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We have always considered it to be a major milestone when an under-construction project reaches ground level. With active construction sites in the GTA numbering near all-time highs, a new project seems to emerge from its excavated pit every week or two. Few however, have received the same level of attention as Great Gulf Homes’ landmark condominium development at the southeast corner of Yonge and Bloor.
That’s right, even though we've been watching construction for months, there's nothing quite like seeing a project head up above ground for it to really sink in: the long awaited One Bloor East is rising, and it's heading for 75 storeys! With major concrete formwork on the foundations and underground levels complete, the Hariri Pontarini Architects-designed project has now begun its climb towards its lofty goal of 257.2 metres (844 feet) in height.
Before the much anticipated undulating balconies can make their first appearance on the tower portion, the substantial six-storey podium needs to be built. The podium is planned to house over 100,000 square-feet of retail space located on the below-grade concourse level, as well as on the first and second floors, fronting onto both Yonge and Bloor.
The 789-unit tower will also contain upwards of 27,000 square-feet of Cecconi Simone-designed amenity spaces on the sixth and seventh floors, as well as 19,000 square feet of outdoor amenity space on the seventh floor, designed by landscape architecture firm Janet Rosenberg + Studio.
This milestone is a key moment for a project that will soon stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the parties involved, as well as to our city’s triumph over worldwide economic uncertainty.
For additional information including building facts, renderings and floorplans, please visit our dataBase page, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out one of the associated forum threads, or voice your opinion in the comments section provided below.
