CanadianNational
Senior Member
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I'm not sure if there ever will be a vote however, and the whole project sounds like a lot of this project could hinge on the megalomaniac that is councillor Vaughn.
But I think in this case, the people who live in the ward should not have more of a say than other residents of the municipality of Toronto. This is downtown we're talking about, it's not just another residential neighbourhood, it's an area meant for monuments and public art and tall buildings. If the majority of toronto residents want this built I think the naysayers should step aside or risk becoming just another special interest group that leaves jaded kids to lose hope in democracy. I'm not sure if there ever will be a vote however, and the whole project sounds like a lot of this project could hinge on the megalomaniac that is councillor Vaughn.
I love the way this stretch of King Street is now. I don't like that fact that such a project, the announcement of which is an occasion that should have been met with a lot of happiness and acclaim, has been fraught and made partial because of where Mr. Mirvish is insisting it go.
Looking at this latest incarnation, I'm more excited than I was initially about seeing it go up. However, it doesn't negate the fact that this strip of King Street is wonderful, a loveable and yes, important foil to all the machine-scale new construction going up around it. People who say it's not worth spending time on might want to take a look at Butcher's Block behind the Shangri-la, or at the home at Sherbourne and Adelaide, what rehab has done there. Then there's the matter of the Princess Of Wales Theatre. It seems Mr. Mirvish wants to be thanked for what he gives but never criticized for what he takes away - things that people have made matter in the interim.
Maybe a positive compromise would work:
For one, have Mr. Mirvish build a new theatre. It needn't be quite as large as The Princess Of Wales was, but still have it be handsome and workable. It could go on a nearby parking lot, or off towards the distillery district or St. Lawrence Market, or even on Queens Quay East near Corus and Monde. Heaven knows that area could use a jump start. Secondly, dismantle the King Street building's facades and move them east of Yonge and rebuild them, with new interiors. Maybe move them down to Bayfront: Bonnycastle street near George Brown looks like it might suit them. They would look good down by the water, especially since King Street was very nearly at the shoreline itself once.
It's getting foolish to turn down what is becoming a spectacular project. However, it is also foolish to deny our history or any preservation of it as being soft-headed, bleeding-heart or sentimental. Surely something wonderful could be done here to save our history in some form, while keeping what was thought to be lost. It would be win-win-win all around.
Any updates from the community consultation meeting yesterday?
I'm sure Interchange42 will have an article up soon on the details of the presentation and meeting with David Mirvish, Adam Vaughan & Craig Webb regarding the project, discussion on the evolution of the project (including previous design concepts that retained heritage features & PoW) and some of the comments/concerns from the community.... No one from the UT super-tall fan club appeared to make a deputation.
I'm not sure if there ever will be a vote however, and the whole project sounds like a lot of this project could hinge on the megalomaniac that is councillor Vaughn.
These buildings look iconic. However, if they're not going to have a ground level which is engaging and warm and inviting then I don't want it!!!!
Please please architects let us enjoy the view as we are walking down these streets. Please!!!!
BTW did anyone read the ground floor plan posted in the update in a bit more detail? It's kind of odd that the entrance to the Mirvish Gallery is a tiny thing off Pearl Street. That can't be right.
... and the whole project sounds like a lot of this project could hinge on the megalomaniac that is councillor Vaughn.
If the majority of toronto residents want this built I think the naysayers should step aside or risk becoming just another special interest group that leaves jaded kids to lose hope in democracy. I'm not sure if there ever will be a vote however, and the whole project sounds like a lot of this project could hinge on the megalomaniac that is councillor Vaughn.