It was only six weeks ago when we broke the news of a 68-storey proposal for the southeast corner of Yonge and Eglinton. The initial rezoning application was light on details, but the proposed height combined with the prime location in what is considered the heart of Midtown Toronto was enough to grad our attention. We didn't have to speculate about details for long though, as the City's preliminary report for 1 Eglinton East was filed on January 30th, and is now giving us quite a bit of information to chew on, including the first 3D images of the design.

East view towards 1 Eglinton East, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

We can now confirm that the project is designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the renowned firm also handling the landmark development at One Bloor East and several other high-profile projects around the city. Aside from sharing similar heights, addresses, and designers, the two projects will also share the distinction of being situated directly above major transportation hubs.

Southeast view towards 1 Eglinton East, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The existing eight-storey commercial office building occupying the site, constructed in 1985, would be replaced by a 224 metre-tall tower containing ground floor retail, commercial office space on floors two through eight, live/work units on floors 10 through 12, and levels 13 to 68 for residential suites. A total of 672 residential units would be included, composed of 448 one bedroom units and 224 two bedroom units, plus 26 live/work units. While other nearby proposals would result in the loss of all commercial office space on their site, the proposed 1 Eglinton East development would retain 111,757 square feet of commercial/retail and amenity space, replacing much of the 138,929 square feet of commercial space in the existing building.

1 Eglinton East, looking northwest, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The existing office building is managed by Davpart, though it is not yet public if they are involved with the redevelopment of the property. The application was submitted by MacNaughton Hermsen Britton Clarkson Planning Limited (MHBC) on behalf of a company called One Eglinton East Inc.

 1 Eglinton East, looking northeast, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The tower will rise from a 9 storey podium, stepping back by 3 metres on the north side. On the south end, the tower steps back 10 metres from the property line at the ninth storey.

1 Eglinton East looking northeast, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The corner of Yonge and Eglinton would feature an urban square, fostering public interaction and animation of the intersection. The existing below-grade tunnel connection to the TTC's Eglinton Station will be maintained and incorporated into the site, with public access from the square.

1 Eglinton East looking southwest, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

The next step for this development is a yet-to-be-scheduled community consultation meeting, for which residents and landowners within 120 metres will be given notice. The Planning Department's final report for 1 Eglinton East is currently targeted for the fourth quarter of 2015.

Looking east towards 1 Eglinton East, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects

We have plenty of images of the proposed development in our dataBase file, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment using the space provided at the bottom of this page.