Condo Watch: The Superstar Signature
The second in our series on new developments keeping the city’s building boom interesting
The One
1 Bloor St W, starting at $600,000
Quick Take Amid the Karl Lagerfelds and Moshe Safdies breaking residential ground across the city, Foster + Partners (whom you might know for the Gherkin in London) came to town with equal parts fanfare and controversy. Its 80-storey mixed-use tower replaces the 114-year-old Stollerys shop at Bloor and Yonge. While Stollerys’ lack of heritage designation will be lamented for years to come, this build for Mizrahi Developments is expected to find its own way into the history books. Working with Core Architects Inc., Norman Foster won’t be outdone by Harini Pontarini Architects’ 257-metre-high 1 Bloor East across the street. The London studio’s glass-encased tower design soars 318 metres, with an exoskeleton that juts out from the facade and allows for column-free interiors.
Living Space A set of elevators at street level (complemented by security and concierge) will whisk residents past eight retail floors to the lobby of the residential tower, where another set of elevators (with another security level) will lead to over 500 units. The interiors range in size from 60 to 840 square metres, and though the details are still in the works we’re promised a more modern palette than some of the developer’s previous projects (see the French neoclassical 133 Hazelton and 181 Davenport). Every unit will have hardwood and stone floors, along with minimalist built-ins.
Extras In lieu of traditional balconies, year-round “winter gardens” will be inset into the units. Large enough for a dining table, each space is closed off from the elements by a retractable glass wall. Other amenities include a party room and a gym, as well as direct access to the shops, the subway and valet parking below. onebloorwest.com
Originally published in our Fall 2015 issue as Live Here: The Luxury Rental.
For more developments we love, read about Blue Diamond, The Tree House and King Portland Centre.
