated as the Canada Permanent Trust Building.

Menkes acquired an interest in the building earlier this year and is pleased to announce the lease with B+H as the first tenant at The Permanent. The 300,000-square-foot building is currently undergoing a major restoration which will improve the quality and service of the space.

Project Design Architect, B+H, will be providing design direction for key public spaces, preserving the building’s historical architectural elements while balancing them with new, modern amenities for future tenants. The revitalization also includes an updated lobby façade entrance which will link the 320 Bay and 304 entryways into one public lobby, in addition to significant electrical and mechanical upgrades.

In addition to its unique amenities, the building is perfectly positioned in the core, connecting its occupants and visitors directly into Toronto’s underground PATH network (which leads to First Canadian Place).

 “We’re thrilled to welcome this like-minded firm to a building that will help redefine the financial core and breathe new life into this architectural landmark,” said Peter Menkes, President Commercial/Industrial. “It’s a privilege to welcome B+H, an important architectural partner of ours, to share in our vision for the space, and set the tone for the kind of progressive and innovative companies that we want to attract.”

“Playing a significant role in the preservation and transformation of this landmark example of heritage architecture located on ‘centre ice’ in Toronto’s financial corridor is a great honour,” said Patrick Fejer, Senior Design Principal, B+H. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Menkes to complement their dynamic real estate portfolio and position The Permanent for its future as a first-class commercial destination and beacon for the world’s most innovative tenants and talent.”

“We are incredibly excited to call The Permanent the future home of B+H’s Toronto studio,” said Bill Nankivell, CEO, B+H. “The new location will be a launchpad for the firm’s continued global growth and a space that will reflect our guiding vision of creating bold and inspiring spaces across new sectors and typologies, creating unprecedented opportunities for our people.”

B+H is currently designing Menkes and TD Greystone’s 25-storey landmark office tower 100 Queens Quay, which will be home to a 25,000 square-foot flagship LCBO and is the first phase in the vibrant mixed-used community Sugar Wharf.

Expected occupancy is set for Spring 2020.