At 5000 Yonge Street, B|A’s reimagined the dated lobby of a 1980s office tower into a warm, welcoming hub within strict budget constraints and without major construction. Crown Property Management sought a transformation that would improve functionality, attract tenants, and respect the building’s distinct architectural identity. The design team responded with precision, creativity, and restraint, achieving high-impact results through adaptive reuse and minimal intervention.

Suspended circular wood spheres introduce warmth and craft while responding to the lobby’s original cubic form, designed by Webb Zerafa. Engineered for structural integrity, the features float above preserved granite floors, creating a sense of movement and scale. Below, colourful furnishings and circular rugs define flexible gathering zones that support collaboration, quiet work, or social connection.

The team preserved the atrium’s dramatic 27-foot height and uninterrupted natural light, avoiding demolition entirely. Instead, the intervention layered new elements over existing surfaces, eliminating construction waste, and minimising disruption to tenants. A 20-square-foot moss wall adds biophilic texture and improves air quality, while green-toned upholstery and sustainably sourced furniture reinforce the natural palette and wellness-focused design. 

Rather than conceal the building’s original geometry, the design celebrates it, balancing preservation with contrast and contemporary expression. Hospitality-inspired details create a more welcoming experience, supporting both leasing goals and tenant satisfaction. Every design move was intentional, leveraging the existing structure to deliver value without compromise.

This transformation proves that legacy buildings can be revitalised through thoughtful, low-impact design. At 5000 Yonge, B|A’s created a multi-purpose lobby that is as functional and inviting as it is sustainable, setting a new benchmark for performance-driven interiors in Canadian commercial real estate.