In our last look at Toronto’s enduring edifices, we journeyed back through history with our Oldest Buildings survey. Now, we cast our gaze to the future at the 5 most exciting buildings opening in Toronto in 2014. To help us out, we caught up with Aaron Gonsenhauser of Harvey Kalles Real Estate. He gave us the skinny on some of the hottest towers rising above our fair city this year…
Number One Bloor
“On an iconic corner and after a long awaited start, this building will solidify Yorkville’s shift eastward towards Yonge Street,” says Gonsenhauser about Great Gulf’s 75-storey skyscraper currently being built at the corner of Bloor and Yonge. At the nexus of two subway lines, the building, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, will include 732 residential units plus 100,000 square-feet of retail space in a two-storey podium. It’s a project whose time has come – look for One Bloor to be among the most coveted addresses in town when it opens late this year.
Cinema Tower
From the people who brought us TIFF Bell Lightbox and Festival Tower comes the long awaited sequel: the Cinema Tower by Daniels. Nestled in the heart of the Entertainment District, the Cinema Tower includes stunning architecture by Kirkor Architects, as well as the ‘Strata’ lobby sculpture by Peter Powning. Condo owners will also enjoy a connection to TIFF Bell Lighbox that includes exclusive screenings with VIPs and guest-list placement at members-only events.
Bstreets
The aptly named Bstreets by Lindvest is being completed near the intersection of Bathurst and Bloor, a first for an area that is new to Toronto’s condo boom. As Aaron says, “Bstreets is a pioneering project. In a city where towering high rise buildings are the norm, Bstreets offers a boutique, home feel that will jive well with the Annex atmosphere. Young, savvy condo buyers will appreciate having everything at their fingertips in one of the most desirable residential areas in Toronto.”
FIVE Condos
Rising 45 storeys from the historic façade of 5 St. Joseph, FIVE Condos sounds like a great place to be a young professional. With a piano bar, cocktail lounge, and two roof gardens, entertainment will be paramount at this address. Interior design by Cecconi Simone adds an artistic flair to the lobby and other amenities. Anyone who considers themselves an urbanite ought to give this one a look.
Aura
Topping out at 78 storeys, Aura by Canderel will become Canada’s tallest Residential building when it is finished later this year. Hundreds of people have already moved in to the hot new address at Yonge and Gerrard – even Madonna dropped by as she opened her Hard Candy Fitness atop Aura’s retail podium. Gonsenhauser describes it as, “A landmark address, offering the true condo lifestyle with retail, restaurant, and entertainment amenities, plus your very own piece of the sky.” It’s not all indoor amenities either: when you’re not enjoying the view from your $18 million dollar penthouse, you can hang out at the 3-acre College Park right next door.
2014 is shaping up to be a hot year for Toronto’s skyline. These five projects and many others will transform our great city, creating innovative new living spaces while they’re at it.
Drop us a comment or tweet us @ViewTheVibe if you know of any other exciting buildings going up in Toronto!
