Cedar Podium Investment Management has appointed Arcadis as the architect and interior designer for Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new 21‑storey residence on Bond Street. Once complete, the building will provide 1,382 additional beds, greatly expanding affordable student housing and strengthening TMU’s presence in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Backed by an $83 million investment from the Building Ontario Fund, the new TMU residence will more than double the capacity of student housing, from 1,144 to 2,526 beds. Each suite will include an eat-in kitchen, offering students an alternative to traditional meal-plan living. Residence rates are anticipated to remain significantly below average rental market rates in Toronto.

To support both academic and residential needs, Arcadis also designed the building’s two large auditoriums, lounges, study areas, and creative spaces in partnership with Cedar Podium Investment Management.

“TMU’s newest residence is an excellent example of how we can address the student housing gap in a major city and leverage design and planning to make the most of the site,” said Mansoor Kazerouni, Global Director of Architecture and Urbanism at Arcadis. “From a design perspective, by including auditoriums and study areas, we can truly maximize the Building Ontario Fund investment and create a purpose-built residence that is vibrant, connected, and inclusive.”

According to Kazerouni, the residence introduces a contemporary form defined by two distinct vertical volumes wrapped in a striking bronze-and-white façade pattern.

“The building’s chiselled corner facing the TMU campus, which is accented with the university’s colours, marks a highly visible and deliberate entrance point,” he said.

Excavation is slated to begin in 2026.