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A remnant of Toronto’s era of mid-century modernist Space Age architecture has just received restoration funding following an outcry against a 2016 plan that would have vastly altered its architectural expression. Originally designed by architect Alan Crossley and built by Toronto Parks in 1959, ‘The Oculus’ as it’s known, is a space-age take on a washroom pavilion, offering a dramatic rest-stop along the Humber River Recreational Trail.
As the structure was attended to less and less over the past 60 years, the original signature sculpture — perfectly spotlit by the circle of sunlight flooding through the opening in the saucer-shaped roof — was removed, and the washrooms themselves shuttered. Local residents began to notice that the area behind the stone pavilion was shielded from public view, leading it to be a hotspot for shady activity. Alerting then-ward councillor Justin di Ciano, the resident’s complaints launched a proposal to see the stone washroom facilities demolished, with the salvaged stones to be used as a cladding for the steel columns.
Heritage officials and architectural enthusiasts were not satisfied with this solution and rallied against it, effectively killing the plan through an online campaign. The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (ACO) led the charge in this fight, later listing the modern heritage gem as a notable building at-risk.
Since then, the ACO has partnered with Giaimo Architects, with plans to restore the pavilion to its original beauty, adding contextual outdoor furniture for the pavilion to be used as a proper gathering space. The project, which has just received funding from the Park People's 2019 Public Space Incubator Grant, will also feature walking tours, design workshops and an art installation on site, to further animate the neglected building into a revitalized public space.
Click here to learn more about some of the other public space improvement projects that were selected as part of the Park’s People 2019 Public Space Incubator Grant. Want to get in on the discussion? Leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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