Perhaps a lesson is to be learned from this. While I appreciate the "charm" of Roy's Square, I think that this lot needs a tall tower. Maybe with the loss of this unique space in Toronto, other back alleys and courtyards can/will be re-invigurated with life.
I guess you don't work for or run a highly successful international company. Image is everything. The jewels and crowns are what it's all about. You don't think Bazis is constantly striving for more jewels in their crown(s)?
No, I don't. And it's clear you don't either, or own shares in one. Because if you did, you'd know that in a post Enron-Tyco-Hollinger world, no corporation is spending money to build monuments to itself.
The Four Seasons hotel company didn't build the new opera house. They ponied up cash for naming rights to the building. This is a marketing investment.
Bah! Move on...! There are many more pressing issues in this city to devote time to. 1BE is a done deal.
Looking at various renderings it appears 1BE's retail podium will come pretty close to the Xerox building. I don't think those shops on the east side of Roy's Square are part of the plan.
new rendering of the tower is in the new Condo Guide.. the tower looks pretty similar, the base seems new.. it has a little bit of KPMB-style Bell Lightbox look
The balcony technology and aesthetics will be unique but I am not a fan of the new base. I liked the old curved glass base as there really wasn't anything like it in the city. That being said, the slightly reworked base (and building), is still something to look forward to.
New renderings from the condo guide. I like it, and looks like an improvement over the previous design. The base does indeed look reminiscent of Bell Lightbox.