Torontovibe, you must hate the HS buildings more than anything if you repeat the same question again and again.
2012-Jun-06 19:44
Posted by Torontovibe
The retail spaces in Harbour Square are probably some of the ugliest in the city. It would be so easy to extend them towards the street and improve them, yet year after year, they stay as ugly as ever. The parking garage could also use a renovation to cover those windows and beautify it. It's one of Toronto's biggest blunders, yet there is nothing done to try to correct it. I'm sure if the city and condo owners got together, a good solution could be found. Why spend multi millions to beautify Queen's Quay and leave this eye sore as is? It just makes no sense.
2012-Jun-06 20:59
Posted by Zeiss
Yes, we realize that our retail area is very ugly and it would look even uglier when the street gets renovated.
There are plans for renovating the storefronts and extending them to the property lines, the change has been approved by the condo owners last year, however.... the lease holders are against it. Their concern is that the rent would be increased as a result of increased square footage.
Yes, I do hate it because I live close by, so I'm walking by it at least 3 or 4 times a week. Every time I walk by, I can't help but think how easy it would be to make, not only the buildings, but the whole area much better, with just a few, not too expensive changes.
These condos were built over 30 years ago, when the area was deserted and horribly ugly. Back then nobody could predict that this area would change so much and become a busy intersection. You would think that in all that time, the buildings owners would take advantage of the streets busy pedestrian traffic and redevelop the retail. It still looks and feels like 1070. Why not expand the retail right out to the street and increase the retail footage, while giving the stores a much needed update? If they covered the parking garage and did some decent landscaping, it could potentially transform that area into a decent place to walk and shop. With the huge new office going up, that will also increase the customer base, so there is a very good argument for some redevelopment of the retail.
Yet every time I walk by, there is not even the slightest improvement. (not even a clean up) Is it any wonder why I hate this stretch of Queen's Quay? You may not see the potential but I have that ability and I'm sure it could be done for a very modest price, that's what's so disappointing. I wish the city would start this discussion with Harbour Square. It's such an important location to just let it stay in its present condition. I'm not just talking about the retail but the building, including that horrible garage. At least cover it up with some nice frosted glass, plastic or whatever.
