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I really love Partisan's funky and innovative spirit, but I can't believe they're the right firm for this job. We don't need rigid, constrictive contextualism or imitation, but we do need respect for the original building, a sense of relief in the proper finish the building has lacked, and, if I...

I think these are fantastic ideas. You're right - it looks like the art gallery is sitting where the planned plaza was. The art gallery is servicable now - a huge improvement on its former condition - but demolishing it wouldn't cause any tears. That would do absolute wonders for the facade and...

I wouldn't be surprised to see mixed-use buildings - like the John Hancock center in Chicago, which is part offices, part apartments.

OMG! Thanks so much for posting these. I found them online years ago, but lost them somehow. The compromised mix we ended up getting is full of problems, but despite their spacy charms, I don't know this version wouldn't have been just as destructive. The skating/sculpture mall with the...

I did a brief search online, but can't seem to find anything too concrete about the renovation plans for the former Hamilton Place concert hall, nor the Convention Centre. I desperately hope that renovations to the convention Centre include a deep reworking of how it meets the street. Especially...

SRM is our very own local Graziani & Corazza. Gah! They seem to be getting most of the tower projects around here. Not usually atrocious, not often a pleasure - they're charting an unwavering course through the serviceable heart of mediocrity. I live across the corner from a WZMH building from...

Five years before the Pan-Am games, even. The entire Canary and Distillery districts were derelict, full of junk and brownfields, Regent Park was eight years off or so, and the Portlands were not even a thought. In retrospect, the progress on the entire lower east side has been incredible. It's...

A pic from that faraway land known as yesteryear.... Mel Lastman, Mike Harris and Jean Chretien announcing the formation of Waterfront Toronto in the year 2000. Three levels of government it 'twas, and three it has remained.

Yeah - I live downtown, and everytime I'm outdoors I just walk around going - "they could do a building like this here", "they could do this there", "wouldn't it be great to see this!", etc. Daydreaming, but very enjoyable. I'm glad I got here just a few years ago, when the city really started...

Looking West on Francis Street, from King. Looking West across the site from Francis and Hall's Lane Looking Southwest from Hall's Lane Looking Southwest from Hall's Lane Looking South from the U-Haul lot, between Hall's Lane and Charles Looking South-east from the edge of...

So far, I'd give it a seven. I like the musculariity and 'street meet' of the podium. Also, evidently the Mennonites like it too, which is a big plus. With a few minor tweaks, clad that base in some lovely material (stone or Mac Millan Bloedel-quality concrete) and I'd say you're really onto...

More density on King Street? Excellent. As for the aesthetic quality and architectural worth of the building - well, I guess we'll see. Kitchener's condo legacy so far has been unremarkable at best. Let's hope those involved bring their best to this project.

I like this little project. It's perky. I'm really fond of the diagonal bracing at mid-level, less fond of the bulging offset box behind it. The chiclet-sized balconettes are fun. So far, so good, I say.

The Bridge! Wonderful! I find this whole project so exciting. Looking forward to seeing what's proposed. If it keeps up with ongoing MVVH/West8/DTAH standards, it should be a good one, with a lot of potential to create a signature piece.

*raises hand in Kitchener* Uh, no thanks!

Gosh, I love Claude Cormier's work. He really seems to be able to find just what is needed for a space, bringing sophisticated intricacy, whimsy and skill. In the middle of a blue-glass walled blank, he's given Toronto a warm, fanciful heart. There's the urbane little miracles of Berczy Park and...

I suspect the parking under the square is too squat-ceilinged to simply install retail. Is it multileveled? Maybe the City could keep a few spaces for essential needs and conveniences, and install retail below through most of it. It could pleasingly extend the PATH network and subway access...

I agree with Robert Fulford's quote from his book "Accidental City": "The gigantic elevated walkway that Revell put around the square remains controversial. Many find it constricting, and imagine a day when it will be torn down to create a more expansive public space. There are others who think...

One naturally assumes Concord Adex is a smart, competent and stable company that truly knows what it's doing, and how to do it well. If not spectacularly. To not have permits, etc. in place seems drastically odd. I don't like what it indicates. If they're this shoddy about this, what else aren't...

I totally agree with you. Yonge Street's variegated charms were much more home-grown and irregular way-back-when. I dislike the amount of shadowing on the street and the corporatization of many of its outlets. But yeah, I feel like an old fogey for complaining about the street now - I mean, a...