Slate Asset Management was joined by acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang, founder of acclaimed architectural practice Studio Gang, and key project partners to celebrate the official start of construction at One Delisle. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held on site in the Yonge and St Clair neighbourhood.

“Slate began investing in the Yonge and St. Clair neighbourhood in 2013. We focused initially on revitalizing the intersection and transforming the buildings and streetscape.  One Delisle presented our first opportunity to imagine and create something entirely new,” said Lucas Manuel, Partner, Slate Asset Management. “We took this opportunity seriously and were determined to attract one of the world’s top architects to the project. Studio Gang understood that we were committed not only to great design and architecture, but that this tower would be part of a larger city-building initiative underway at Yonge and St. Clair, one of Canada’s preeminent neighbourhoods. We are absolutely thrilled to be standing here today, bringing to life this beautifully imagined, iconic building.”
 
One Delisle is Studio Gang’s the first project in Canada. Rising from a square base at street level, One Delisle spirals to become a 16-sided cylindrical tower to expand views, capture more sunlight, and minimize shadows cast on the street. The building’s distinctive façade emerges from eight-story elements that host protected balconies and generous terraces. Leaning outward to provide shade and wind protection, these elements create vibrant indoor-outdoor living spaces that can be used well into the shoulder seasons.

Located at the corner of Yonge and Delisle Streets, One Delisle embraces the heritage of its neighbourhood while helping to establish it as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination.  The building’s podium retains elements of the art deco façade of 1498 Yonge Street and preserves its main street character with exciting new retail offerings. The building is also set back from the street to create widened, landscaped sidewalks and open up new connections to a revitalized Delisle Park. 

“We saw One Delisle as an opportunity to introduce new indoor-outdoor living spaces that allow residents to enjoy the beauty of Toronto while also investing in the long-term vitality of the Yonge and St. Claire neighbourhood,” said Jeanne Gang, Founding Principal and Partner of Studio Gang. “It’s especially meaningful to be on site to celebrate this milestone with our partners at Slate, who share our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the walls of the building."
 
Following remarks by Slate and Studio Gang, Multiplex reflected on their role in bringing the project to life.
 
“We’re going to deliver an amazing project here and are incredibly honoured to be part of the vision from Slate and Studio Gang. The baton has been passed to Multiplex and now it’s time for us to make the vision a reality,” said Terry Olynyk from Multiplex, the construction management partner for One Delisle.
 
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with remarks from Riz Dhanji of RAD Marketing who led market sales for the project and reported that the project was at 90 per cent sold out. “We are so proud to have been part of the success of One Delisle and look forward to its evolution on Toronto’s skyline. There are very few instances in cities where developers take a bold move to recreate what a surrounding neighbourhood is going to be and what cities are about. Slate has taken that bold move that very few developers, not only in Toronto, but in North America, are willing to take to execute on a vision like this,” said Dhanji. 

As part of Gang’s celebratory visit to Toronto, Gang was a guest speaker in a Fireside Chat with The Globe and Mail Architecture Critic, Alex Bozikovic earlier in the morning. Citing examples from across Gang’s portfolio of work, they discussed how tall buildings can be designed as good neighbours. The event was hosted by The Urban Land Institute of Toronto at IBI Group’s office on St Clair Avenue west, down the street from the One Delisle site. The Fireside Chat was well attended by its members and One Delisle project partners.
 
To learn more about One Delisle, visit: https://onedelisle.com/