Beneath the steel skeleton reaching for the Toronto sky, The One whispers tales of ambition and resilience. The One at Yonge and Bloor, a supertall skyscraper still under construction, promises to be the tallest building in Canada, exceeding even the iconic First Canadian Place. The One is set to be Canada’s first “supertall” skyscraper, a title reserved for buildings over 300 meters. Originally slated for a 2022 completion, The One has faced several setbacks, pushing the estimated finish date to 2027.
The One isn’t just a residential tower. Its first 18 floors will house high-end retail, restaurants, event spaces, and a luxurious Hyatt hotel under its boutique Andaz brand. The hotel, Andaz Toronto, will boast 160 rooms, a lobby on the fourth floor, and a chic outdoor pool deck on the sixth. Initially, The One was meant to house Toronto’s flagship Apple store, a three-story marvel with a vaulted ceiling and glass panels imported from Germany. However, Apple pulled out of the deal in 2022 due to project delays, leaving the prime retail space vacant.
Above the retail hub, The One will offer 416 residential units, including four coveted penthouse suites. A fascinating piece of The One’s story is its connection to Stollerys, a beloved clothing store that stood on the site for 114 years. Developer Sam Mizrahi, who acquired the land in 2014 for a hefty $300 million, promised a monument to Stollerys, built from the store’s original stones. The demolition of Stollerys, however, sparked controversy. Mizrahi began demolition before the building could be considered for heritage status, angering preservationists and prompting calls for stricter heritage protection laws.
Despite securing initial approvals and even breaking ground in 2017, The One’s journey has been turbulent. The project entered receivership in October 2023 due to ballooning costs and unpaid debts exceeding $1.6 billion. While construction continues thanks to additional funding, the path forward remains uncertain. This story of The One isn’t just about steel and glass. It’s a reflection of Toronto’s dynamic urban landscape, its ambitions, its challenges, and the enduring stories of the people and places that shape its identity. The One reminds us that even amidst towering aspirations, there are often unforeseen twists and turns, making the final product all the more remarkable.