The University of Toronto has begun construction on what is set to become Canada’s tallest academic timber building. Rising 14 stories, the Academic Wood Tower seeks to become a landmark project for sustainable architecture in the country, integrating mass timber and steel hybrid construction.

Designed by Patkau Architects and MJMA Architecture & Design, with structural consulting from Blackwell Structural Engineers and Smith + Andersen, the tower has already received a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence. Construction is being led by Pomerleau, with completion targeted for 2026.

Located on U of T’s St. George campus at Devonshire Place and Bloor Street, the tower will house facilities for the Rotman School of Management, and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. The top five floors will be dedicated to Rotman’s executive education programs. The Academic Wood Tower will directly connect to the Munk School Observatory and the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, to support the university’s integrated campus environment. 

As one of the tallest mass timber and steel hybrid buildings in North America, the team hopes that the tower will serve as a case study for sustainable design, including carbon absorption and renewability. Prefabricated timber components aim to streamline assembly, reducing on-site disruption in the city’s busy Bloor Street corridor. 

“This inspiring piece of architecture will provide our students, faculty and staff with state-of-the-art spaces for research, learning and community engagement,” said Meric Gertler, president of the university about the tower. “It will stand as a testament to U of T’s global leadership in sustainability, as well as our commitment to city-building. It will also showcase Canada’s leadership in wood construction technologies and the forest products industry. We are very grateful to our donors and to all those helping us to realize this incredibly exciting vision.”