Murano, Toronto

Murano is a residential complex with two connected towers made primarily of glass, located at Grosvenor and Grenville Streets in downtown Toronto. The towers reach 45 and 35 stories and house apartments with a two-level base that contains retail and service spaces.

The complex was designed by Peter Clewes of architectsAlliance and built between 2008 and 2010 by Lanterra Developments. It emerged during a period of significant growth in Toronto's downtown residential tower construction.

The building takes its name from the Italian island of Murano near Venice, referencing the centuries-old tradition of glass craftsmanship there. This naming choice appears throughout the design philosophy, visible in how the glass facade plays with light and the careful attention to materials.

The complex provides indoor and outdoor pools with retractable glass roofs, a fitness center, guest suites, and retail shops throughout the base. Visitors should know that most amenities are reserved for residents and their guests, though some ground-level retail spaces may be accessible to the public.

Shortly after opening, the building faced significant challenges with balcony glass durability that led to legal action and extensive repairs. This experience prompted comprehensive improvements to the glass systems, making it a noteworthy case study in modern high-rise construction.

Location: Ontario

Architects: Peter Clewes

GPS coordinates: 43.66210,-79.38600

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07