Standing tall at the corner of Kingsway Street and East 11th Avenue, the aptly-named The Duke rental development by Edgar Developments and Acton Ostry Architects has now reached completion. However, while obvious sings of life now exist upon every level, as residents took possession a few months ago, the large ground-floor retail space remains vacant, leading to speculation as to the finished product. 

The Duke, standing tall along Kingsway, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

At 14 storeys, The Duke has become one of the largest developments of its kind to grace the Kingsway in recent years, the addition of the previously featured 60-foot art installation, bringing a touch of class to this project. 

The Duke, side profile, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Art aside, the void left behind by the vacant, 4,000 square-foot retail space, has left many wondering when this project will truly be complete. 

The Duke, retail level awaiting tenants, image by Forum contributor City of Rain

Now home to upwards of 300 residents, the 201-unit mid-rise has already added to the urban vibrancy of the area, despite the missing retail component. Located near the shops and restaurants of W Broadway and South Main, those in need of a some retail therapy or a meal out need not look far. 

For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.