Toronto 875 Queen East | ?m | 7s | Harhay | OFFICEArchitecture
- Thread starter Yoshimura
- Start date
ProjectEnd
Superstar
It's a bit fussy in the detailing, but this really works. Good scaling and materials, narrow retail, some heritage retention. An excellent package.
egotrippin
Senior Member
It wins me over alone on carrying the brick all the way from bottom to top. Big points right there.
jackattack
Active Member
agreed with all the positive comments above - this looks great
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C
christiesplits
Guest
A bit too busy for my tastes. I much prefer the simplicity of The Logan down the street.
jackattack
Active Member
that's fair, there's a lot going on. But I think both developments have above average pedestrian realms with the retail scale/design/materials
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junctionist
Senior Member
It's nicely detailed, engaging, and warm in colour. The proportions and overall rhythm of the storefronts fit in well with the street. It's winner in my books.
ProjectEnd
Superstar
A friend who lives here loves it. It's a great building through and through. Congrats to Harhay on this one.
christiesplits
Senior Member
I'm disappointed that it's almost entirely chains that have taken up the commercial space at this development. In theory, smaller retail footprints are supposed to attract more independent ("mom and pop") retailers and restaurants. Why didn't this occur here?
ProjectEnd
Superstar
You can't force independent retailers to take units. Likewise, if you have a chain that wants to take space, why would Harhay (or whomever owns the retail if it's not them) turn down a lease?
Northern Light
Superstar
This much is true.
PE, we know almost everyone's money is good; but if that's the entire argument, then the world is reduced to crap.
It is possible for private interests to aspire beyond the simplest, fastest dollar to something that builds their reputation, and something that builds the long term success of their developments and the areas around them, which builds them long term brand value and political capital.
Some developers are highly selective and do curate their retail mix, going out and finding who they want to fill the space, not merely taking the first reliable payer.
Beyond that, of course, government has the option, as I've long discussed, of restricting chain retail, it's been done in the U.S., in France and many other places.
I tend to oppose needless regulation, but at the same time, I don't think a Starbucks on every corner is acceptable let alone desirable. It would be nice not merely to have variety, but a coffee shop that can make good coffee.
Same applies to the retail mix here.
ProjectEnd
Superstar
All of that is correct, yes, but, in the absence of legislation like that suggested above, it's entirely up to Harhay (or whomever owns the retail) to tenant it as they see fit (as has been done).
nstuch
Active Member
At least the commercial spaces are all occupied with generally useful businesses. Compare this to the retail stretching along the south side of queen, west of woodbine where most of the units for 3 or 4 blocks are vacant and have been for years.