Redevelopment work is officially underway on the former MacLean-Hunter building in Toronto’s downtown.

The building at 481 University Avenue, which was home to Canada’s largest and arguably most important publisher of trade media magazines, will be converted into a 52-storey high-rise development dubbed The United.

The development is being hailed as one of the tallest architectural heritage retention projects in all of North America.

“From 1910 to the 1980s, 481 was the location of Maclean Publishing and later Maclean-Hunter with several buildings added to become one of the most recognized structures on University Avenue,” said Davpart Inc. president and CEO David Hofstedter.

During the 20th century, Maclean-Hunter grew to become the largest Canadian publisher of trade journals and the home to such publications as Maclean’s Magazine, Chatelaine and the Financial Post newspaper.

“The existing structure is an example of a commercial building from the interwar era and is the result of many bold design influences, from Beaux-Arts to Modern Classical,” said Hofstedter. “While restoring the exterior, we will complete the interior to the highest standard of contemporary office and retail available today, so their current uses can continue.”

The United design team includes B+H Architects as prime consultant and design architects, heritage consultants ERA Architects Inc. and Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc.

The project includes 31,392 square feet of retail space at ground level, 182,457 square feet of commercial office space from floors two through nine, and 709 residences beginning at floor 10. The front door to 481 University leads to the offices and retail; the residential condominium entrance will be at 88 Centre Avenue, offering direct access to the TTC’s St. Patrick Station from inside the building.

“The design of this building draws from the energy of its location at the intersection of the city’s primary cultural, institutional and retail anchors as well as its preserved architectural cultural heritage,” said Mark Berest, B+H Architects Principal. “It is a tribute to Toronto’s cosmopolitan character and considers a new convergence of live, work, and play.”

Davpart is targeting late 2026 for completion of construction. At its peak, the project is expected to employ about 300 trades workers.