Manulife Centre

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The main tower of the Manulife Centre
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The main tower of the Manulife Centre

The Manulife Centre is located on the southeast corner of Bay and Bloor streets, adjacent to the southern edge of the Yorkville district of Toronto. It consists of a 51-storey 800-suite luxury residential tower at 44 Charles Street and a shorter tower at 55 Bloor Street West, connected by a retail complex on the main floor and basement.

[edit] History

Construction began in 1972 and was completed in 1974. It was developed and built for Manulife Financial, the current owners. An underground tunnel connects the basement level of the shopping concourse to Holt Renfrew at 50 Bloor St West on the north side of Bloor, allowing pedestrians to access either of two subway stations (Bloor-Yonge or Bay) without going outside.

Early retail tenants at the Manulife Centre included Bretton's department Store (60,000 square feet), Creed's (38,000 Square feet), Harridge's, and other luxury tenants. Over time, these three large retailers went bankrupt and closed.

[edit] Today

Today the retail portion of Manulife Centre serves the local population, and includes Birks Jewelers, Indigo Books, and William Ashley fine china.

See Also: Panorama Lounge which is on the top of the Manulife Centre.

[edit] External links