Construction has begun on a 37-storey purpose-built rental building in the eastern area of downtown Toronto.

Developer Broccolini marked the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony at River and Queen streets. City officials, consultants, trade partners, and members of the project team attended the event.

The project, called The Riv, will deliver more than 350 purpose-built rental units. It will also feature a geothermal energy system and a new privately owned public space.

The Riv was originally planned as a condominium development. Broccolini later redesigned the project to respond to changing market conditions. The developer says the revised plans will help meet Toronto’s growing demand for long-term rental housing.

The project is within walking distance of the future Ontario Line and near the planned East Harbour transit hub. Those connections are expected to improve access to transit as the area continues to develop.

Broccolini expects to welcome residents to The Riv in 2029.