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Early stages of construction are now moving forward at the site of ELAD Canada's Galleria on the Park community, a master-planned redevelopment of the Galleria Shopping Centre at Dupont and Dufferin in the West End of Toronto. With the multi-tower complex's full realization expected to take several years, ELAD has teamed up with Canada’s leading charitable public arts organization, the STEPS Initiative, to help beautify the area during the coming years of construction.
Following on the success of two earlier installations from the last year, this newest public art installation brings a shot of colour to the northeast corner of Dupont and Dufferin, across from the new community's busy construction site. Painted on a blank wall next to the Galleria on the Park presentation centre, the work takes the form of a colourful abstract mural, measuring 86 feet by 22 feet. Titled "The Renaissance of Mother Gaia," the mural was designed by acclaimed Toronto artist Jacquie Comrie, known for works in cities across the world including Miami, Madrid, and Panama City.
Drawing from the world of colour psychology, the vibrant palette was chosen to add a positive experience for passersby, with a news release stating an intention to "bring hope, happiness, and healing to the West End during a tumultuous year." A statement by Comrie reads “My work has always been inspired by colour and the incredible impact it has on our wellness and mental health. It’s been a difficult year across the world and now more than ever, I wanted to create a space for people to take a break, nurture themselves and experience the healing power of colour. I’m so excited to bring this experience to the New Dupont community.”
“At ELAD Canada, we’re strong believers in the limitless potential of the arts to animate and enhance our communities,” reads a statement issued by Dror Duchovny, VP Asset Management and Marketing at ELAD Canada. “Galleria on the Park will be a vibrant and inclusive place to live with incredible amenities for everyone, and we recognize that public art installations are a vital part of this experience. We’re proud to engage with local artists like Jacquie Comrie, and to unveil her stunning mural during this challenging time when we could all benefit from a little colour and positive energy.”
ELAD Canada and STEPS will continue to collaborate on additional art for the community, with the next project set to be a transformation of the construction hoarding that surrounds the site. “Public art transforms space, brings people together and creates community,” reads a statement from Alexis Kane Speer, Executive Director, STEPS Initiative. “Our city is a canvas and we’re looking forward to continuing to transform Toronto’s West End with ELAD Canada.”
The community's initial phases—Galleria 01 & 02—are now under construction, while sales recently kicked off for the third tower, Galleria III. Rising 31 storeys to a height of 111.5 metres on Dupont just west of Dufferin, Galleria III will have a total gross floor area of 36,746 m², including 31,256 m² of residential and 5,491 m² of retail space. There are 427 residences in Galleria III, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, and 395 ft² to 1,225 ft² in area.
Additional information and images can be found in our Database files for the projects mentioned, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.
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