Since topping off at a height of 257 metres last year, work on exterior and interior details continues at the Yonge and Bloor site of Great Gulf's One Bloor East. Since our last update on the 76-storey, Hariri Pontarini-designed development, the ongoing installation of balcony glazing has begun to have a profound impact on the tower's exterior.

Looking up at One Bloor East at dusk, image by UT Forum contributor NBGtect

A combination of flat and curved fritted glass panels hug the undulating exterior of the tower's balconies, creating a distinct contrast between the balconies and the mirror-blue curtain wall glazing of the main volume. Views from around the base of the tower reveal how the balcony glazing will accentuate the building's curves, while also highlighting the differences direct versus indirect light makes on the exterior.

Balcony glazing impacting the exterior of One Bloor East, image by Jack Landau

Complementing the building's dominant position on the skyline, the ground level of the major development will improve the surrounding streetscape with the addition of 85,000 square foot retail space stretching south from Bloor to Hayden Street, as well as the Bloor Yorkville BIA's granite sidewalks.

One Bloor East's podium, image by Jack Landau

After years of speculation, we are now learning details about the first confirmed retail tenant in the development. The first Canadian location of Nordstrom Rack, an off-price retail division of US-based retailer Nordstrom, will occupy a 38,600 square foot portion of the building's retail component over two floors, and is scheduled to open in 2018.

One Bloor East's Yonge Street frontage, image by Jack Landau

"We are delighted to welcome Nordstrom Rack to One Bloor, the perfect retailer for such a dynamic location. Anchoring the mink mile at the Yonge/Bloor intersection, One Bloor represents one of Toronto's signature architectural landmarks and is a symbol of excellence in design, technology and experience," said Christopher Wein, President Great Gulf. "With a culmination of residential, retail and transit at this amazing intersection and the vibrant pedestrian activity, Nordstrom Rack will be well positioned for success and future growth."

View of future retail space at One Bloor East, image by Jack Landau

For more information on the project check out our dataBase file, linked below, for many renderings and further links to past articles. You can join in on the discussion in the associated Forum threads, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.