Toronto Lawrence Plaza Redevelopment | 130.9m | 40s | RioCan | Diamond Schmitt

adma said:
United Bakers more as "cultural heritage" than anything.

As far as *architectural* heritage goes, though: I recall coming across a reference somewhere that *Raymond Loewy* was responsible for the Morgan's store (later Bay, now Metro et al--and given its appearance, discernably so even today, that's absolutely plausible)
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The Metro (prev. Dominion) and Winners there were not the original stores? I had no idea.
 
adma said:
United Bakers more as "cultural heritage" than anything.

As far as *architectural* heritage goes, though: I recall coming across a reference somewhere that *Raymond Loewy* was responsible for the Morgan's store (later Bay, now Metro et al--and given its appearance, discernably so even today, that's absolutely plausible)
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AlexBozikovic said:
I was kidding about the heritage! Mostly, anyway.

And thanks for that tidbit, Adam. Time to head down a rabbit hole.
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From:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Torontothenandnow/comments/19e8es8/morgans_department_store_at_lawrence_plaza_in_the

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Credit as per above.



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Source:
https://www.facebook.com/Torontopast/photos/a.1756490351247228/2755747941321459


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Source:
 
Oh wow, the Shoppers for a Loblaws at some point.

I didn't realize this plaza goes back to the 50's, that's way before my time. I lived nearbyish from 2000 to 2009.

I like that the concrete planter just south of the now Winners appears to have survived from then, despite the facade undergoing some changes.
 
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Why on earth do we always see towers pushed up right to the south side of the public parks?

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This shadow is completely avoidable by shifting the southwest most tower to along Lawrence Avenue.

While you are at it delete the tower or at least significant shrink the southmost tower and shift the density around. Also, move Block B's towers south to Lawrence for the same reason.

Also - dare I say it, but the public realm in this proposal is far, far too large and open. It will end up feeling disconnected and not human-scaled. It needs a downscaling and shrinking of the road spaces to make more intimate pedestrian spaces. Shift the excess space to reduce tower heights and shadow impacts and shift the open space to a larger central space around the park.
 
innsertnamehere said:
This shadow is completely avoidable by shifting the southwest most tower to along Lawrence Avenue.

While you are at it delete the tower or at least significant shrink the southmost tower and shift the density around. Also, move Block B's towers south to Lawrence for the same reason.
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Basically agree, but w/the proviso that you have to consider the future build out of the area, so what will happen w/the site to the immediate west, and what will happen to the south side of Lawrence here.

You might think the existing 6-storey midrise form is safe, but if the new precedent in the area is 40s.....maybe not. If the south side goes all 40s you have the same problem repeated.

That's not to disagree w/you at all, just to say we need to think a couple of steps ahead.

****

I also noted previously, the proposed park size here, while not tiny, is small. That really limits programming options. I maintain that IF we do a park here, the City should consider bringing acquisition money to enlarge the park to a more usable size.

innsertnamehere said:
Also - dare I say it, but the public realm in this proposal is far, far too large and open. It will end up feeling disconnected and not human-scaled. It needs a downscaling and shrinking of the road spaces to make more intimate pedestrian spaces. Shift the excess space to reduce tower heights and shadow impacts and shift the open space to a larger central space around the park.
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Agreed.
 
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If only United would move east of Yonge. Very unlikely given the community distribution but it’s so annoying to go west to get a decent bagel (no, Montreal-style doesn’t count). Also, their Greek salad is outstanding.
 
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