274 
UrbanToronto Forum users have eagerly followed The One’s rise, regularly posting photos and updates to document its progress. Of late, discussion has revolved around when the tower would surpass the height of its immediate neighbour, One Bloor East, which stands at 257.24m and 76 storeys. While some images lead to debate, the latest photos, like the one from the southwest below from October 11, appear to show that The One has now overtaken One Bloor East, making it the tallest building at the bustling Yonge and Bloor streets intersection, and the 6th tallest skyscraper in Toronto.
UrbanToronto's last major update in February, 2024 noted The One reaching 50 storeys and preparing for its third mechanical section. Designed by Foster + Partners and Core Architects, originally for Mizrahi Developments, the tower is now approaching its fourth mechanical section on its way to its final count of — probably 85, not 91 — storeys and 308.6m. A year ago, in October, 2023, the project was seen below, having reached the second mechanical section.
From the same vantage point this month, The One has risen to match the height of One Bloor East, mostly hidden behind it on the left. Both completed two-level chamfered mechanical sections can be made out, variously covered in blue netting, one above the 18th floor and another above the 38th. The tower’s mega-columns and hangers are the building's chief architectural gesture, with the repeated pattern of three sets of six floors making up 18 residential floor sections: the cladding expresses the actual structural system hidden behind it. The Rail Climbing System (RCS), seen above the second mechanical section, a weatherproof are behind which cladding is installed, aids in its efficient assembly.
From this distant northward view along Yonge Street taken on October 10, The One stands prominently to the left with its tower crane, now the tallest crane in Canada. On the right, One Bloor East still appears slightly taller, reflecting the ongoing debate in the UrbanToronto Forum, although the top of the elevator core, slightly farther from the camera, is tough to make out precisely from this vantage point.
From Cumberland Avenue, The One and One Bloor East stand side by side, offering a clearer visual comparison of their heights. Forum users have debated their heights using the shadow that The One’s core casts directly on One Bloor East’s upper levels, although the sun does not tend to stay still as we've noticed.
This northeast-facing view below highlights The One’s current upper section, which has reached approximately floor 73 or 74, though the exact storey is obscured by the blue safety forms that begin at level 70. At the top, a red concrete boom pump is actively working on the core. The third mechanical section is visible lower down, enclosed by additional blue forms. Further below, the second mechanical section is spotted beneath the RCS and three levels of window panels.
From this angle, the tower’s height now appears to surpass One Bloor East to the right. The construction team is only a few floors away from the fourth and final chamfered mechanical section, after which the structure will reach its peak with one last residential section and mechanical penthouse.
In this view from street level, The One stands prominently on the right. Since the last update, the white wrap at grade has come down, revealing the dark curtain wall for the retail space at ground level.
As construction continues, The One draws closer to its next target — surpassing First Canadian Place at 298.08m, to claim the title of the tallest building in Canada. From there, it will draw closer to achieving “supertall” status at 300m, on its way to its final height of 308.6 — or possibly the revised height of 328.4m if a potential new partner, currently being sought by the receiver, chooses to build it as high as it is permitted.
UrbanToronto will continue to follow progress on this development, but in the meantime, you can learn more about it from our Database file, linked below. If you'd like, you can join in on the conversation in the associated Project Forum thread or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.
