Submitted plans to rebuild Toronto’s Cumberland Terrace suggest that a 36,754 square foot, three level retail space will connect to the neighbouring Holt Renfrew flagship on Bloor Street. If Holt Renfrew has indeed secured this space, it could be best utilized for a separate men’s store or possibly for a new food concept.
Oxford Properties recently submitted plans to the City of Toronto’s Planning Department for the new retail podium at Cumberland Terrace, which will be joined by an adjacent 54-storey residential tower. Holt Renfrew’s 185,000 square foot flagship at 50 Bloor Street West sits across the laneway (called Mayfair Mews) from the new Cumberland Terrace.
According to plans, the 36,754 square foot Cumberland Terrace retail space will include an 8,090 square foot lower level, an 11,894 square foot ground floor, and a 16,779 square foot second level. The lower level and the second level both appear to connect to Holt Renfrew via passages below and above Mayfair Mews.
If Holt Renfrew has indeed secured this new retail space, it could be best served for one of two purposes. A new 37,000 square foot Holt Renfrew men’s store could feature a Bay Street entrance, and multiple sources say that Holt Renfrew could be working with Eataly to bring its Italian food concept to Canada. The 37,000 square foot Cumberland Terrace space may be too small for Eataly, however, as its Chicago location measures 63,000 square feet and its New York City location measures in excess of 50,000 square feet.
Holt Renfrew recently revealed plans to expand and renovate its Bloor Street flagship, including the addition of a new facade. This fall, Holt’s will also open a 14,000 square foot men’s store at 100 Bloor Street West, directly across the street from luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen. Holt Renfrew is in the process of renovating and expanding its store base as it anticipates increased competition from Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, both opening multiple Canadian locations over the next several years.
We’ll update you when we learn more on Cumberland Terrace’s new retail component, including whether or not Holt Renfrew has secured this retail space.
[Link to City of Toronto Cumberland Terrace Application PDF]
