Aura

Have you ever looked up at the Toronto skyline and noticed a building that seems to pierce the clouds? That, my friends, is Aura. Aura at College Park. It stands tall and proud, a giant amongst the city’s impressive architecture. Aura isn’t just another skyscraper. It’s a mixed-use marvel, a vertical city within a city. Completed in 2014, Aura is the final piece of the Residences of College Park puzzle, a series of condominiums near College Park in Toronto’s bustling Downtown Yonge district. Aura boasts an impressive 79 floors, making it the tallest residential building in Canada. In fact, as of 2018, it held the title of the 34th tallest residential building worldwide. The building’s history is as fascinating as its height. Initially, the design called for two towers atop a ten-story podium. However, in 2012, the Toronto city council approved a modification, adding three more stories and cementing Aura’s status as Canada’s tallest residential building. Imagine moving into your brand-new condo while construction continues above you. That’s exactly what happened at Aura. The lower floors welcomed residents in the fall of 2013, while the upper floors remained bare concrete. Aura’s architecture is a sight to behold. Its semi-transparent metal and high-tempered brick facade shimmer in the sunlight. The tower houses a massive 100,000 square meters of residential space. Perched atop Aura, bright lights illuminate the city. However, this dazzling display had unintended consequences, impacting migrating birds. The city negotiated with the developers, and now the lights are dimmed after 10:30 PM during the fall migration season. Beyond the residential units, Aura houses retail space. A three-story podium at the base houses approximately 14,000 square meters of retail space. Aura offers residents a shared patio on the 5th floor. Also there’s a 40,000 square-foot fitness facility. In the basement, a fast food court with room for 12 vendors awaits hungry residents and visitors.