Because those two bunkers were built ~30 years ago during a period of rampant, and uncontrolled development. I can only guess that many current community members weren't around when they were built, but had they been, would've probably opposed them.
Yet "bunkers" seems a bit cruel in describing the Crossways. Its urban credentials are solid in spite of the way it meets the street. It's a more diverse mix of uses the usual project of the era with residential in the towers and ample retail and some office space. I like the finely-terraced podium and the sheer amount of brick that went into the complex. All the '70s design elements are there down to the ubiquitous globe lights, brick tiles, and indoor brick cladding. Jane Jacobs would love the retail in the mall (if only that). The 1970s were an era of reform and progressive planning and increased interest in human-scaled urban design, though not all development embraced the new era. It's definitely imperfect with its overpowering presence and street-side sterility, but the Crossways is not as bad as people portray it to be. The worst stuff is on the west corners of Bloor and Dundas.
It's not just the architecture at Dundas and Bloor that gives people poor impressions of the intersection. The public realm is unusually ugly and suffering from a lack of investment. The sidewalks are almost completely concrete, the road surface is all asphalt uninterrupted by even the bland concrete pedestrian walkways we see at intersections in Toronto, there's very little greenery, and the sidewalks feel cramped. There are often abandoned bikes locked up on the NE corner. Toronto has too many streets with overhead wires, but along Dundas at Bloor, they exacerbate the feeling of cramped space.
In terms of this new development, I like the massing with the tower set way back and the street fronted with a midrise building. The pedestrian-oriented commercial space is logical, though I'm wondering if one floor is enough at a transit node like this one. Unfortunately, the architecture lacks character. There isn't much to distinguish the tower's architecture. The tower looks more forgettable than the Crossways' twin triangular towers. Lastly, the new driveway on the north part of the property breaks up the streetwall and should be avoided. It seems unnecessary considering the wide driveway that already exists for The Crossways. A covered entrance perhaps with an arch would be so much better if this driveway is necessary.
