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First Look at One Bloor East: First Capital’s Retail Transformation in Toronto’s Yorkville 

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A Prime Retail Destination in Downtown Toronto 

One Bloor East has emerged as a premier retail hub in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood at one of the city’s most recognized intersections – Yonge and Bloor. This mixed-use development sits atop Toronto’s busiest and most important subway interchange making it a natural corridor for thousands of visitors and Torontonians alike.  

Redevelopment Highlights: From Nordstrom Rack to a Bolder Vision 

In 2017 First Capital acquired the commercial retail podium at One Bloor East. The 85,000 square foot retail property was leased to a variety of tenants, including a two-storey Nordstrom Rack. Following Nordstrom’s announcement in 2023 that they would be closing all of their Canadian stores, First Capital saw this as an opportunity to reimagine the space and acted quickly to secure new and exciting tenants, achieving full occupancy of the retail podium.  

Corner of Yonge and Bloor with facade of building showing New tanants including Scotiabank, Nike, Mango, Ballroom Bowl, and Avant with people and cars going through intersection
Corner of Yonge and Bloor with facade of building showing Nordstrom rack with people and cars going through intersection

Shell Condition Spaces: A Blank Canvas for Retail Innovation 

A part of our Landlord Work, each tenant space was returned to shell condition, offering a clean slate for interior fit-outs. This included: 

Demolition of previous finishes and storefronts 

Structural reconfigurations and concrete work 

Installation of new elevators and slab modifications where required 

Each space within One Bloor East was thoughtfully reimagined to meet the unique needs of its incoming tenants. From structural overhauls to tailored storefronts, the redevelopment showcases how shell condition spaces can be transformed into flagship destinations. 

Scotiabank – From Retail to Refined Banking 

The former Nordstrom Rack ground floor was converted into an 8,000 SF space for Scotiabank. This transformation involved: 

Demolishing the previous storefront and revolving door 

Installing a clean, modern façade 

Custom glazing modifications to accommodate ATMs and night deposit boxes 

This redesign gave Scotiabank a fresh canvas to create a welcoming and functional banking environment. 

Corner of Yonge and Bloor facing new scotiabank at One Bloor East with people and cars at the intersection
Old frontage of Nordstrom Rack
New Frontage of Scotiabank at corner of Yonge and Bloor

Avant by Altea – Luxury Fitness in Yorkville 

Occupying the upper level of the former Nordstrom Rack space, Avant by Altea introduced a bold new concept to One Bloor East: a luxury lifestyle fitness club designed specifically for the Yorkville demographic. The 30,000 SF space was returned to full shell condition, giving Altea complete creative freedom to shape the environment from the ground up 

The build-out involved: 

Implementing bespoke interior design 

Introducing six boutique fitness studios within the space 

Open Gym Space with top-tier strength and cardio equipment 

Elite Personal Training 

Recovery & Wellness Amenities 

Facade of Avant by Altea with cars, cyclists and people passing by

Nike – Structural Innovation for a New Flagship Store 

The new Nike space spans 17,000 SF and began as a raw shell space that was never fully leased. Its transformation included: 

Major structural demolition and reconfiguration 

Installation of a brand-new elevator 

Slab openings and infills for layout optimization 

A new storefront redesign to reflect Nike’s brand identity 

This extensive overhaul set the stage for a bold and immersive retail experience at the new Canadian flagship store. 

facade of Nike at One Bloor East with people and cars passing by in front

Mango – Spanish Fashion Meets a Fast Fit-Out 

The 4,300 SF space for Mango was the first to complete its buildout. After receiving the shell space from First Capital, Mango began: 

Custom interior construction 

Brand-specific layout and finishes 

Rapid execution to bring their fashion-forward concept to life 

This swift transformation exemplified how shell spaces empower retailers to move quickly and creatively. 

Facade of Mango at One Bloor East with cars, cyclists and people passing by

First Capital’s Collaborative Construction: Speed and Efficiency 

Our integrated team structure is a core strength. By bringing our in-house construction, development, operations, and leasing teams together, we streamline deal execution, coordinate project schedules, and manage work scopes seamlessly for both our company and tenants. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the process but also builds strong, lasting relationships with our tenants—from the very first conversation through construction and ongoing operations. 

Just like our integrated team structure, One Bloor East is a perfect example of how we focus on bringing an integrated tenant mix that is curated specifically for the demographic surrounding our properties.  

Interested in leasing a space with us? Look for the perfect space that suits your needs by visiting our list of properties 

Facade of Nike, Mango and Avant at One Bloor east with people and cars passing by
Facade of Sociabank and Avant with people and cyclists passing by
Chick Fil A facade at One Bloor East with cars and people passing by
people walking by Ballroom Bowl at One Bloor East
people walking by TTC entrance at One Bloor East