Fitzrovia Partners with Total Sport Solutions to Bring Paris Olympics Flooring to Toronto Raptors Housing Complex
When Fitzrovia set out to create an exceptional amenity for residents at the Sloane Building in North York, they turned to Total Sport Solutions for a FIBA Approved basketball court installation in Toronto. The vision for this project was truly ambitious: install the same championship hardwood that hosted Olympic basketball in Paris on a full NBA-sized court three stories above Dufferin Street, complete with a custom chevron wood stain pattern honouring the Toronto Raptors' heritage. TSS delivered a turnkey solution that transformed complex logistics into a seamless installation, creating a space where professional standards meet everyday community life.
The Challenge
Fitzrovia's partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) as the official rental housing provider for the Toronto Raptors meant this court needed to be a true FIBA Approved Basketball Court to meet the professional training standards required by MLSE and the Toronto Raptors. The installation had to deliver championship-level quality while serving as a welcoming community hub where families shoot hoops on weekends and neighbours challenge each other to pickup games.
The site presented significant logistical hurdles:
- Access: Court location three stories above street level, with no traditional freight access for 5,900 square feet of precision hardwood.
- Urban constraints: Tight setting directly across from Yorkdale Mall with limited staging space for materials and equipment.
- Dual-purpose design: Custom features needed to satisfy both professional training standards and residential safety requirements.
- Material handling: Delicate Olympic-grade flooring requiring protection during complex vertical transport.
- Custom craftsmanship: Request for a chevron wood stain pattern matching an iconic Raptors court design, requiring precision staining across the entire floor.
Fitzrovia needed a partner who could solve every challenge while delivering Olympic-calibre results without compromise.
The TSS Solution
This marked the second successful collaboration between TSS and Fitzrovia, building on the trust established through their previous project together. Total Sport Solutions took ownership of the entire installation, turning each challenge into a solved problem.
Solving the Access Challenge: TSS deployed specialised hoists and telescopic handlers to safely transport materials three stories up, carefully sequencing deliveries to work within the tight urban site constraints. Every piece of flooring reached the installation area without damage, and building operations continued uninterrupted throughout the process.
Premium Materials for Professional Performance:
- Junckers UnoBat 45 hardwood flooring: The official surface for FIBA Approved Basketball flooring, the same used for both Paris and LA Olympics, delivering the performance NBA players expect.
- 5,900-square-foot full NBA-sized court designed to professional specifications.
- 30-foot ceiling-mounted retractable basketball goals with regulation 42"x72" tempered glass backboards.
Championship-Level Craftsmanship
The standout feature of this installation is the custom chevron wood stain pattern that defines the court's aesthetic. Using Bona custom stains, TSS recreated an iconic Raptors court design, applying precise chevron patterning across the hardwood floor. The darker-stained sections create a striking contrast against the natural wood, radiating from the centre court in a design that honours the franchise's heritage while creating a signature look for the Sloane Building.
This required meticulous planning, precise application across thousands of square feet, and the technical expertise to execute a complex pattern on Olympic-grade flooring without compromising performance. The result is a floor that looks as exceptional as it plays.
Rare Brass Inlay Craftsmanship
The 288 linear feet of brass inlay around the court's perimeter represents only the second time TSS has incorporated this premium detail into a basketball court installation. The first was at Fitzrovia's King Street location, reinforcing the trust and elevated standards that define this partnership.
Inlaying brass into hardwood flooring demands exceptional precision. The brass must be set perfectly flush with the playing surface to maintain performance standards while creating the visual impact of championship elegance. Each piece requires careful measurement, cutting, and integration with the Olympic-grade Junckers flooring. The brass inlay demonstrates the attention to detail TSS brings to every installation.
The brass border frames the entire court, creating a defining edge that elevates the space from impressive to truly exceptional.
Additional Custom Details:
- 20-foot custom centre court logo integrating seamlessly with the chevron pattern.
- Custom column and truss padding protecting residents during recreational play while maintaining the professional aesthetic.
The result strikes a balance between professional standards and everyday accessibility, creating a space that works equally well for serious training and family game nights.
Results That Serve the Community
The finished court represents the intersection of professional excellence and community connection. Residents now play on the same surface that hosted Olympic competition. At the same time, the full NBA sizing, professional equipment, and signature chevron design create an authentic basketball experience steps from their front door.
The facility serves multiple purposes:
- Year-round professional training space for residents, allowing them to train in the same high-performance environment as professional players.
- Community gathering place for residents of all ages and skill levels.
- Premium building amenity that sets Fitzrovia's Sloane Building apart.
The custom chevron pattern, brass inlay details, and centre court logo create a sense of pride every time someone steps onto the floor. This is a statement piece that connects residents to Toronto's basketball heritage.
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Where Professional Meets Community
"We have built a court that NBA players would be comfortable running drills and practicing on," said Ian Lintott, CEO of Total Sport Solutions. "But it's also where families shoot hoops on weekends, and neighbours challenge each other to pickup games. This is the same flooring that elite athletes competed on in Paris, now available to residents who just want a great place to play."
The Fitzrovia Sloane Building installation showcases Total Sport Solutions' ability to deliver premium quality regardless of complexity. From navigating three-story logistics to executing intricate chevron staining on Olympic-grade hardwood, TSS proved again why Fitzrovia returns for partnership on their most ambitious projects.
This is what happens when technical expertise meets genuine partnership: spaces that honour both professional excellence and community connection.
About Total Sport Solutions
Total Sport Solutions helps bring play to life across Canada. From residential communities to professional facilities, TSS designs and delivers high-performance sports surfaces that keep communities active, connected, and thriving. With expertise in complex installations and a partnership-first approach, TSS is proud to support healthier, more engaged Canadian communities.