Aura, Residential skyscraper in Downtown Yonge, Toronto, Canada
Aura is a residential tower that rises 272 meters with 78 floors above ground and 6 below, anchoring the downtown streetscape. The structure layers residential units on top of retail and commercial spaces, creating a mixed-use complex with glass and concrete exteriors.
Construction began in 2010, with the first 31 floors opening in 2013 and the project completing in 2014. This rapid growth reflected Toronto's commitment to expanding downtown residential development during the early 2010s.
The building reflects Toronto's shift toward urban living, bringing residents and shoppers into the same downtown location. The ground level draws people from across the city, making it a gathering point for mixed-use urban activity.
The tower connects directly to College subway station through an underground passage, giving residents and visitors quick access to Toronto's transit system. The ground-level retail spaces are easily accessible from the street for walking visitors.
In 2022, the retail podium was transformed into an urban-format IKEA store, a format designed specifically for city centers and compact spaces. This shift shows how ground-level retail in downtown towers can quickly adapt to new tenants and concepts.
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