Register123
Active Member
Why do they have to demolish buildings in this city when there are hundreds of parking lots, makes no sense.
Toronto 88 Scott Street | 203.9m | 58s | Concert | P + S / IBI
- Thread starter yyzer
- Start date
Big Daddy
Senior Member
What do you do if you want to develop a great building but don't happen to own one of those parking lots. They aren't all for sale. Most are owned by large companies for their own future development.
Ramako
Moderator
It's especially disappointing that they're going to demolish this tower considering that the large open square in the middle of the building would probably allow them to build something directly over top of the existing structure. In addition, given the choice of architects, I get the sense that this will not be a luxury product, which is unfortunate given the location.
Ramako
Moderator
From AndrewJM3D at Skyscraper City:
All in all, a comparatively "uninspiring" example of architecture from that era. Given the obvious hack jobs that it's already endured over the years, I've become more amenable to this building getting a facadectomy if it means the exterior getting restored to its original condition. Still, this location really should be designated for an office tower.
As promised earlier some pictures of the building in question. From what I can tell from walking around it today the shell of it is about the only thing that has any historical value left. It looks like half of it go a facade job back in the 80's not to mention two additional floors. IMO it would make a great base for a super tall.
All in all, a comparatively "uninspiring" example of architecture from that era. Given the obvious hack jobs that it's already endured over the years, I've become more amenable to this building getting a facadectomy if it means the exterior getting restored to its original condition. Still, this location really should be designated for an office tower.
Automation Gallery
Superstar
At almost 200 meters this is going to stand out in our skyline..i sure hope its more than a glass box.
thecharioteer
Senior Member
The original building was on the Scott/Wellington corner. The "atrium" was built on a parking lot to the west on Wellington and a few floors added on top in the 80's. I took this pic from the roof of a Colborne St. building in the late 70's which shows the building pre-addition:
An earlier shot from the Toronto Archives 1959, looking up Scott St.:
And in its pre-war and post-war context:
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buildup
Senior Member
Isn't this then an argument for razing the site and starting with a clean slate? Why incorporate "uninspiring, hacked-up" architecture"? This tendency of Toronto is becoming eccentric.
adma
Superstar
And besides, let's not be too harsh on the additions; they evidently paid reverent late-modern/early-postmodern tribute to the original building. Maybe not on a Pei level; but, still.
thecharioteer
Senior Member
One Bedford being the most egregious example. Now if this building had survived.........
Automation Gallery
Superstar
Oh no here we go again, lets save 40 Scott, this is no 1 Bedford or 2 Bloor west or even 2 Bloor east.....http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=385147&page=12
I say keep the facade and thats more than enough.
I say keep the facade and thats more than enough.
Hipster Duck
Senior Member
+1
Toronto is a really hacked-up city of propped up facades. I'm almost starting to think that this will become our "style" - if it only it wasn't so embarrassing.
Ramako
Moderator
The debate about heritage preservation aside, I'm willing to bet that the restored exterior of the existing building would blow out of the water anything that P+S came up with on their own. For that reason, I'd much prefer a facadectomy over the building being razed to the ground. If it were a different architectural firm, that would be a different story.
cassius
Active Member
Does anyone know if they've submitted any elevations to the City yet?
CanadianNational
Senior Member
Thanks to TheCharioteer for posting those amazing pics.
condovo
Senior Member
40 Scott isn't an outstanding building but I've always loved it for its quiet, understated elegance. It's a successful "fabric" building that gives depth to Toronto's architectural heritage. The original PWA Moderne-influenced section on Scott and Wellington should be saved in its entirety. That won't happen, of course. Sigh.
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