Over 500 new development applications landed on the desks of Toronto city planners in 2021, and with so many new buildings proposed this year, there are a few standouts that we just can't wait to see join the city skyline.

With the year wrapping up, we've skimmed the best and most ambitious plans from the truckload of applications submitted in the last year, so here's a sneak peek at some of the coolest new projects that could be coming to your neighbourhood in the near future.

55 Yonge

DeveloperH&R REITmade a splash early in the year with a pair of proposals for sky-scraping towers on Front and Yonge. The latter would rise66 storeys above Yonge and Colborne, with a height just over 236 metres that would bring it into the top ten for the city's tallest.

55 Yonge Street. Rendering byPARTISANS/BDP Quadrangle.

On top of its sky-scraping height, thePARTISANSandBDP Quadrangle-designed condo/office building would bring a new style to Toronto's skyline, with a base that smoothly transitions to the tower above, and a bold peak up top for some extra drama.

55 Yonge Street. Rendering byPARTISANS/BDP Quadrangle.

208 Bloor West

Another early-2021 submission, a plan to redevelop the Museum Tavern and a medical office building above garnered oohs and ahhs when renderings of itsslender profile and rose gold patterned finisheswent public.

208 Bloor St. W. Rendering byBDP Quadrangle.

This ultra-luxe 28-storey condo tower would bring just 46 units to the site across from the ROM, the splashy plan from architects BDP Quadrangle proposed to join a block of ambitious designs.

208 Bloor St. W. Rendering byBDP Quadrangle.

1 Sumach

Theredevelopment of Toronto's famed Cube Housewill at least bring a new architectural landmark to the city, with a 35-storey tower to be known as Sumach Artsplace fromMarkee Developments.

Sumach Artsplace. Rendering bygh3.

Designed by architectsgh3, the complex will contain a mix of condo and rental units, with retail at its base, and a unique design that will look just as fresh as the Cube House did when it was first built in 1996.

Sumach Artsplace. Rendering bygh3.

351 Lake Shore East

There is no shortage of exciting plans for the waterfront, and another was added to the list late this year when developersGreat GulfandDreamsubmitted their plans fora complex at 351 Lake Shore Eastthat would contain office, residential, retail, and public spaces.

351 Lake Shore Blvd. E. Rendering by bySchmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.

Plans include 49- and 42-storey towers designed bySchmidt Hammer Lassen Architectsof Denmark, and a stunning resurrection of the heritage Victory Soya Mills silos.

351 Lake Shore Blvd. E. Rendering by bySchmidt Hammer Lassen Architects.

475 Yonge Street

Height isn't the only criteria for projects on this list, but it sure doesn't hurt. Condo towers of 78 and 75 storeys were proposed by developerKingSett Capitalin September, replacing an earlier plan with a flashy new design by BDP Quadrangle.

475 Yonge St. Rendering byBDP Quadrangle.

With heights of over 255 and 246 metres, these buildings would have a mammoth presence over the intersection of Yonge and Wood, replacing the current Courtyard by Marriott complex just north of College subway station.

475 Yonge St. Rendering byBDP Quadrangle.

And that's just five out of hundreds proposed this year, with countless more projects in the pipeline that will contribute to Toronto's architectural character in the years to come.