Holt Renfrew president Mark Derbyshire confirms that Holt Renfrew is planning a major renovation and expansion of its Bloor Street flagship store in Toronto. Construction will begin in the fall of 2014, though some improvements are already underway.

These renovations follow the announcement that Holt Renfrew will create a separate 14,000 square foot men's store at 100 Bloor Street West, replacing a Roots flagship store. Holt Renfrew will continue carrying menswear at its 50 Bloor Street West flagship store as well, and last week it launched a new menswear area called the 'White Room' (not to be confused with Hudson's Bay's men's designer area called 'White Space'), as well as a renovated men's shoe area.

New men's 'White Room' on the concourse level at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W. [Image Source]

The 179,000 square foot Bloor Street Holt Renfrew store is expected to have several levels of new retail space, as well as a new facade that will heavily utilize glass and glazing. We're awaiting further details on what Holt Renfrew has planned. Originally, Holt Renfrew envisioned an eight-floor store beside a substantial residential tower, though we've been told that these plans may have changed.

Proposal for the 200,000+ sq ft renovated and expanded Holt Renfrew store (rendering: City of Toronto)

Derbyshire briefly discussed the store's proposed renovation and expansion to Women's Wear Daily, which is our source for this article. We were unfortunately denied an interview with Derbyshire.

We'll keep you updated when we learn more about Holt Renfrew's Bloor Street expansion.