Original Island Airport Terminal 1 (restore & repurpose)

[androiduk]

From CityTv.ca

Celebrity chefs and decorators are teaming up with the Toronto Port Authority to make over a historic terminal building at Billy Bishop airport.

The old Terminal A, built in 1939, will be converted into a restaurant and event space.

TV designers Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe will help design the space while Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk, the chefs behind popular Riverside restaurant Ruby Watcho and regulars on food television, will contribute to the restaurant.

Richardson and Smythe have worked on the Toronto Islands before restoring a private home.

“As city residents, there’s not enough opportunity for us to come and enjoy all that the island has to offer, so we are excited to be part of this project to revitalize an historic building,†Richardson said at a news conference Tuesday.

Richardson told reporters she is the daughter of an architectural historian, so she understands the need to preserve the heritage of the building.

“It’s always a key priority to respect and embrace all the beauty and the history that we have here in Toronto,†Richardson said.

The designers are enthusiastic about the potential in the space, particularly the vistas and sight lines.

Crawford promised some “Ruby Watcho flair†at the restaurant.

“What a gift this is going to be, to have a venue that is absolutely gorgeous that is filled with so much history,†Crawford said.

“With great food, a beautiful venue, a beautiful vibe.â€

Timelines and specifics for the project are not yet set.

The building will be moved to the east side of the island airport property, closer to Hanlan’s Point.

“The restored terminal is a great addition to the Billy Bishop airport,†said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly in a news release. “The terminal building is an important part of Canada’s aviation legacy and a vital piece of Toronto’s heritage. We are very pleased that the building is being restored and transformed into a public space that everyone can enjoy.â€

The building will also house services and amenities for the aviation community based on the island airport.

Terminal A has not been in use since 2010.

 

[UrbanFervour]

This is great news. I am picturing something like the Orangery in London's Kew Gardens - great food & a beautiful setting.

 

[TOareaFan]

This is great news. I am picturing something like the Orangery in London's Kew Gardens - great food & a beautiful setting.

is the setting that great? It will be on airport land.

 

[Tuscani01]

is the setting that great? It will be on airport land.

And that is bad because?

Personally, I would enjoy eating at a restaurant where I could spot planes. Drive by Pearson any day of the week and you will see people lined up along roads surrounding the airport to watch planes. To do this from a park, where you aren't being hassled by Peel Police would be a huge draw. (the building is being moved to the other side of the island so it can be accessed from the Hanlan Ferry, so it will be on the edge of the airport)

 

[Silence&Motion]

is the setting that great? It will be on airport land.

But if they're moving it closer to Hanlan's point, then it could be a nice setting: https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6276...!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sK4V4w8IIDUNDY0TZ8yoDNw!2e0!3e5

 

[TOareaFan]

And that is bad because?

Personally, I would enjoy eating at a restaurant where I could spot planes. Drive by Pearson any day of the week and you will see people lined up along roads surrounding the airport to watch planes. To do this from a park, where you aren't being hassled by Peel Police would be a huge draw. (the building is being moved to the other side of the island so it can be accessed from the Hanlan Ferry, so it will be on the edge of the airport)

I know that people like to plane spot......but they are a minority of the population. For the amount of work they are putting into this, I may be making the false assumption that it will be towards the fine/expensive end of dining.....and to make a go of this they will need to be appealing to a lot more than the plane spotting crowd.....I like the idea but I think it would have more chance of success if it were not on airport property.

But if they're moving it closer to Hanlan's point, then it could be a nice setting: https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6276...!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sK4V4w8IIDUNDY0TZ8yoDNw!2e0!3e5

I understand the general area but this excerpt probably depicts it better....to be a j/v with TPA I believe it has to be on airport property....in fact the story above says it will be on airport property close to Hanlan's (not actually at Hanlan's) so the grey area in this rather than the green area.

 

[maestro]

There are the business travellers going through YTZ.

 

[TOareaFan]

There are the business travellers going through YTZ.

is there a way for those business travellers to get from the terminal over to that location?

 

[Red October]

The terminal on wheels. Looking a lot more worse for wear since the last time I saw it in person (when it was still beside the new terminal):

source.

 

[harry_fine]

I was down at Hanlan's today, took a look to see the old building, wondered if it had been turned into a restaurant, but it was sitting fenced in, neglected, old and looking like the plans to turn it into a restaurant had fallen through. Anyone know any update on this?

 

[am29]

Just shut down the airport already and let's get a REAL park.

 

[Automation Gallery]

Just shut down the airport already and let's get a REAL park.

Oh please, stop living in the 90s

 

[P23]

Just shut down the airport already and let's get a REAL park.

The other 80% of the islands are park/residential. I like parks too, but a downtown airport is a valuable asset not many cities have.

 

[interchange42]

This is not the right room for an argument. If you'd like to have an argument, you'll have to go next door.

42

 

[TOareaFan]

This is not the right room for an argument. If you'd like to have an argument, you'll have to go next door.

42

yes it is