What was once a large surface parking lot near the base of Yonge Street is now in the midst of a major transformation as construction continues at Pinnacle One Yonge. The master-planned community by Pinnacle International boasts three Hariri Pontarini Architects-designed condominium towers including the 65-storey Prestige Condos, a future 80-storey residence and the 95-storey SkyTower.
The residences are part of a larger community that will feature five towers — three residential and two offices — surrounding the landmark Toronto Star building, which itself will be reclad with a modern glass skin.
Prestige Condos is the first phase and has been under construction since 2018 when the parking lot was broken up and excavated. A crane was installed by the end of the year, and in 2019, work began on the project’s six-level underground garage. When completed in 2022, Prestige will consist of 496 units and offer luxury amenities and sleek interiors by Tanner Hill and Associates.
Today, the tower has risen approximately 55 storeys and is already a prominent fixture in the area’s skyline. Workers are now pouring concrete for the final 10 storeys, while lower down, exterior cladding and glazing has reached the 42nd floor. Balcony glass installation is also progressing and has risen to the 22nd floor.
On the southeast corner of the podium, steel and concrete columns frame a double-height entryway into the lobby. Steel framing for the wraparound canopy is visible as well. Renderings for this corner show a glass-enclosed foyer with a large green wall, bold light fixtures and an exterior sign for the future onsite community centre. The podium is expected to house several retail spaces.
Situated west of Prestige is the site of the 835-suite SkyTower, the second residential tower now under construction. Excavation was recently completed and crews installed the crane earlier this month.
At 313 metres (1,026.9 feet), SkyTower will be Canada’s second-tallest building after The One by Mizrahi Developments. SkyTower was previously poised to hold the title of the tallest building in Canada, however, in December 2020, Mizrahi Developments submitted an addendum to add nine storeys to the already supertall building. If approved, it would boost the condo tower’s floor count from 85 storeys to 94 storeys and increase its height to 338.3 metres, surpassing SkyTower’s final height.
Sales and marketing for the third phase haven’t officially launched but plans include an 80-storey tower located directly north of Prestige.
