Craving a vibrant mix of work, life and play? Then you’re standing in the right place. Right here at the Yonge-Eglinton Centre. This complex of two office buildings is more than just a landmark. It is a vital hub in Midtown Toronto.
Let’s rewind to the early 1970s. Greenwin and Horizon developers started construction. This ambitious project required demolishing existing structures. These included a Dominion supermarket, an F.W. Woolworth store, and some residential homes.
The Yonge-Eglinton Centre project unfolded in phases. First, a large 23-storey rental apartment building appeared at 411 Duplex Avenue. Next came 20 Eglinton West and half the base retail concourse. Phase Two brought the rest of the retail space and the other office tower at 2300 Yonge Street. The final touch was another large rental apartment building at 33 Orchardview.
Completed in 1974, the Yonge-Eglinton Centre quickly became a significant presence north of Bloor Street. It offered commercial offices and a retail complex. The centre also provided direct access to the Eglinton subway station.
In 2007, RioCan relocated its head office to 2300 Yonge Street. This tower is known as Yonge Eglinton Centre I. It features offices, retail shops, and a tunnel to the subway. The building has 30 floors and 12 elevators.
Across the way stands 20 Eglinton Avenue West. Also known as Yonge Eglinton Centre II, this tower mirrors its counterpart. It has commercial offices and 22 floors.
Below the towers lies a three-level retail complex. Here you’ll find over 65 stores and services. This includes The Fresh Tea Shop and Winners. You can also find GoodLife Fitness and Cineplex VIP. There is even a Pickle Barrel and Indigo Books. Not to forget Urban Outfitters and a Metro grocery store. HSBC, Rexall, and Tim Hortons also call this place home.
Back in 1973, T. Eaton Company opened a Horizon discount department store here. When the Horizon chain closed in 1978, it became a regular Eaton’s store. Sadly, that Eaton’s store closed in the 1990s.
A revitalization project in 2016 modernized the Yonge-Eglinton Centre. Seven floors were added to 2300 Yonge Street. Five floors were added to 20 Eglinton Avenue West. Both towers received new curtain wall glass. A publicly accessible rooftop patio and green wall were also installed.
Today, the Yonge-Eglinton Centre is a bustling hub. It is conveniently located at Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue West. It is directly connected to Eglinton Station. The centre is also preparing for the new Eglinton LRT.
This area has seen rapid growth. The Yonge-Eglinton Centre has exceeded minimum density targets. In 2016, it accommodated over 20000 people and 18000 workers. The population is expected to double by 2031.
Midtown Toronto combines historic main streets with busy office nodes. It features condominiums, tree-lined streets, and parks. The Yonge-Eglinton Centre is central to this vibrant mix. It is a place where people can live, work, learn, and play.
Remember the Yonge-Eglinton Centre. It is more than just buildings and shops. It is the heart of Midtown Toronto.