ok, do you remember the streetscape before this reno?!
was it better? hardly! It was a mess with crumbled steps and ramps & pedestrian flow obstructions for no reason, etc..
fin. materials were extremely poor as well.. now, as with Bloor Street rejuvenation lead by aA before, this particular stretch got its matching redesign with decent extensions along Bay and Balmuto to match.. so, whether you like it or not, it is functionally better.
I would also argue that MdeAS have done a decent job to satisfy three factors here(driven by Manulife- client): fit within available budget, maximize rent-able space, improve accessibility.
You can argue forever for respect of brutalist origins of the structure, the truth of the matter is that if it was not protected by any public entity (City in this case) its preservation purely depends on the owner. The owner decided to approve the works.
Time will tell if they were right...