Toronto 320 Bay Modernization | ?m | 18s | Menkes | B+H

cd concept said:
Why can't they create something that compliments these old buildings ! We got the same old clear blue green square box style building again ! Might as well use Harry Stinson's old idea in creating something like the Sapphire Tower look !
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stinson.jpg
 
Remember the video where Brad Lamb and Stinson are working together -- I think it was on a condo in Waterloo or something -- and Stinson asks Lamb if they should ask potential buyers to remove their shoes so they wouldn't mess up the floors in the model suite; and remember Lamb's reaction?
 
I'm not too sure about the accuracy, but this should show the impact of a 220 metre tower:

Toronto Model 12-06-18 320 Bay.png
 
cd concept said:
Why can't they create something that compliments these old buildings ! We got the same old clear blue green square box style building again ! Might as well use Harry Stinson's old idea in creating something like the Sapphire Tower look !
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I don't see anything wrong with a beautiful 18 storey classical tower occupying a small plot in the core. It fills space that provides breathing room for the taller towers to be appreciated. Wall to wall 50 storeys banility that blends all together is more dystopian than impressive.

The cities we look up to, by and large, would laugh the developer out of the planning office trying to submit this. Maybe we should start to follow their example even if it means a few less skyscrapers.
 
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maestro said:
The cities we look up to, by and large, would laugh the developer out of the planning office trying to submit this. Maybe we should start to follow their example even if it means a few less skyscrapers.
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It just means more skyscrapers in other locations. Leave this one alone. And for the crowd that wants a bigger looking core/skyline this one will be lost here. Better elsewhere.
 
Looks like Sweeny &Co jumped the gun by publishing that project on their website, before getting approval from their client. They have now removed it, and they asked us to do the same with our front page story. As we do not own the images, our story and database file have now been unpublished.

Also, Dermot Sweeny added this comment before the story was taken down: "Please note that this is NOT a current project but rather was a concept developed to analyse the possibilities for some future expansion of the property. This project was an ideas exploration and is no longer being considered by the Owners."

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The design does not fit in here. It goes with the rest of the squares and rectangles in that area but that’s it. The design is very boring for this spot if something has to be built here it really should be a or close to being a stunner as you would see it from many angles west of it. Do we want nice vantages and sight lines or just to have fill in projects that block the beauty of other towers. Making the nicer ones just pointless. Sorry but I still like our big green spited tower as viewed from the west. So something here with curves might look good to brake up the straight up lines these buildings together create.
 
maestro said:
I don't see anything wrong with a beautiful 18 storey classical tower occupying a small plot in the core. It fills space that provides breathing room for the taller towers to be appreciated. Wall to wall 50 storeys banility that blends all together is more dystopian than impressive.

The cities we look up to, by and large, would laugh the developer out of the planning office trying to submit this. Maybe we should start to follow their example even if it means a few less skyscrapers.
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I agree with you 100% on how sophisticated these two buildings look with the dark blue glazed windows in the middle. But when a developer applies for an application and want to build on top of those buildings. Chances are it's probably going to happen. So that's why I think they should build a thin prestige super tall condo on top like the One King West or Sapphire Tower and keep the offices below. Creating more breathing space in that area. Would make more sense then having a bulky 1 million square feet office tower instead.
 
Menkes Expands its Relationship with TD Greystone Asset Management and Invests in the Heart of the Financial District with the Revitalization of 320 Bay Street
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releas...vitalization-of-320-bay-street-825591438.html
TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Menkes Developments Ltd (Menkes) has expanded its relationship with TD Greystone Asset Management (TD Greystone) and is pleased to announce the acquisition of an interest in 320 Bay Street, a heritage building prominently situated on the southwest corner of Bay and Adelaide streets.

Menkes' investment reflects the Company's commitment to deliver progressive and innovative workspace in downtown Toronto.

This transaction will result in a major restoration of the building, improving the quality and service of the space, while preserving its history and architectural elements. Menkes has exciting plans for a street level re-imagination of the building. The revitalization of the 270,000 square foot space will include significant electrical and mechanical upgrades.

The building, designed by prominent Canadian architect Henry Sproatt, originated as the Canada Permanent Trust Building.

"We think this development will have a unique place in the market, as there is nothing like it in the core right now," said Peter Menkes, President Commercial/Industrial. "It will offer a cutting- edge work environment, redesigned to meet the growing demand for creative office space in Toronto, and will allow companies to occupy a historical, landmark property. Menkes does not currently have a heritage building in its office portfolio, so this is very exciting for us."

The renovation of 320 Bay Street will add much needed office supply catered to the growing tech sector in the Financial District. The revitalization will take place over the next 12-18 months, with occupancy in 2020.

"On behalf of our institutional clients, TD Greystone would like to thank and commend Triovest Realty Advisors for its exceptional management of 320 Bay Street since 2010. With this transaction, we are extremely excited to embark on the next phase for 320 Bay and broaden our relationship with Menkes," said Jeff Tripp, Managing Director, Real Estate Investments, TD Greystone.
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Menkes has exciting plans for a street level re-imagination of the building
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That sounds a tad disturbing - the existing street level (exterior) seem to be something that would benefit more from a restoration than a re-imagination.

AoD
 
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