Construction has begun in Toronto on The One, a 306m, 85-storey structure that is set to be Canada’s tallest building.
Located at the border of downtown and the Yorkville neighbourhood, Foster + Partners says the project is inspired by the "neighbourhood quality of Yorkville, the commercial boulevard of Bloor Street and the local heritage character of Yonge Street".
The $1bn tower has seven storeys of shopping space starting at the base of the structure built around a 60m atrium, with residential units placed above.
The apartments can be reached via a glass bridge at level 12, and incorporate winter-gardens with city views.
Giles Robinson, senior partner at Foster + Partners, said: "The One is the final piece of the jigsaw in the tower cluster at the Yonge and Bloor node – one of the most prominent intersections in the city.
"The project creates a new anchor for high-end retail along Bloor Street West, while respecting the urban scale of Yonge Street.
"The design is respectful of the legacy of the William Luke Buildings, and incorporates the historic 19th-century brick structures within the larger development."
The retail part of The One is due to open in 2020, with the tower opening fully in 2022.
Images courtesy of Foster + Partners
