Pinnacle One Yonge

Project Overview and Vision

Pinnacle One Yonge represents one of the most ambitious private development projects in Toronto's history, transforming a key parcel of land at the foot of Yonge Street. The site occupies a historically significant location where Toronto's main thoroughfare meets Lake Ontario, making it a gateway to the city's revitalized waterfront. The development's master plan envisions a vertical community that integrates residential, office, retail, and public uses into a cohesive whole. When fully built, the complex is intended to include 2,500 apartments, 93,000 square metres of office space, 7,400 square metres of retail, and 4,600 square metres of dedicated community space.

The project's design by Hariri Pontarini Architects emphasizes a sculptural, tiered silhouette for the towers, intended to create visual interest and reduce the perceived bulk of the massive structures. The initial proposal released in early 2020 called for three primary towers, but the plan has since evolved to encompass six buildings of varying heights. This phased approach allows for the gradual realization of the vision, with the first tower, known as Prestige, serving as a proof of concept and establishing a presence on the site. The development is seen as a catalyst for further intensification and investment in the South Core and Harbourfront neighbourhoods.

Phased Construction and Completed Elements

Construction on the first phase of Pinnacle One Yonge commenced in 2018, focusing on the site's southern portion and involving significant excavation and foundation work to support the dense cluster of tall buildings. The first structure to rise was the Prestige tower, a 65-storey residential building that reached completion in 2022 after four years of construction, delivering hundreds of new housing units. Following the success of the first tower, construction activity shifted to the central and northern sections of the site for the second phase, which includes the monumental SkyTower. The construction sequence is managed to minimize disruption to the surrounding area, including the busy Union Station rail corridor and the Gardiner Expressway, while also allowing for the iterative refinement of designs and the incorporation of new approvals.

The SkyTower and Design Evolution

The SkyTower is the defining element of the Pinnacle One Yonge development and the subject of several design revisions aimed at maximizing the site's potential. Originally proposed in 2020 as a 95-storey, 313-metre structure, the tower's design was significantly revised in a November 2022 application to the City of Toronto. The developer sought to add 11 storeys, bringing the total to 106 and increasing the height to 353 metres, with the intent of making the SkyTower the tallest building in Toronto and a contender for the world's tallest residential building by floor count. In November 2023, Toronto's Planning Department recommended City Council approve the proposed height increases for both the SkyTower and the neighbouring third tower, which was to grow from 80 to 92 storeys.

In March 2025, a proposal was submitted to increase the SkyTower's height to 356 metres and 106 floors. The SkyTower surpassed its 100th storey in December 2025. It then reached its top floor in March 2026. The SkyTower will be Canada's tallest residential building. The proposal sought to make it the tallest building in Toronto. It could potentially be the tallest residential building in the world by floor count according to the CTBUH.

Architectural and Urban Design

The architectural vision for Pinnacle One Yonge, led by Hariri Pontarini Architects, seeks to create a landmark that is both monumental and responsive to its urban context. The massing of the towers is carefully stepped and articulated to break down the scale of the development and to provide varied sightlines from the surrounding streets and the lake. The material palette is expected to include high-quality glass, metal, and possibly stone elements, contributing to a refined and contemporary aesthetic that aligns with other recent tall buildings in Toronto's financial district. The initial three-tower plan also included provisions for a hotel and a park, elements that may be incorporated into the expanded six-tower scheme.

Beyond the towers themselves, the design places a strong emphasis on the ground-level experience and public areas. The plan allocates substantial space for retail frontage along Yonge Street and Lake Shore Boulevard, aiming to activate the street edges with shops, restaurants, and services. A significant portion of the site is dedicated to public space, including a planned park and the 4,600 square metres of indoor community space. This focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment is crucial for integrating the massive development into the existing fabric of the neighbourhood and connecting it to the nearby Harbourfront Centre and Sugar Beach.

Economic and Community Impact

The scale of Pinnacle One Yonge ensures it will have a substantial economic impact on Toronto. The development will inject a significant amount of new Class A office space into the downtown market, providing modern workspace for thousands of employees. The 7,400 square metres of retail space will support new businesses and services, catering to both residents of the complex and the growing population of the surrounding South Core area. During its construction phases, the project has provided and will continue to provide employment for thousands of workers in the construction trades and related industries.

From a community perspective, the addition of 2,500 residential units represents a notable contribution to Toronto's housing supply, albeit at the premium end of the market. The mandated community space, equivalent in size to a large community centre, is a key public benefit that will serve residents within the towers and from the wider neighbourhood. The development also contributes to the city's property tax base, generating ongoing revenue for municipal services. Its location at a major transit hub, adjacent to Union Station, promotes a transit-oriented lifestyle, reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Timeline of Key Milestones

Construction on the first phase of Pinnacle One Yonge started in 2018. The plans were released in early 2020. The plans were designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects. The initial plans called for three towers. These included a 95-storey structure measuring 313 metres tall. They also included a 65-storey structure called the Prestige and an 80-storey structure to the north.

• 2018: Construction begins on Phase 1 of the development.
• Early 2020: Initial three-tower plan is publicly released. Prestige tower is under construction.
• 2022: The 65-storey Prestige tower is completed.
• November 2022: Developer submits application to increase heights of SkyTower (to 106 storeys) and third tower.
• November 2023: City Planning Department recommends approval for height increases.
• March 2025: Proposal submitted to set SkyTower's final height at ~356 metres.
• December 2025: SkyTower construction surpasses the 100th storey.
• March 2026: SkyTower reaches its top floor.

The complex is intended to include community space, stores, and offices. It will also include 2,500 apartments. The first tower, the Prestige at 65 storeys, was completed in 2022. Pinnacle One Yonge is a mixed-use development currently under construction. It will consist of six skyscrapers ranging in height from 22 to 106 storeys tall.

Place in the Toronto Skyline

Upon completion, Pinnacle One Yonge will alter Toronto's skyline, particularly its southern profile as viewed from Lake Ontario. The SkyTower, at approximately 356 metres, will rank among the tallest buildings in Canada and will be visible from great distances across the city and region. It will join other tall structures like the CN Tower and First Canadian Place as a defining vertical marker, creating a new cluster of extreme height at the waterfront's edge and reinforcing the area's status as the historical and symbolic centre of the city. The development's six towers, ranging from 22 to 106 storeys, will create a dense and varied architectural mass at this critical downtown location. The development's impact extends beyond mere height as it represents the continued southward expansion of Toronto's dense urban core towards the lake. It acts as a physical and visual terminus for Yonge Street, Canada's longest street, providing a dramatic endpoint to its journey from Lake Simcoe. Its success or challenges will likely influence the planning and approval of other large-scale developments along the waterfront for years to come.

Questions about Pinnacle One Yonge

Where is Pinnacle One Yonge located?

Pinnacle One Yonge is located at 1 Yonge Street in Toronto, Ontario, at the intersection of Yonge Street and Lake Shore Boulevard. This is a historically significant site at the very foot of Yonge Street, where it meets Lake Ontario. The location is immediately south of the downtown financial district and adjacent to major transportation hubs like Union Station and the Gardiner Expressway. Its position makes it a gateway to the city's revitalized waterfront precinct.

How tall will the SkyTower be?

The SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge is designed to be approximately 356 metres (1,168 feet) tall, containing 106 storeys. This height was finalized in a March 2025 proposal, following an earlier 2022 proposal to increase it from its original 313 metres. Upon completion, it is set to be the tallest residential building in Canada. The tower reached its top floor in March 2026, marking a key construction milestone.

What is included in the Pinnacle One Yonge development?

Pinnacle One Yonge is a mixed-use development planned to include six skyscrapers with a total of 2,500 residential apartments. The complex will also feature 93,000 square metres of office space, 7,400 square metres of retail space for shops and restaurants, and 4,600 square metres of dedicated community space. The first completed element was the Prestige residential tower, which opened in 2022. The development aims to create a full vertical neighbourhood with housing, work, shopping, and public amenities.

Who is developing and designing Pinnacle One Yonge?

The development is being undertaken by Pinnacle International, a major Canadian real estate development and management company. The architectural design is by the Toronto-based firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, known for other significant projects in the city. The firm is responsible for the master plan and the sculptural design of the individual towers. The project has undergone several design revisions through the planning approval process with the City of Toronto.

When did construction start and what is finished?

Construction on the first phase of Pinnacle One Yonge began in 2018. The first building to be completed was the Prestige tower, a 65-storey residential structure that finished construction in 2022. As of early 2026, the SkyTower has reached its top floor, but the overall development remains under construction. The full build-out of all six towers and their associated public spaces will take several more years to complete.

How will Pinnacle One Yonge affect the Toronto community?

The development will add a significant number of housing units and office spaces to Toronto's downtown core, supporting population and job growth. The included community space will provide a public amenity for local residents. Its location at a major transit hub promotes sustainable, transit-oriented living. Economically, it generates construction jobs, expands the property tax base, and creates new retail opportunities, while its scale will permanently reshape the city's waterfront skyline.

Sources and further reading

• Pinnacle One Yonge (Wikipedia)
• Pinnacle One Yonge (1yongetoronto.com)
• One Yonge | Home to Canada's Tallest Residential Tower (hariripontarini.com)
• SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge (oneyongeskytower.com)
• SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge in Toronto | Floor Plans ... (propertymesh.ca)

Checked by the Your Space Hamilton desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.