As a very nearby resident, I'm saddened to see the Big Bop go. It was a great stage (literally and figuratively) for music in Toronto. But it appears its time had come...
As others have mentioned, it's amazing how this blocks has recently changed or is about to change: new Starbucks across the street; Tim Horton's on the other side of Bathurst; Loblaws and Winners coming to Riocan site; new retail for the fire site; Leslieville Cheese and Healthy Butcher on the next block; modrobes store returning at Queen at Markham.
There's also Blvd Interiors furniture store across the street from the site which should benefit from the CB2 moving in.