Yonge-Dundas Square/Sankofa Square (Brown + Storey Architects)

[drum118]

Nope, we think of the big Sam the record man sign that faces Yonge, which isn't in that photo.

I found a 2007 and a 2005 photo of those signs and they used to be A&A signs before Sam bought them out.

I thought they were red and both the photos as well the videos don't show it red, but signs are different than what is in place now. Not only they spin faster, the centre flash faster as well along with Sam

 

[Softee]

The A&A records sign was beside Sam's to the North. Sam's big spinning disc sign was originally just one record, but a second was added later and the smaller spinning discs were added when it expanded in to the old neighbouring bank building.

 

[EastYorkTTCFan]

The whole point of the records is that they are supposed to be black! The strong black background makes the while neon flashing discs stand out but the black records in this sign are too diluted to even notice! It's underwhelming and just so badly done. It's clear Ryerson didn't care about this sign from the beginning and since the city is doing nothing to rectify the situation, I'm wondering if anybody at city council gives a fig!

Ther was an article in the star about it they said that they couldn't use the originals becue the back was rusted out from not being taken care of when it was still on Sam's also the Neon tubes contained lead which isn't allowed to be used anymore. Because of the location that was chosen to put them in, they decided it would be better to create a new version of them rather than put the originals up as they need to alter them anyway because of the above reasonss I listed.

 

[am29]

Not so bad at night time tho

 

[Automation Gallery]

Gee that don't look so bad, eventually everyone will get over it

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

...eventually everyone will get over it

Isn't that the problem?

AoD

 

[T.E.C.II]

It looks okay at night, but in the day it's another story.

 

[steveve]

It looks okay at night, but in the day it's another story.

The 'Aura' effect.

 

[am29]

 

[doug]

the Neon tubes contained lead which isn't allowed to be used anymore

That sounds like BS.

 

[Torontovibe]

Yonge Street used to be filled with flashing, animated neon signs but if you look at the signs on Yonge Street now, they are pretty bad! I think Zanzibar is the last of the neon signs and it's a great sign. I will be sad to see that one go! It's the only non-LED screen type sign that gives Yonge Street life and colour.

I love neon art, so I'm really sad to see all the wonderful, colourful neon signs disappear! I wish we could have kept at least a hand-full of them around but sadly, they have almost all disappeared! I know they are not environmentally friendly but with the latest technology today, you would think they could find a good compromise.

Most signs on Yonge Street are not only bland, they are dirty, badly maintained and cheaply done. It's kinda embarrassing showing tourists around Yonge Street! (not to mention the sad state of many people in that area)

 

[Transportfan]

Yonge needs LED signs rather than more screens.

 

[Isotack]

That sounds like BS.

No that's true

 

[Marcanadian]

Yonge Dundas Square by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Sam the Record Man by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Sam the Record Man by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Sam the Record Man by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

Sam the Record Man by Marcus Mitanis, on Flickr

 

[EastYorkTTCFan]

That sounds like BS.

Are you an expert on old neon tubes?