Hakim Optical - Dundas Square

[skyscan]

Hey folks. Heres some pictures

 

[junctionist]

It may be impressive that it turned out to look like a normal building given how pathetic the project seemed at times during construction but that glass reminds me of the cliched '80s mirrored glass towers.

 

[dt_toronto_geek]

Any betting folks here who want to wager whether or not this will be complete by year's end? Geeze!

 

[DSC]

It may be impressive that it turned out to look like a normal building given how pathetic the project seemed at times during construction but that glass reminds me of the cliched '80s mirrored glass towers.

It is interesting that the building has an architect who has his name on a sign and a contractor who has two. If I were the architect of this 'undistinguished' building I think I would keep it quiet and if I wanted a builder I might not want one who takes so long to build this one.

 

[catcher_of_cats]

It resembles buildings in which birds frequently crash into. If birds do crash this one then they could name it Pigeon-Go-Splat Tower or some variation.

 

[LowPolygon]

.

 

[androiduk]

I don't have a big problem with this building. Once the hoarding is down it should look just fine from the street. I think it occupies this tight little site rather well.

 

[ponyboy]

why do you have the stupid poll up top? The choices don't make any sense. The building is reflective glass box, but it isn't offensive. It did take a long time to get finished, but perhaps they had some financing trouble. I wouldn't downgrade them for that.

 

[khris]

I do think the poll should be deleted. I think it was more representative of what it looked like 2 years ago haha.
It's not that bad now. It's better than an empty lot.

 

[Dan416]

The poll was funny at the time and true. It actually looks half-decent now, surprisingly.

 

[egotrippin]

I like the lighting at the top. That is all.

This spot would've been perfect for a super slim, +/- 30 storey building. Something like the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Colborne St.

 

[Torontovibe]

I'd like to see more hotels surrounding Dundas Square.

 

[neuhaus]

it's not a bad building, just a really generic looking building.
It's funny how they saved the brick base, which is only seen on the side and the back of the building. The old brick portion alone is nothing special, but in the context of the new building it adds some visual interest to the reflective facade.

 

[adma]

It's funny how they saved the brick base, which is only seen on the side and the back of the building. The old brick portion alone is nothing special, but in the context of the new building it adds some visual interest to the reflective facade.

I suspect it was less for aesthetic reasons, than as a tax dodge or something (i.e. qualifying the building as a "renovation" rather than as outright new construction)

 

[DSC]

I suspect it was less for aesthetic reasons, than as a tax dodge or something (i.e. qualifying the building as a "renovation" rather than as outright new construction)

This was discussed way back when this building was starting and the consensus then seemed to be that kereping the brick wall made the project a renovation not a new building and thus there were fewer hoops to jump through and/or fees to pay. The wall is certainly not 'historic' and is not in very good condition; in my opinion it detracts from the rest of the building.