Toronto Architecture from the 1940's and 1950's

[Anna]

I never knew that the train was above ground just south of St Clair Station at one point.

Don't tell Rob Ford, but most of the original (1954) 'subway' in the burbs (Bloor to Eglinton) was not underground.

 

[Koolgreen]

now ur just pickin' nits.....
not sure why there is such a hate on for this guy in this forum....

 

[Long Island Mike]

Don't tell Rob Ford, but most of the original (1954) 'subway' in the burbs (Bloor to Eglinton) was not underground.

Anna: That is true-the TTC sold the air rights over much of the open cut original Yonge Subway route...

Another interesting TTC Subway fact comes to mind looking again at these pictures: The TTC Subway car fleet did not have headlights
and train operators relied on the tunnel lighting and overhead lights outdoors - note the light poles between the tracks...

Sometime during the 80s a tragic tunnel accident in which one or more track workers was killed or severely injured the TTC then ordered
that all cars in use would have headlights installed - they were very low almost at track level - and any new cars would be equipped with
headlights...What happens in tunnels over time is that the fine brake dust can circulate in tunnels and can cause light fixtures to not be
at their brightest - flourescent tube covers need to be cleaned from time to time or the covers removed with the tube in a protective
glass or plastic outer tube that fits over the bulb to further protect it - NYC Transit uses these extensively in their system especially in
stations...LI MIKE

 

[thecharioteer]

Never noticed that, about the headlights, Mike. Thanks!

Another elegant station, which I suspect was by Parkin (though I can find no verification of the fact) was the Wellesley Subway Station, which has a number of the elements of the Adelaide Terminal, which started this thread, and the TTC shelter he designed on Davenport. Much debased, and enveloped by the current building above and around, the station is still there (but one has to search to find its former elegance).

1952:

1953:

1954:

1955:

Today:

 

[adma]

What's truly shocking is how tree-lined and residentially leafy Wellesley was 60 years ago...

 

[thecharioteer]

What's truly shocking is how tree-lined and residentially leafy Wellesley was 60 years ago...

True, and only 7 years before those pics (1947), Jarvis Street was widened and lost its trees:

 

[junctionist]

Those 1950s road widening projects transformed the city, turning small residential streets into arterials. Unfortunately, with the exception of University Avenue, there was no ambition to them besides increasing road capacity. There don't appear to have been any public realm improvements like new street trees, ornamental street lights or landscaping. They didn't even bury the overhead wires.

 

[thecharioteer]

Those 1950s road widening projects transformed the city, turning small residential streets into arterials. Unfortunately, with the exception of University Avenue, there was no ambition to them besides increasing road capacity. There don't appear to have been any public realm improvements like new street trees, ornamental street lights or landscaping. They didn't even bury the overhead wires.

Very little has changed, junctionist. There is still very little coordination between Works, Urban Design, Urban Foresty and the utility companies. For years City has mused over the idea of a "Department of the Public Realm", which could coordinate all these departments. As we can clearly see (look at the University Avenue fountains), this is not a priority and clearly beyond the City's ability (notwithstanding Chief Planner Jennifer Keesmat's tweets to the contrary).

 

[Uncle Teddy]

Certainly a shame they can't get that together.

 

[AlbertHWagstaff]

Original Yonge subway stations

Notice how the original stations didn't even have the station name at the entrance. Those were only added in the '80s renovations. With the great job they did at Union as proof that renovations can be well done, it would be great to see some of these stations redone in a very close facsimile of their original appearance. The brown tiles have had their day.

 

[thecharioteer]

Perhaps also put into permanent storage the horrible "public art" murals in the Queen Station?

 

[CityPlaceN1]

So I'm not the only one that hates them.

 

[chriskayTO]

So I'm not the only one that hates them.

You are definitely not alone.

 

[thecharioteer]

Good link here regarding the original colours and signage:

http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5009.shtml

 

[CityPlaceN1]

Thanks for the link.