Toronto Portland Commons | 71.7m | 15s | Carttera | Sweeny &Co

junctionist · Jul 8, 2023

xy3 said:
I still prefer the precast building and Reve (for all their faults) over the hideous Minto Bathurst monstrosity.

That building is picturesque. It has so many appealing features.

There's the playfully slopping roof line that gives it an architectural profile; the massive X-shaped column at Front and Bathurst against a backdrop of colourful tiles; the dynamic use of geometric shapes all along the facade and contrasting colours; and the metropolitan U-shaped massing.

Despite being a massive building, it doesn't feel overwhelming, which is quite the feat. It makes the area a nicer place in general and looks great from the Fort York area. It was a beautiful addition to the city's built form.

xy3 · Jul 9, 2023

The "dynamic use of geometric shapes" on Minto Bathurst just looks cheap and contrived to me.

I much prefer designs that embrace a clean golden ratio. Even though it's not perfect, Forest Hill Condominiums by Centrecourt is an example of better quality mid market condo architecture. Clean lines, with no messy mullions, and random cutouts.

Cranesinthe6ix · Jul 10, 2023

AHK · Jul 14, 2023

A Portland Commons Update after a five week break for a road trip across Canada to the mountains and the BC Coast. Along with a reminiscence of what our view used to be when we first moved into our condo in April 2010.

Meanwhile, at the Wellington Street front of the building, the boulevard improvements (funded by The Well project, and as designed by CCxA) are now taking place. This will leave only the section in front of the Lifetime project at the corner of Draper and Wellington to be done)

A flashback to April 2010, our view before Portland Commons, The Well, etc.

bilked · Jul 15, 2023

Red Mars · Jul 18, 2023

Jul 18, 2023

(My first awareness of the presence of a tent in the Victoria Memorial Square Park. (by the blue bin on the left tucked under the tree limbs.))

AHK · Jul 19, 2023

Three Portland Commons images. First from the north-west , at the south portion of the building formwork has reached the Fifteenth floor, while at the north end it is up to the tenth floor.

View from the Wellington Street level, north-east of Portland Commons.

Current state of the Wellington Street Boulevard upgrade work - part of the Well project's undertaking for the Wellington Street south side boulevard from Spadina to Portland.

daptive · Jul 19, 2023

AHK said:

Look at that beautiful bike lane in action

AHK · Jul 25, 2023

Almost a week later - reaching for the final floors at Portland Commons. And in the second photo - the Silva Cells have arrived - installed in the west section of the Wellington Street boulevard in front of the original Copp Clark building.

AHK · Jul 27, 2023

Raising the crane at the south end of the building, pouring concrete at the north end. Portland Street has been closed all day between Front and Niagara to facilitate the hive of activity - in particular movement of the concrete trucks.