Marilyn Monroe graces the Mississauga Skyline - Absolute World Towers
Fernbrook/Cityzen are the developers of the Absolute World Towers
Absolute World Towers Have Redefined the Mississauga Skyline
The beginnings of Absolute World can be traced back to November 28, 2006 when, during the 24th annual Mississauga Urban Design Awards, Mayor Hazel McCallion announced that an international competition would be held for the design of the 4th tower at the Absolute condominium community. The multi-tower project known as Absolute up to that time was being developed by Fernbrook/Cityzen developers, and was located at the north-east corner of Burnhamthorpe Rd. and Hurontario St. in Mississauga. The three previous buildings in the Absolute project had already been successfully sold to the public, with tradional designs, but it was felt that something special was needed for the landmark 4th tower, which was to be as high as 56 storeys.
By January 24, 2007, 600 registrants and 92 submissions from architects in 70 countries took part in the competition. On January 30, 2007, six finalists were announced at a press conference in downtown Toronto. The finalists were announced as 1. Nicholas Boyarsky, Boyarsky Murphy Architects; United Kingdom 2. Michel Rojkind, Rojkind Arquitectos; Mexico 3. Roland Rom Colthoff, Quadrangle Architects Limited; Canada 4. Sebastian Messer, Studio MWM; United Kingdom 5. Yansong Ma, MAD office; Beijing, China 6. Tarek El-Khatib, Zeidler Partnership Architects; Toronto, Canada.
Submissions were judged by a panel which included architects, civic leaders and the development team. The public also got a chance to vote for their favourite design - all were on display at the Square One shopping mall at Mississauga City Centre, with ballot boxes provided. The voting deadline was set for March 22, 2007 with the winning design to be proclaimed on March 28, 2007.
On March 28, Yansong Ma, founder of the MAD office, Beijing/China architectural design firm was proclaimed the winner. Burka Varacalli Architects, a Toronto firm, was hired as MAD's local partner.
Sales on the 56 storey tower started in May 2007, and sold out virtually overnight, even though pricing was at a premium over any previous Mississauga project. This success prompted the launch of a second, 50 storey Absolute World tower. Construction of the first tower began in late 2007.
The local Toronto press were suitably impressed; within days of the announcement, the first building was being nicknamed "The Marilyn Monroe Tower" Mississauga, due to its curvaceous, hourglass figure likened to actress Marilyn Monroe.
Construction has proceeded over the past 4 years, and at the time of this update, both Absolute World towers have topped out, with Tower 1 (Marilyn) occupied up to about the 40th floor. Tower 2 continues with glass balcony installation, and work continues on the base and surrounding grounds - the latest addition includes three pieces of sculpture shaped like horses, created by Chilean artist Francisco Gazitua. The two Absolute World residential towers have already become worldwide landmarks, and have undoubtedly helped to put Mississauga on the map. Here are more recent pics of the ongoing construction......
The Absolute World towers have highly reflective glass balconies....
One of three horse sculptures by Chilean artist Francisco Gazitua
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category: Mississauga Absolute World Towers condominium, Mississauga skyline, Absolute condos, Absolute World condos, Square One condos
