Toronto's true fears

[theowne]

I don't know about you guys, but the first photo posted certainly does not look like a desirable place to be, and I certainly hope no part of Toronto looks like that...

 

[Hydrogen]

The first photo is Wall Street in New York City. It is mostly office space. It's dense, busy and tall - and is fantastic.

Also, remember that the area is also surrounded by water. Plenty of sun to be had only minutes away.

 

[confusion]

I'm going to have to agree with Hydrogen that it looks fantastic,

Depending on the area, the canyon effect can be quite captivating and intriguing. I can't wait till Lumiere, Murano, Burano, (and in the future U Condo's) are finished on Bay Street. They are going to create a pleasant (in my opinion) canyon effect with the existing buildings.

Some other lots that may add to this canyon in the future is a 6-7 story brick building on the south end of the Ontario Governments MacDonald Block which could end up being demolished (can't remember where I heard this, could just be rumours) and then a parking lot just south of Bay & St. Joseph which might end up being a hotel as mentioned here:
http://urbantoronto.ca/showthread.php?t=5501&page=4

 

[samsonyuen]

I'd like something to replace the lot that's pictured on Wellesley west of Yonge.

 

[Tewder]

The first photo is Wall Street in New York City. It is mostly office space. It's dense, busy and tall - and is fantastic.

Also, remember that the area is also surrounded by water. Plenty of sun to be had only minutes away.

Yes, we also have to consider that the political, economic and social forces that created Wall Street and Manhattan in general are a universe away from those forces that control and create Toronto. We see glimpses of it here but other forces hold sway.

 

[CityPlaceN1]

You can't build like that in New York anymore either. Zoning was introduced in New York after canyons like this were built.

 

[Hydrogen]

Yes, we also have to consider that the political, economic and social forces that created Wall Street and Manhattan in general are a universe away from those forces that control and create Toronto. We see glimpses of it here but other forces hold sway.

No doubt about that.

Nevertheless, reasonable streetwall development can still take place in this city. But you are right, nothing like that example will ever be developed here. It is a product of its times and history.