Toronto Union Station Revitalization | ?m | ?s | City of Toronto | NORR

Something tells me they are about to close the Bay Concourse (or what is left of it). They have portable lighting in the Bay Concourse and everything is covered in plastic. From the looks of things they are in the process of cutting all power to the area and once they do that it won't be long before they permanently close the passageway for safety reasons. You cannot have people going through there on portable lighting alone.

Also, the York Concourse is having work done to it as seen in these images taken earlier today. They are working on the area near the old news stand in the arrivals area. The power is cut and there with minor work being done on the ceiling. There is also some sort of wooden hoarding being erected in a doorway adjacent. Not sure why but again take a look at the below pictures and see for yourself.

Given what I saw in the Bay Concourse earlier I give it until the end of March at the ABSOLUTE latest before it is permanently closed in its entirety.

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More up-to-date than the last really stale, mouldering, out of date updates, from a few hours ago:

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Sorry about this next one being so blurry, but I wanted you all to see it despite the shaky shaky hand:
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Promising, I'd say.

I love the West Wing rooms. These are going to look great when the last temporary hoardings are gone, and a couple restaurants and seating is in.
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I wonder if there's enough light in there to put some plants in. The room has a bit of an orangerie look to it.

Downstairs in the York Concourse around 6 PM, the McCafé was quite lined up…
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…while off in the corner the Starbucks was busy, if not slammed exactly.
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Meanwhile, things are getting underway in the VIA Concourse, where effectively one quarter of it is now behind hoarding. First, looking south from the Great Hall:
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…while these two look back to the northeast, from close-up, and from the southwest end:
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We've had zero hints as to what this area will end up looking like, and of all of the existing, aging areas of the station, this one is the least promising. It will be very interesting to see what comes of this area. Here's hoping it's a pleasant surprise when eventually revealed.

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More up-to-date than the last really stale, mouldering, out of date updates, from a few hours ago:

View attachment 68531 View attachment 68532 View attachment 68533

Sorry about this next one being so blurry, but I wanted you all to see it despite the shaky shaky hand:
View attachment 68534 View attachment 68535
Promising, I'd say.

I love the West Wing rooms. These are going to look great when the last temporary hoardings are gone, and a couple restaurants and seating is in.
View attachment 68536
I wonder if there's enough light in there to put some plants in there. The room has a bit of an orangerie look to it.

Downstairs in the York Concourse around 6 PM, the McCafé was quite lined up…
View attachment 68537

…while off in the corner the Starbucks was busy, if not slammed exactly.
View attachment 68538

Meanwhile, things are getting underway in the VIA Concourse, where effectively one quarter of it is now behind hoarding. First, looking south from the Great Hall:
View attachment 68539

…while these two look back to the northeast, from close-up, and from the southwest end:
View attachment 68540
View attachment 68541

We've had zero hints as to what this area will end up looking like, and of all of the existing, aging areas of the station, this one is the least promising. It will be very interesting to see what comes of this area. Here's hoping it's a pleasant surprise when eventually revealed.

42
I wonder if they will be doing the floors in the west wing. I was heading through there earlier and noticed it being in crap shape.

As for the VIA Concourse I am not expecting much. It is heavily used but needs to remain practical. I expect it will retain a somewhat utiltiarian look given its usage. If nothing else they will likely add facilities for baggage and long haul trips with the Canadian going out of the station.
 
A lot can be done down there just by picking more attractive colours and materials for the walls and trim. I'm not expecting the space to turn into a indoor water park, it will still be a waiting area for trains.

42
 
A lot can be done down there just by picking more attractive colours and materials for the walls and trim. I'm not expecting the space to turn into a indoor water park, it will still be a waiting area for trains.

42

Venetian Marble walls and floors with Cuban Mahogany on the pillars?
 
I'm hoping for 1960s Scandinavian suburban recroom chic.

42
 
I wonder if they will be doing the floors in the west wing. I was heading through there earlier and noticed it being in crap shape.

Old and weathered does not mean crap shape!* It's a good floor that they are rightly leaving alone.

*(Speaking as a guy who's pushing 50 :)
 
A lot can be done down there just by picking more attractive colours and materials for the walls and trim. I'm not expecting the space to turn into a indoor water park, it will still be a waiting area for trains.

42

Well the public washroom aesthetic is all the rage with Parks Canada, just like that @#$@#$ shed.

AoD
 
Noticed the Union Station security office opened within the York (?) promenade, shame as it's a prime spot for a retailer.
Also, first victim of the coffee wars: Railroad coffee co.
 
Noticed the Union Station security office opened within the York (?) promenade, shame as it's a prime spot for a retailer.
Also, first victim of the coffee wars: Railroad coffee co.

Not sure when they "went" but I looked for them a couple of weeks ago and couldn't find them.

IIRC, they didn't take Interac. Disadvantage when the others started to.

Well, that and, you know, the commuter loves a brand "McCafe/SBucks/Timmies v Railroad Coffee".....there was only gonna be one loser!
 

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