by Oliver von Bretten 
Toronto’s skyline may soon witness a remarkable transformation with a proposed skyscraper at the bustling intersection of Yonge and Gerrard. Originally envisioned as a 73-storey structure, the plan has now been ambitiously revised to an 85-storey residential and retail marvel, encompassing 628 living spaces.
Located at 372-378 Yonge Street, this potential giant, standing at an impressive height of 278 meters, could rank among the city’s tallest structures. Under the creative direction of the architectural firm Dialog, the design has undergone a significant evolution. The initial concept of a smooth, flowing edifice has been transformed into a striking geometric composition, featuring three rectangular sections fused together by elegant gold-colored structural beams.
The project, spearheaded by Yonge & Gerrard Partners Inc., Turbo-Mac Ltd., and Trimed Investments Inc., covers an area of 961.15 sq. m. While primarily residential, about 17% of the ground floor’s total area is allocated for new retail ventures, and 39% will maintain existing retail operations.
The retail area, totaling 850 sq. m, constitutes a mere 2% of the proposed 42,545 sq. m building area. A significant shift from the original plan, the current proposal leans heavily towards residential use, covering 98% of the total space.
This architectural giant is planned to incorporate historic elements, including the preservation of the old Dominion Bank from 1930 and three other buildings dating back to the 1860s. Current retail tenants include a diverse range of businesses, from a bakery and cafe to a tattoo studio and an H&R Block. The building at 372 Yonge Street, however, is slated for demolition.
The residential component is diverse, offering 183 studio apartments, 154 one-bedroom units, 134 convertible studios/one-bedrooms, 94 two-bedroom, and 63 three-bedroom apartments.
In line with its central urban location and ease of access to public transit, the building will prioritize bicycle parking over vehicle spaces, providing 628 spots for residents’ bikes and additional parking for retail customers. The plan also includes 1,505 sq. m of indoor amenities and 1,010 sq. m for outdoor amenities.
A notable omission in the updated proposal is the plan to revive the iconic Club Bluenote, a famous blues and rock venue of the 1960s that hosted legends like Stevie Wonder and the Supremes. The initial idea of reintroducing the club and adding a new music venue has been dropped.
While still under review by the City of Toronto, this towering structure of blue glass aims to merge Toronto’s rich historical tapestry with modern living, potentially redefining the essence of downtown Toronto.
To discover full project details and register for VIP access, visit our 372 Yonge Condos property page.
