Toronto Life Square | U/C | Downtown; Downtown Yonge

[DRTO]

Aug. 30, 2005. 06:48 AM
Construction hoardings have crowded the corner of Yonge and Dundas Sts. for over five years. Pedestrians are growing weary.

When will the construction hoardings that are a permanent part of the landscape at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas Sts. finally be taken away?

It's a question our readers have been asking — with increasing irritation — ever since this column began. And they're entitled to be annoyed.

Hoardings on the northeast corner of Yonge and Dundas Sts. have been there for more than five years.

On the southeast corner, Yonge-Dundas Square was finished long ago.

But the Metropolis retail/entertainment complex hasn't amounted to more than big talk. For a while, some construction went on behind the hoardings, but it stopped more than a year ago.

The hoardings extend up Yonge St. most of the way to Gould St. and along Dundas St. to nearly Victoria St. The walkways are cramped — particularly along Dundas St., where a stairway to the Yonge subway squeezes pedestrians. At night, they're dark and foreboding.

On Dundas St., TTC riders waiting at the streetcar stop mingle with the pedestrians trying to get through. City workers have a hard time emptying the trash cans in the area.

STATUS: We called Andrea Gonzales, who deals with media for Toronto's works department. She spoke with Angie Antoniou, who deals with sidewalk matters in that area. Antoniou said that all permits for the hoardings are still current but agreed that pedestrians have had to deal with the pinch for a very long time. She said she'd check it out and get back to us.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE:

Angie Antoniou, manager, traffic planning and right-of-way management, south district; 416-392-1525; aantonio@toronto.ca

[valantino]

I suggest anyone making a new Metropolis thread should be suspended indefinitely

[rbt]

Both the Atrium and Eaton Center are expanding or doing renovations like mad in the area. If they cannot make money at that corner at this time, then something is seriously wrong and the pensioners should consider pulling their funds from the company.

This is one of the few times when you can afford to just build it and wait for the users to come. Heck, Cadillac Fairview might even be willing to buy the land and extend the Eaton Centre there since all of their space is taken up (including the space that isn't finished yet).

[samsonyuen]

What's the Atrium up these days? Is the side fronting Yonge St. remodeled yet? I recall the Pickel Barrel being closed last time I was there. Metropolis is not dead. We must all keep believing!

[KGB]

I can't believe how so many people are so uptight and anxious to get their theme restaurants and chain stores...everything in it will be crap anyway.

The only thing worthwhile is the pile of corporate eye candy visuals to complete Dundas Square being surrounded on all sides by them.

Otherwise, this little project has no architectural or cultural value to it at all...build it...don't build it...turn it into a Tim Hortons...what's the difference?






KGB

[SD]

I can't believe how so many people are so uptight and anxious to get their theme restaurants and chain stores...everything in it will be crap anyway.

The only thing worthwhile is the pile of corporate eye candy visuals to complete Dundas Square being surrounded on all sides by them.

Otherwise, this little project has no architectural or cultural value to it at all...build it...don't build it...turn it into a Tim Hortons...what's the difference?






KGB

What's the difference? I think you answered your own question:

"The only thing worthwhile is the pile of corporate eye candy visuals to complete Dundas Square being surrounded on all sides by them."

Even if that's the only worthwhile thing about this project, it's much better than it being a permanent construction zone. This is why everyone is eager to see it finished. Not so they can visit the new FutureShop headquarters :p

[drummer]

I wish somebody could give us some STRAIGHT answers here.
This whole project is embarresment for Toronto !!!!!!

[Travis007]

As the days go by I lose even more faith in PenEquity, and get even more annoyed by the blue hoarding on Dundas and Yonge Streets. :(

[Travis007]

To put into perspective what stage Metropolis could be right now in terms of construction, just look at Ryerson Business School which I believe started construction after Metropolis last year.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/Gingerbread_Man/P8290008.jpg

Thank you Suicidal Gingerbread Man on UT.

[valantino]

^^^bad example considering it has taken CF 15 years to develop the corner. And if the city allowed temporary uses on the metropolis property, we probably wouldn't be staring at hoarding for the last 8 years

"This whole project is embarresment for Toronto "

How so - most (locals and tourists) aren't even aware of the situation. Now Mel was an embarassment

[Dino Domingo]

I suggest anyone making a new Metropolis thread should be suspended indefinitely

Not a fair comment to be making. This is a topic most of us are passionate about in one way or another.

[KGB]

"This whole project is embarresment for Toronto "


What's embarrassing is how such a forgettable little project holds such pivital importance in a city with so much more worthwhile development going on. And it makes absolutely no difference to me in terms of my "Yonge Strip" experience.





KGB

[Lucky 24]

If I can recall, wasn't the stoppage in construction due to the dropout of the Virgin megastore? Did they ever find another replacement anchor?

[DrT]

Maybe someone can check with the biggest stakeholder (in my mind) in this project now, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. I'm sure with as many cities that would kill to have them, they'll be quick to threaten to move if the development has problems.

[Steeltown]

^ Toronto has failed to create the Canadian Music Hall of Fame before. Personally I think the Canadian Music Hall of Fame has a curse.

[DRTO]

I think the music hall of fame is dead, and so is Metropolis. The city should buy the land, and turn it into a basketball centre for troubled youth.

[SD]

I think the music hall of fame is dead, and so is Metropolis. The city should buy the land, and turn it into a basketball centre for troubled youth.


Good plan...

[TORONTOCOPENHAGEN]

A basket court would not fit that site. Build the worlds tallest building and creative a huge recreative in the ten first floors ;-) ;-)

[rakesh]

I think they should go ahead with the Canadian music hall of fame...Joni Mitchell,Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan...wow

[Byron]

What's embarrassing is how such a forgettable little project holds such pivital importance in a city with so much more worthwhile development going on. And it makes absolutely no difference to me in terms of my "Yonge Strip" experience.

It's funny how you call this a "forgettable" project when it is located at the corner of one of the most prominent intersections in the city.

When (or if) it's ever finished, it will surely have a large draw from the tourists as well as the teenage crowd.

You can dismiss these type of commercialized spaces all you want KGB, but I find that they are integral in getting young people interested in downtown. If it hadn't been for places like Playdium and the Paramount I would not have found myself going downtown as a teen, and I doubt I would be as interested in doing something downtown as I am today. Instead I would just stick to the 'burbs all the time.

[thryve]

May I ask what was at this corner before this whole Metropolis project?

Perhaps someone could give us a brief timeline of this intersection?

[samsonyuen]

The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was only announced a couple of months ago, how can it be deemed dead already? Before Metropolis/scaffolding, it was fastfood joints, a flea market type squalorous dump for buying drugs, and arcade. At the intersection, I really can't remember what store was there. Mr. Sub?

[Are Be]

A great Lick's Burgers! Gone. Gone to make an empty place.

[rise_against]

If this is truely dead then im sure this valuable piece of land will not sit empty for long

[DrT]

If this is truely dead then im sure this valuable piece of land will not sit empty for long

AMEN! This square is THE most visited tourist spot in Canada. The real estate has got to be worth a fortune.

[KGB]

Lick's was on the land they used for Dundas Square...not Metropolis.







"It's funny how you call this a "forgettable" project when it is located at the corner of one of the most prominent intersections in the city."

The Gap is located at the same intersection...forgettable. The building is not going to be of any architectural merit...the stores in it will just be more of the same chain stores found everywhere. The big video screens a billboards will be screaming out the same advertizing we see everywhere....that's why i say it's forgettable.

The Canadian Music Hall of Fame...???? Very nice, but I fear that will be nothing more than cheeze....crappy pop stars and "Canadians" that have been living California for the past 30 years.




"If it hadn't been for places like Playdium and the Paramount I would not have found myself going downtown as a teen"



Yea, Playdium was so popular it went tits up.






"and I doubt I would be as interested in doing something downtown as I am today. Instead I would just stick to the 'burbs all the time."


But there is a Playdium and a Paramount in the burbs. Wouldn't it make more sense to come into the city for all the one-off things you can't get in the burbs?







KGB

[Buster]

Dundas Square was created to steralize the Yonge St. strip and make it safe for the middle class and tourists. That's great if you like your experiences predictable and your food plastic, but as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather go to a suburban shopping center for predictable experiences in a predictable environment than suffer through a disneyfied interpretation of urbaninty in the heart of a vibrant city.

[Are Be]

...

"and I doubt I would be as interested in doing something downtown as I am today. Instead I would just stick to the 'burbs all the time."


But there is a Playdium and a Paramount in the burbs. Wouldn't it make more sense to come into the city for all the one-off things you can't get in the burbs?...

KGB
Good points, KGB, but the 'burbs are pretty urb' now. Downtown is full of chains as well. When it comes to retail, downtown has the flagship store for the country, and the Bay on Queen has the most bargains (all the great stuff they couldn't sell in the rest of the country, marked down to clear.)

Stella Artois is sold downtown and in the burbs. The Fox and Whatever and the Firkin Whatever pubs are the same, wherever they are. Same with sports bars.

Fine food? You can get that in Bloor West Village and in the Kingsway, don't need to go downtown.

Point: the suburban areas offer many of the same things that downtown offers.

[Taller, Better]

Good plan...
Bad plan... not the right place for a basketball court.
Plus, troubled youth are welcome to play basketball
at the YMCA. They have a charity status, and do
not turn people away for lack of money.

[Are Be]

I think they should go ahead with the Canadian music hall of fame...Joni Mitchell,Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan...wow
Platinum Blond, Honeymoon Suite, Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea ... and a horrible, disgusting, "And you better like this shit! It's Canadian , you know!" attitude ...
:puke:

[SD]

Bad plan... not the right place for a basketball court.
Plus, troubled youth are welcome to play basketball
at the YMCA. They have a charity status, and do
not turn people away for lack of money.


I know...I was just being sarcastic (which can be very hard to detect on a message board...should've used some emoticons or something).

His suggestion is based on his usual nonsense. I know exactly where it's coming from.

[rakesh]

Platinum Blond, Honeymoon Suite, Blue Rodeo, Great Big Sea ... and a horrible, disgusting, "And you better like this shit! It's Canadian , you know!" attitude ...
:puke:

Both of us forgot to mention the amazing Leonard Cohen

[samsonyuen]

At least it wasn't something memorable on the NE corner. I am almost definite now that it was Mr. Sub right at the corner.

[SD]

Dundas Square was created to steralize the Yonge St. strip and make it safe for the middle class and tourists. That's great if you like your experiences predictable and your food plastic, but as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather go to a suburban shopping center for predictable experiences in a predictable environment than suffer through a disneyfied interpretation of urbaninty in the heart of a vibrant city.


I don't think that was the reason....it was meant to be a place of reflection among all the bustle and activity of Yonge and Dundas.

[Buster]

I don't think that was the reason....it was meant to be a place of reflection among all the bustle and activity of Yonge and Dundas.

Sure, but do you honestly feel like you can reflect at Dundas Square with video screens bombarding you with movie trailers, and giant bilboards hawking fairweather's fall line? I'd walk over to Trinty Square or Nathan Phillip's Square to reflect.

People were ashamed of Yonge Street's seediness just as New Yorkers were ashamed of Times Square's porn-theatres and magazine shops. I can't think of any other reason to build it except to clean-up Yonge Street's scummy image and replace it with a dsineyfied vision of urbanity thus making the area safe for the middle-class and tourists (not that it's a bad thing).

[rise_against]

i was there yesteday and there is a building there, its even over the hoardings now. The crane was moving as well!!! If im not mistaken i appears the building is well on its way UP!!!!!!

[Travis007]

^^I think you saw the new Ryerson School of Continuing Education Building which is behind the site of Metropolis.

http://www.ryerson.ca/ua/photo/exterior/ce/2004ill_heaslipw.jpg

[rise_against]

if you mean this one...then no i dont mean that one!!!
http://freefilehosting.net/file/?id=pdjwlqg=

[KGB]

"if you mean this one...then no i dont mean that one!!! "


No...not the building attached to the Eaton Centre on Dundas...he's refering to the building over by Lake Devo.









"Dundas Square was created to steralize the Yonge St. strip and make it safe for the middle class and tourists. That's great if you like your experiences predictable and your food plastic, but as far as I'm concerned, I'd rather go to a suburban shopping center for predictable experiences in a predictable environment than suffer through a disneyfied interpretation of urbaninty in the heart of a vibrant city."


Not that I disagree with the over-commercialization of the Dundas & Yonge intersection...it is. But that intersection had become very scummy...not to be confused with the whatever-goes Funland the "Strip" always has been. It was just nasty and had to change...it had simply scared people away. Since Yonge is for everybody, then it doesn't hurt to bring back the mainstream masses with this sort of thing....as long as it's confined to that area....nobody wants to see the "taming" or "sterilization" of the Yonge Strip...and try as they may, i really don't see that happening any time soon (which is good).










"but the 'burbs are pretty urb' now. Downtown is full of chains as well. Point: the suburban areas offer many of the same things that downtown offers."


Except that is patently false. Downtown has all the chains of course, but the one-off places outnumber them by a large margin....the chains are basically all you have in the burbs. HUGE difference. And it's not just the stores themselves...it's the walkable streetscapes and architecture as well. The experience is night and day. But then again, you're the one who sees Yonge as a scum hole. So make all the excuses for your Brampton mall lifestyle all you want...your loss.








KGB

[Travis007]

if you mean this one...then no i dont mean that one!!!
http://freefilehosting.net/file/?id=pdjwlqg=

Oh...I see. That's the Ryerson Business School not metropolis. RBS is on Bay and Dundas, one block west of the Metropolis site. I thought you meant Ryerson SoCE because you can see the building being constructed over the Metropolis hoarding.

[taal]

So do people think it will get built or not?

[Travis007]

^^ It will eventually get built. Toronto's number one prime retail intersection won't be left as nothing forever. But I lose more and more faith in PenEquity as the days go by and it seems that the crappy and gloomy blue hoarding will stay there forever. :(

[You are to blame]

if it's worth anything, i saw workmen their yesterday (sept. 6). they were waking and looking around, i don't know if they did any work on the site though.

[Gamble]

I need to know if it's going to get built. I think it's a good project. Somebody got status on this??

[sloid]

<sigh> although a shopping mall is not really important i still wish this gets built. In my opinion the only truly world-class malls here in Ontario are the Eaton Centre in Toronto and Sherway Gardens, maybe square one too, but it's design is too.. erm.. boxy and plain. Vaughn Mills is just terrible! I dream of a mall at par with those in Europe and Asia here in Toronto, so I hope this project gets built.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/354/052004dundas040yc.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=052004dundas040yc.jpg)

[WesternGulf]

Well that sucks for TO

[Travis007]

<sigh> although a shopping mall is not really important i still wish this gets built. In my opinion the only truly world-class malls here in Ontario are the Eaton Centre in Toronto and Sherway Gardens, maybe square one too, but it's design is too.. erm.. boxy and plain. Vaughn Mills is just terrible! I dream of a mall at par with those in Europe and Asia here in Toronto, so I hope this project gets built.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/354/052004dundas040yc.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=052004dundas040yc.jpg)

I agree, the Metropolis design is already dated and I always thought it was very cheap and bland. Something tells me that it will turn up something like the Torch. I just hope they re-design it to be more modern and glassy.

[valantino]

When the music hall fame signed, the articles that follow mentioned Metropolis having 11 storeys - I can only assume the recent delay has much to do a revised plan waiting for approval at the committeee of adjustments (LOL - the forum needs a little optimism)

[Booyashako]

I saw the crane swing from one spot to another...

[taal]

I have sympathy for that Crane … Poor thing … Not being used at all … BUT every so often, it anticipates to be used in all its glory … only to discover its just been moved to another spot :cry:

[rbt]

I saw the crane swing from one spot to another.The wind will push them around and they also need to be oiled peridically (every second day probably).

If it makes you feel better, having the crane stay on location is costing them a small fortune. Probably as much as any savings that could be obtained from not heating an empty building.

[taal]

It leads me to believe there is still chance it will get built

[416]

Metropolis will be built. PCL was awarded the construction contract. The project was recently added to their website so I imagine it should start up anytime now.

Description:

"Located at the northeast corner of Yonge and Dundas, Metropolis will combine 600,000 s.f. of retail, restaurant, office, cinema (AMC 24-plex), and Ryerson University functions all under one roof. The structure will stand 11 storeys above grade with three storeys below grade and will be constructed within a two-year schedule. Major tenants include AMC, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, FutureShop and Ryerson University."

[samsonyuen]

Good to hear, at least.

[Kong Tower]

so what happened to the Virgin store, did it get cancelled?

[DubaiCanadian]

Why can't someone change the thread name already!? It's not canceled...... Thread name needs change!

[Travis007]

so what happened to the Virgin store, did it get cancelled?

Virgin has quit the Canadian market, first with the Vancouver store closing. A shame IMO, we could use another big name store.

[Lucky 24]

It has been reported that construction on Metropolis has resumed.

[drummer]

where was this latest news announced?

[drummer]

where was this latest news announced?

[Travis007]

Yup, I saw the site today and the crane was moving around quite a bit. Men were working on site. I guess it's safe to say that construction has officially resumed. :)

[G_DOG]

thank god ! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

[mckarisma]

Yeah they are polishing off the rusted structure above grade, and someone asked if they had started again, and the answer was yes...so its a go!!!

[Bertez]

Woohoo

[Dino Domingo]

REALLY???

F--K! I can't believe how silly happy I am now because of this!

I gotta go down there and have a look for myself.

Seeing is believing!

:)

[Jaye101]

It has been reported that construction on Metropolis has resumed.

I'm happy beyond words, you do not comprehend. LMAO:D:D:D:D:D

[Are Be]

MORE ADS FOR DUNDAS SQUARE!

Another thousand signs and, look out Times Square! Look out Tokyo and look out 'Piccadily' (SP?) Circus!

In any event, good to see that this millennium project is going again.

[samsonyuen]

^2 "L's";)

[G_DOG]

MORE ADS FOR DUNDAS SQUARE!

Another thousand signs and, look out Times Square! Look out Tokyo and look out 'Piccadily' (SP?) Circus!

In any event, good to see that this millennium project is going again.


its better than looking at that hoarding

[snoopy]

i'm just happy that in a few years the hoarding will be gone. =_='' its taken long enough.

[bizorky]

The question now is: will it be finished on schedule?


Well, I just hadda ask...

[Bertez]

Well it should have been completed this summer

[Are Be]

When did they demolish what was there? 1998 or so?

[canuckbanana]

I'm not going to hold my breath. Just because they started again doesn't mean they won't stop again. I swear waiting for the completion of this project is like downloading porn using dial-up: frustrating because of the lack of speed, and likely to be underwhelming when finished.

Side note: Did they find a new tenant after Virgin backed out?

[snoopy]

Side note: Did they find a new tenant after Virgin backed out?

i think the Canadian music hall of fame is supposidly taking up that space... but i am not sure. I thought the CMHF was taking up the space that was left over excluding the Virgin Megastore.

[CrazyCanuck]

So with this news of construction starting again, is it really believable that it will take until 2008 to finish this? I hope not, i'm excited as to how this works out, and if they did do a redesign, finally glad to see that blue hoarding will be gone soon, and that corner to filled in.

[Travis007]

If construction resumes quickly it shouldn't take too long for it to be built. Just look at Ryerson Business School just west of it. I would say it would be built around 2006-7 because most of it is just movie threatres which is just huge empty rooms.

The main tenants right now are AMC threates, Ryerson, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and HMV (?). But I think we could've used another big name store like Virgin, even though I would never shop at their store.

[billy corgan]

I’m so happy that it’s under construction. Just more ads and crappy architecture for me to look at when I’m in the area.

[samsonyuen]

Future Shop as well. HMV is already next to the project, it's not a part of the project though.

[Are Be]

I’m so happy that it’s under construction. Just more ads and crappy architecture for me to look at when I’m in the area.
AND THAT'S WHY WE LOVE TORONTO!

[Lucky 24]

Yeah, there was a part of me that was hoping that this project would have fallen through....I just don't trust penequity enough to expect the final product to be pleasing in any way....if torch is any indicator.

[Travis007]

I’m so happy that it’s under construction. Just more ads and crappy architecture for me to look at when I’m in the area.

I would agree that Metropolis is nothing to get excited about. The design sans billboards/video screens looks like something you would expect them to build in the 70's or 80's. If the Torch is any indicator of what Metropolis would potentionally end up looking like, it would have a horrid raw concrete with dark metallic facade. I was really hoping that the delay could of been due to a re-design to something more glassy and modern, like the Core design.

[Dino Domingo]

Okay I had the chance to walk by this morning, and I did see people, but nothing was moving. And I only saw THREE people in there. It looked like they were moving things around.

Grrrr!

:mad2:

[Travis007]

^^Well it's the morning, plus it's Saturday so I don't think there will be much work done today. :)

[rapideye95]

In the constuction business there are still many folks who work on Saturday....perhaps they are behind

[Travis007]

I'll give them a week or so until the "real" construction resumes.

[Dino Domingo]

Does anyone have any new info to offer on our beloved Metropolis? :(

Are they constructing or has it halted again?

[You are to blame]

there is constant activity at the site and construction has been resume for a few weeks now

[Jaye101]

^^ :D

[rise_against]

wow thats was not expected...how long will it last though? lol

[Dino Domingo]

Amazing... what a relief.

[samsonyuen]

Good to hear!

[Bertez]

wow thats was not expected...how long will it last though? lol

Hopefully long enough to finish it!!

[Skybean]

TORgasm! :drool:

[Metroland]

Does anybody know if it has been redesigned?

[Jaye101]

TORgasm! :drool:
HAHAHAHA :drunk:






MOD, can u make this a sticky?

[elliot]

For those of you who have been auditing the Toronto forum thread, this will come as no suprise.


http://www.upside-down.ca/sdphotos/penequity.jpg

[snoopy]

^^ hahaha.. tell me this is a joke. cuz if its not i'm not going to laugh anymore.

just to tie in with stores not belonging in some areas.... the Winners on Bloor Street so far (the exterior) doesn't look too bad, i think they're doing an "urban concept" type winners there instead of the suburban type ones.

[partybits]

LOL, was thinking it was a joke, but then paused when realizing this could actually happen.
But if they build a big smiley face on Dundas West....I'm bringing out the Dynamite!

[Bertez]

Oh please....no Walmart adds.....

[Dino Domingo]

God, please don't tell me they're considering a f--king WALMART in Dundas Square!? That would be even worse than the blow we all felt when the Olympic Spirit failed to live up to its original design.

:(

[Jaye101]

LOL, was thinking it was a joke, but then paused when realizing this could actually happen.
But if they build a big smiley face on Dundas West....I'm bringing out the Dynamite!

And I'll help. :grouphug:

[rise_against]

im fairly confident there wont be a walmart its just a rendering

[Skybean]

It's another of elliot's renderings. Elliot you are too talented to be doing this as just a hobby ;)

[Buster]

Wonderful rendering, but the building gives me the creeps.

[Filip]

I have an idea. Dump the current Metropolis idea, design a new city complex, mall, theatres, condos, offices and build a new centre. Something worthy of being the centrepiece of Yonge/Dundas. Something like MLSE but BIGGER BETTER RICHER

[valantino]

"I have an idea. Dump the current Metropolis idea, design a new city complex, mall, theatres, condos, offices and build a new centre. Something worthy of being the centrepiece of Yonge/Dundas. Something like MLSE but BIGGER BETTER RICHER"

It's a very small site for such a big idea and by no means am I open to more expropriation and mass demolition - may work for Missy or Markham though

[rapideye95]

"I have an idea. Dump the current Metropolis idea, design a new city complex, mall, theatres, condos, offices and build a new centre. Something worthy of being the centrepiece of Yonge/Dundas. Something like MLSE but BIGGER BETTER RICHER"

It's a very small site for such a big idea and by no means am I open to more expropriation and mass demolition - may work for Missy or Markham though

LOL...we all know that Missy could deal with that

I agree, I am not at all impressed with this whole thing...I do not find the projects "world-class" at all. If anything all it is is just a method is to get people to buy product and for companies to display ads....but the project from a streetscape point of view, is very questionable

[Travis007]

Having a Wal-Mart downtown isn't necessarily a bad idea. As more people move into downtown with all these new condos popping up all over the place, it is natural that these people will need affordable places to shop for basic nessecities for life without having to drive to places outside of downtonw. But having a Wal-Mart right smack in YD Square would be just wrong, and downright tacky and cheesy.

And I still kind of find Metropolis' design to be very 80-90's and I wished that the delay could of been due to a possible exterior change with maybe a mid-rise condo on top.

[KGB]

"it is natural that these people will need affordable places to shop for basic nessecities for life without having to drive to places outside of downtonw"


Well, we need to train people to understand that Walmart is not really saving you any money in the first place (either I can simply by the same thing cheaper elsewhere, or I just save money by buying a superior prodect that doesn't require me to keep buying the same product next year). And in terms of just principals, we also don't need to support companies like Walmart, which aren't all that healthy for the economy, and exploit labour. Most importantly though, they simply cultivate bad taste. LOL






KGB

[rapideye95]

"it is natural that these people will need affordable places to shop for basic nessecities for life without having to drive to places outside of downtonw"


Well, we need to train people to understand that Walmart is not really saving you any money in the first place (either I can simply by the same thing cheaper elsewhere, or I just save money by buying a superior prodect that doesn't require me to keep buying the same product next year). And in terms of just principals, we also don't need to support companies like Walmart, which aren't all that healthy for the economy, and exploit labour. Most importantly though, they simply cultivate bad taste. LOL






KGB


No argument there KGB... LOL

Wal-mart is basically an Honest-Ed's on steroids with absolute no taste

[drummer]

I walked by Metropolis yesterday and I noticed quite a change on site I just hope it continues. It should not take them that long since all the underground work has already been completed

[CrazyCanuck]

I noticed there was lots of scaffolding on the site when I walked by last week.

[rise_against]

so if the majority is completed what time do you think the exterior will be comleted by??? I dont mean the full building being completed with the interior...just the exterior.

[drummer]

I guess that depends if they'll work during winter months....but I would say by next summer we should be able to see "shape of the thing to come"

[rise_against]

wow really? whats the problem with working through the winter? The cold is to much for the workers?

[canuckbanana]

Not sure how much stock to take in this information, but I walked by the construction site today, and there was a sign that said the Canadian Music Hall of Fame is expecting to open in Spring 2008. I don't know if the same date would apply to the rest of Metropolis, though I'm still not holding my breath.

[rbt]

The cold is to much for the workers?
In short, yes. Workers are given (by law) so much time indoors for a given amount of time outdoors depending on the temperature and other factors. It ensures that fingers don't freeze off among other things. Amputated limbs can cost health care and other social services millions per case.

Aside from that, most materials cannot be assembled in the cold and would need to be heated.

[rise_against]

^^^well that about answers that question!

[urban 2.0]

http://www.sceno-plus.com/files/metropo.mpg

See a walk through of the Building - might be old!

Will play when you click on link

[urban 2.0]

http://www.sceno-plus.com/files/torch.mpg

--- and here's the orginal torch design - before Pen Equity went well, Pen Equity on the project - I'm still shocked that it was ever built.

[elliot]

Saw the site yesterday... they are climbing to the 2nd storey... there's... no.... stopping ...them now. Cross your fingers, or pray.

[drummer]

I've noticed the same thing yesterday.
Work is well under way, hopefully we'll see second story of the building soon....maybe we should post some pictures so we can see the progress....History in making :)

[valantino]

Good.I don't care anymore on how it looks or the politics behind the project. I just want it to be done and move on (dragging the rest of you with me)

[You are to blame]

http://www.sceno-plus.com/files/torch.mpg

--- and here's the orginal torch design - before Pen Equity went well, Pen Equity on the project - I'm still shocked that it was ever built.

I never realilized how beatiful torch was supposed to look. Now i am pissed of at Pen Equity for ruining it.

[rise_against]

Well the good thing is the "average" person never saw that so...they can't miss what they never saw.

[Taller, Better]

Is the Torch the one on the Olympic building? I am still supremely disappointed in the
first of the big signage towers (above the GAP store). It was originally to have a big
Coke bottle or something go up and down the side, and now has that damn inflatable
Blue can. Plus, the top is so lame... that neon sign that never works, with the weakest
logo imaginable on it (LG). It seems such an unnecessarily complex tower to hold a bunch of billboards.

[Travis007]

Once the first few levels are complete then the building should rise very quickly and the 2007 completion date is very realistic. I just hope that Pen-Equity doesn't screw this up the same as they screwed the Torch up with that depressing exposed concrete and dark-grey metal panels. The wall of billboards/video screens will probably be the only saving grace which will definitely brighten up the square even more and possibly cause permanent blindness to some. :(

--------------

On a side note, The Ryerson business school (Bay/Dundas) has fully reached full height, and glass has already been installed on the ground level with some of the pre-cast detailing (depicted on the rendering) already on too.

[rise_against]

Are they putting screens on the tourch? how many screens will there be all together when everythings completed in the square?

[Travis007]

Are they putting screens on the tourch? how many screens will there be all together when everythings completed in the square?

The Torch is already complete and I don't see any changes to it coming anytime soon. It does have one video screen on it with 1 or more billboards. But those are not enough to save the crass architecture, what should be done to brighten up the building is to wrap up or to add some posters/screens to the top "Torch" thing to make it less dull, like depicted in the early renderings.

And Metropolis is supposed to have this much screens on it:

http://www.mswansonart.com/metropolis.jpg

[rise_against]

That will look impressive in a tacky kind of way :)

[Travis007]

This is my estimate on how many billboards/video screens there will be when the whole square is complete:

-2 or 3 on the LG Media tower on the NW corner
-2 video screens and 2 rotating ads on the Eaton centre media tower
-2 or 3 on top of the Hard Rock Cafe
-2 or 3 on the Torch
-and estimating with the rendering, there should be at least 10 on Metropolis.

[CrazyCanuck]

There is also one on the square itself. By the new subway entrance, which should be open anyday now, if not already.

[thryve]

Is the Torch the one on the Olympic building? I am still supremely disappointed in the
first of the big signage towers (above the GAP store). It was originally to have a big
Coke bottle or something go up and down the side, and now has that damn inflatable
Blue can. Plus, the top is so lame... that neon sign that never works, with the weakest
logo imaginable on it (LG). It seems such an unnecessarily complex tower to hold a bunch of billboards.

To me, when in Toronto, the "LG" sign gives a professional yet modern-looking reassurance... :)

[Jaye101]

There is also one on the square itself. By the new subway entrance, which should be open anyday now, if not already.

The one at the south-east corner of Yonge-Dundas? There are two there that have been on for a while now. :)

[Skybean]

I'm going to guess that PenEquity are going to cheap out on Metropolis. 2 LCD screens at most. The rest are just billboards.

[valantino]

they will build what the market demands which probably won't be to your liking but in time larger advertisers and competition will yield better advertisement - the torch will look quite different in a decade no matter if the tenant is still the same

[camel_trainer]

I sent an email to DKozmevski@pcl.com , who is the contact person on this project from PCL, to find out if they knew the timeline for the construction of this project. Hopefully I'll get a reply, but others may consider doing a little digging themselves on this to try and get more info, instead of so much speculation.

[camel_trainer]

Here's the email for the marketing manager for PenEquity: mpukli@penequity.com

Perhaps he may have some answers.

[Dino Domingo]

I think it's time for some updated pics of the site.

Anyone able to get any?

[drummer]

I happen to walk by Metropolis last night. I noticed work is moving forward...they already built all the concrete beams for the first fllor of the building.
I did take a picture but how do I post it.
I'm not sure if I'll allowed to attach images or not.

[CrazyCanuck]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/CrazyCanuck07/DSCF0247.jpg

[rise_against]

wow...this is alittle suprising wirk is being completed!

[Dino Domingo]

This is wonderful news.

Let's hope it continues.

[Travis007]

Update courtesy of Ed007Toronto posted on the UT forums.

(Full update of developments around the city: http://p083.ezboard.com/ftorontoskyscraperforumfrm4.showMessage?topicID=4604.topic)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/Switzer/Metropolis-Dec10051.jpg

Currently working on the 2nd floor, it won't be long until it can be seen over the hoarding.

[CrazyCanuck]

It'll being a tear to my eyes when i see this thing reach over the hoarding. But I will only judge until I see the final project. It should start taking shape around summer i'm guessing.

[Dino Domingo]

I think I might cry too.

I just hope Metropolis will be as wonderful as envisioned in the rendering we all know so well now. I don't think I can handle another disaster like The Torch.

[rise_against]

so does anyone know for sure whats going in there? is there really gonna be a walmart?

[CrazyCanuck]

If there was a Wal-mart going in there I would expect there to be a big wal-mart coming soon sign attached to the hoarding, which thankfully there is not.

[Travis007]

so does anyone know for sure whats going in there? is there really gonna be a walmart?

http://stw.ryerson.ca/~sonian/oct12/news/construction.html

http://stw.ryerson.ca/~sonian/oct12/images/amc.jpg

Main Points:

Construction resumes on the Metropolis entertainment complex. Once completed, it will contain a movie theatre, Future Shop, The Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and hopefully, Ryerson classes.


Metropolis contruction recommences

Ryerson still looking to have a part in Dundas Square megacomplex

By Jered Stuffco

Ryersonian Staff

Last Updated: 4:52 p.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Better late than never.


Cranes are working again on the northeast corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets, and despite years of delays, Ryerson still wants a piece of the proposed movie theatres for classroom space.


“We're still involved to the extent that we're waiting for the opening of Metropolis, so that we can have access to the theatres,” says Linda Grayson, vice-president of administration and student affairs.


Metropolis is the name of the 13-storey, 360,000 square-foot megaplex that will house the AMC movie theatre.
It will have 24-screens and enough seating for 4,800 movie-goers.


Other Metropolis tenants will include the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, Future Shop and Wolfgang Puck's Cafe.


In June of this year, a Kansas, Mo. based company called Entertainment Properties Trust got construction on the site rolling again when it pumped $57 million into the stalled project, which had all but withered up under financial pressures.


According to James Robinson, executive director of the Downtown-Yonge Business Improvement Area, much of the delays are the result of Pen Equity's play-it-safe approach.


“These companies are very conservative developers. They're dealing with people's pensions.”


If the project is stalled again, Ryerson will just have to wait says Grayson. “There's really nothing we can do about it...we don't have any say. The project was supposed to be done years ago.”


And pulling out the deal isn't an option at this point, says Grayson.


“We signed an agreement and we've already received compensation.”


Grayson says That compensation included a small cash payment and infrastructure work on Lake Devo and the Victoria Street mall.


In 1997, Ryerson inked a deal that handed over the air rights above the parking garage on Victoria Street.


In return, Ryerson received a cash payment along with some infrastructure work on Lake Devo and Victoria Mall.


More important was the provison that the university would use some of the movie theatres, which would be equipped with tablet arms, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.


Originally the project was supposed to be completed by 2000. That number was then pushed to 2005.


And now, Melanie Bell, a spokeperson with AMC, says Metropolis should be finished by fall 2007.


Despite Ryerson having gone through a major growth spurt recently, with the completion of several new buildings, and the new business building on Bay Street, opening soon, Grayson says Ryerson is “still very hard pressed for space, despite the number of new buildings,” and noted that use of the theatres will give the university enough lecture space for about 1,600 students.

[Travis007]

I don't think the city councillors, Ryerson, or the neighbourhood would ever allow Wal-Mart to set up shop in Metropolis. And even if they do, I doubt that Wal-Mart will be able to compete and survive being next to the city's greatest shopping centre and people visiting YD Square and Eaton Centre won't shop for things like clothes, shoes, or electronics at Wal-Mart. I personally think another big chain like Virgin Superstore (before they pulled out) should go here.

[rise_against]

thats a relief!!! thanks for the info!

[CrazyCanuck]

I didn't tear up like I said was going to, but folks, I think what we have here is a virgin mobile miracle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/CrazyCanuck07/DSCF0266.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/CrazyCanuck07/DSCF0267.jpg

[Mechie]

^ i see from these photos that no progress has been made. no suprise there.

[snoopy]

^ i see from these photos that no progress has been made. no suprise there.

please take note that one can acutally see something ABOVE the hoardings... so i believe there was/is progress ongoing for this project.... hopefully it is good progress as to actually have a beautiful finished product.

[rise_against]

Nice pics! Im sure theres been no construction lately with the bad weather!

[Dino Domingo]

They're above the boarding! Someone get me a box of kleenex! This is ten years in the making!

[phunky]

WOW! hahaha finally noticeable progress from outside the boarding!

[camel_trainer]

It's so funny that everyone noticed those little pieces of rebar sticking up. I was down there on Wednesday night and that was the first thing I noticed. That and the unbelievably hot female walking in front of me. I nearly took out one of the pillars of that hoarding trying to watch her walk around the corner.

[CrazyCanuck]

Not sure if this has been posted yet, but follow the link, it has the floor layout.
http://www.metropolis.ca/pdfs/Metropolis.pdf

[partybits]

Thanks for the link. I'm surprised how small the Music hall of fame is. It's one of the smallest stores in there. Would have thought it would've been more of a large anchor tenant instead.

Also surprised that they are putting AMC all on one floor. Does anyone know how many theatres there are supposed to be?

[CrazyCanuck]

There is going to be 24 theatres.

[rise_against]

This should be a sticky thread with the number of posts in here :)

[metroboi_nay]

Thanks for the link. I'm surprised how small the Music hall of fame is. It's one of the smallest stores in there. Would have thought it would've been more of a large anchor tenant instead.

Also surprised that they are putting AMC all on one floor. Does anyone know how many theatres there are supposed to be?

It's actually floors 4 to whatever the # is going to be ;)
I think its 10 or something, but it got upped to something else recently.

[metroboi_nay]

Forgot to add, check http://www.pcl.com/projects/Active/0900342/index.aspx for more info on this project, pen equity rarely updates their info I noticed :(

Btw, there's a new photo added!
http://www.pcl.com/media/files/Projects/09_Toronto/0900342_3_300.jpg

[Travis007]

Thanks for the heads-up. It looks quite nice and busy/flashy looking but I hate the grey facade similar to the Torch.

[CrazyCanuck]

By the looks of that new rendering it seems to me that there will be three video screens on the north-west corner. I also like the way it kind of wraps around the corner a bit. I really wish that would have kept that man with the globe on his back, I liked that. But hopefully its not bombarded with coke and Mcdonalds ads like in the rendering.

[bizorky]

I don't think KGB is dismissing it outright. What he is pointing out is that the project will just be one more shopping complex amid other shopping complexes. with the usual stores to be found. I think it is an odd place to stuff the music hall of fame into - a mall. One can almost smell the doom of Olympic Spirit ready to fall over the hall of fame.

Steeltown may be right!

[rise_against]

im really anxious to see how this works out...

[Are Be]

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN ! A further cheap out! That photo assures us that we can rename Dundas Square "Shit City!"

[camel_trainer]

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN ! A further cheap out! That photo assures us that we can rename Dundas Square "Shit City!"

Thank GOD. Finally it's the right time to contact my city councilor about that.

[metroboi_nay]

I think it looks ok, it will match the colors of Dundas Sq and Olympic Spirit, as well as the media tower @ Eaton Centre.

[Buster]

Yonge and Dundas will always be the most obnoxious place in the city whether they're peddling bongs, porn, or electronics.

[kagevrtugol]

I don't understand what's so ugly about dundas square, i wish we had something like that in Portugal, ans portuguese would love that too!

[rise_against]

I don't understand what's so ugly about dundas square, i wish we had something like that in Portugal, ans portuguese would love that too!
Not all of us hate it...i like it there, theres alot of energy there and will only continue to grow as it becomes more well known.

[Bertez]

Nice pic:D:D

[bboy_u]

guys, don't get your nuts all tied up over metropolis. just be happy something will be built there... crass and shitty or not. i just want something there please!! having a corner on the busiest intersection in toronto boarded up for 5 friggin years is ridiculous. i personally don't mind metropolis. yes it is all commercialized and shit, but remember its just one intersection in the whole downtown area, its no big deal guys. sometimes its pretty cool to just stand at dundas square and soak in your surroundings. some peeps in this forum complain too damn much!! lighten up.

[phunky]

i personally like it. it's a bit NYC style though...but Toronto does have seem to want to be like NYC sometimes. it will be nice to have a different theate to go to downtown besides Paramount and the other small theatres.

[Mechie]

I think its very Tokyo/Times Square and I think its great. I hope they play hockey playoff games on the screens! Do they have audio?

[samsonyuen]

The new rendering looks a lot nicer than the first one. So there will be McDonald's to replace the one that's a Money Mart now, I guess?

[rise_against]

I like how there are windows on the first few levels so you can see the people from the square and the people from metropolis can see the people in the square!

[urban 2.0]

I don't no about the rest of you, but I'm going to miss the blue boarding around the site!

I think it should be saved. Taken to the ROM? Just like the Jean shop with the hanging torsos, we too will speak fondly of having to squeeze past the drunk to get to the subway enterence.

Long live Pen Equity.

[greekguymike]

It would look really nice if there was another officebuilding above metropolis..like the size of the eatons building..so that intersection could be more dense.

Anyways..this is my favourite pic of metropolis, they should do a new rendering from this view also

http://freefilehosting.net/file/?id=qtr9kK3a

[metroboi_nay]

I agree GreekGuyMike :)

[Hogtown]

does anyone have any pics of yonge/dundas before it was redeveloped...it'd be interesting to refresh our memories...

[Gamble]

I'm so happy there will be NO wal-mart at the Met. Here the infohttp://www.pcl.com/projects/Active/0900342/index.aspx

[metroboi_nay]

Found this over on Pen Equity's site,
http://penequity.com/pdfs/metropolis.pdf

They updated it. I first saw the new look on PCL, but it showed both old and new designs. I guess this is the new look. It now shows you where the Music Hall of Fame will be too.

Also it says its opening Spring 2007 :)
*hopes it doesn't get delayed again*

[Mr Man]

That rendering shows an awful lot of concrete...

But at least it's moving along.


Nice find!

[Dream Brother]

The link doesn't work.

[taal]

This one does:

http://www.penequity.com/pdfs/Metropolis.pdf

[phunky]

woohoo! can't wait for it :D

[Taller, Better]

I think it is an improvement over the previous flat facade. This appears more
interesting. Still would love to see a MASSIVE curved screen like the one in
Times Square, but they cost too much money, I suppose.. :(

[camel_trainer]

Yeah, nice find. Finally some real news on this project.

[DrJoe]

If that is exposed concrete it will be an embarrassment to the city. Honestly, I wouldnt be surprised if thats exactly what it is.

[snoopy]

i wouldn't be either.. but i hope we're wrong... very wrong.

[Mr Man]

If that is exposed concrete it will be an embarrassment to the city. Honestly, I wouldnt be surprised if thats exactly what it is.

I would be suprised if it's anything but exposed concrete after seeing what they've done to The Torch.

[Byron]

What I don't like about this project
By Byron

1. Exposed Concrete (Admittedly, it could be done well by someone who cares about quality, but somehow I doubt this will be the case here)
2. Fans visible on the exterior (3)
3. Already looks outdated

[greekguymike]

my computer won't let me go on that site, can somebody please post the pic here ?

[samsonyuen]

Couldn't they cover up the concrete or paint it or something? At least it's a year away from being finished. I almost can't imagine the intersection without scaffold.

[Gamble]

Hate it or love it, here's the final design for the Met.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2631/fdfdf3fy.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1559/fddfgd5yp.jpg

[Travis007]

Hopefully that it won't be all exposed concrete but with some metallic zinc cladding. But it still looks like sh*t, kind of like a cheap Times Square in-a-nutshell-on-steriods. The design looks very 1996, too bad that PenEquity couldn't of made a complete makeover during the delay with hiring a firm like aA to design something modern and glassy.

The wall of ads and video screens is the only thing keeping it from looking gloomy and depressing. Oh well...anything would be a major improvement over the hoarding which seems to be there for an eternity already....

[valantino]

craptastic

[Gamble]

^^I think she hate it.

[Gamble]

^^I think she hate it, but it still be a major improvement in Dundas square no doubt about it!!

[Jaye101]

I like it... It's not bad, The exposed concrete can always be redesigned to hold more adds in the future since that is some valuable advertising space.

[rapideye95]

It's fine...at least the project is being approved...and there will actually be something to do at that intersection

[FROM LOS ANGELES]

Damn. I was on the forums homepage and saw this. There's this development in LA of 55, 48, 38, 32 also called Metropolis and we have been waiting for it since 1993. Recently, the project was back and running, it breaks ground is September, but we still don't have a picture of it. So when I saw the tittle I could not believe it. I guess good for you.

[valantino]

On the contrary, something this fantastically crappy should be admired

[phunky]

i like the exposed fans.

[CrazyCanuck]

They look ok, but then again, you also thought Six Flags was good. Actually I posted a new rendering a few months back so this isn't entirely new, just some new renderings.

[Bertez]

...well, atleast it isn't Walmart

[Jaye101]

^^ LOL :rofl: True.

[Confused Philosopher]

So it's a large eyesore of a concrete billboard?

Surely cladding could help...

[metroboi_nay]

I like it, except the exposed concrete part ;)

[Taller, Better]

To me, visually, it is still a dog's breakfast. All that signage, seemingly randomly
thrown together. Couldn't they organize it in a more pleasing way? It is such
a mess.. total Gypsy's Fleamarket.

[Marcanadian]

Looks like something from Total Recall but I like it

[phunky]

i agree that the signs are very cluttered and not organized looking at all. it could have been made much nicer...

[KingWilson]

im going to have to see this in real life before i make up my mind. it looks like the stuff that's being built in china nowadays

the exposed concrete... yeah... kinda wierd. but hey look at the opera house.

[Jaye101]

wow, everyone was too lazy to do this...

http://usera.imagecave.com/Jaye/Metropolis1.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/Jaye/Metropolis2.JPG
http://usera.imagecave.com/Jaye/Metropolis3.JPG

[Travis007]

To borrow a term...its Torchorific! ;)

Hopefully the interior will be decent enough so it could live up to its expectations.

[Filip]

Ugh, at least coat it in granit, or anything just not bare concrete...

It lacks class/taste anything you could really muster, it's crass architecture, at least the ads will liven it up...

[valantino]

"at least coat it in granit"

as if granite for a facade would improve the design

[Filip]

"at least coat it in granit"

as if granite for a facade would improve the design
Anything but bare concrete, hey natural stone does wonders!

[valantino]

"hey natural stone does wonders"

Perhaps ... but then again I find the pomo mid-rise condo at Eglinton & Bayview one of the ugliest in the city eventhough it is clad in granite

I doubt it's bare concrete anyways - most likely the same ugly metal cladding on Torch

[KGB]

Concrete is beautiful...McDonald's ads are ugly. I'm just not lovin' it I guess.

I have nothing against this kind of thing concentrating in one area like that...I just wish it was a more spectacular version of it...it's just some back-lit billboards...not the light wizardry of a Times Square or Vegas.






KGB

[elliot]

Knowing PenInequity, it's likely front-lit billboards for the most part.

It's not too late. (RE) expropriate.

[Taller, Better]

Knowing PenInequity, it's likely front-lit billboards for the most part.
It's not too late. (RE) expropriate.
And cheap back-lit plastic signage. And the token small video
screen. What a mess.
That big signage tower (across the street) on the north side of Yonge and Dundas is a disgrace... the basic planning is ugly, and they can't even get their act together to repair the ghastly LG neon sign at the top. Note
to LG Canada... what does it say about an electronics firm that can't
even repair its showpiece advertising sign??
addendum: Strange, last week I called LG and told them what I thought
about their unlit sign, and when I walked by there this evening **PRESTO**
the sign is lit and working!! Don't tell me someone was actually listening...

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/9362/jan3006repairedlgsign0kc.jpg

[valantino]

At least this type of throw-a-away architecture usually (probably not with pen equity at the helm) has a short lifespan. Maybe they'll sell once Metropolis is completed (Torch should be vacant by then)

[Regan4000]

when is this dud suppost to be finished?

[Homer J. Simpson]

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1559/fddfgd5yp.jpg

Looks pretty awful, it is too bad that something better will not be done with this space.

[rt_0891]

Too bad the city can't choose an alternative and bail out on PenEquity.

[kagevrtugol]

it's no masterpiece for sure, but i like it, it's noisy and it adds more color and life to the area! I have said it and i will say it again, here in lisbon i'm sure people would love a complex like this, of course on the modern part of the city! It's just a bad render, i'm sure it will look much better after construction. It would look awesome with a tower on top of MET.

[Dr. Phalange]

I have nothing against this kind of thing concentrating in one area like that...I just wish it was a more spectacular version of it...it's just some back-lit billboards...not the light wizardry of a Times Square or Vegas.


KGB

Over time (not too much time I hope), it will no doubt go through some minor or major renovations to the exterior making it more impressive (hopefully).

How may stories is this thing? And how tall is it (to the top of the billboards)?

[valantino]

170 to 180 feet

[Buster]

That rendering gives me a headache.

[Metroland]

It would be cool if a restaurant w/ patio was added on the roof just like The Cheesecake Factory on top of Macy's @ Union Square in SanFran.
A nice mixed use tower would be wicked also. Too bad.

[KGB]

"A nice mixed use tower would be wicked also. Too bad."


I also have no as to why a tower was not put on this site. Density for the whole block could have been transfered to a hotel/condo tower (which seem to be a dime-a-dozen in TO these days), and still keep the same visually noisy crap at the base the same as it is now.

The city expropriating private property to give over to private developers is very strange in the first place...to build this makes it even more bizarre.




KGB

[SD]

What garbage. It looks just as bad as Torch does in it's finished form. With this being PenEquity, that can only mean Metropolis will look even worse.

[Are Be]

It's going to be a Hit starting with a capital "S"!

[rise_against]

is anyone going to even give this building a chance? or are you enjoying bashing on a render of what it might look like. we all know that renders and the finished products can be very different. chill out people.

[Mr Man]

:hahaha: :drunk: It's going to be a Hit starting with a capital "S"!

lol

[Mr Man]

we all know that renders and the finished products can be very different. chill out people.

Yeah, just look at The Torch.

[rise_against]

LOL true enough...

[valantino]

or the space they have leased and proudly call home (i.e. office podium of the Holiday in on King)

[KGB]

"is anyone going to even give this building a chance? "


Sure...I think the whole finished environment around Dundas Square will create a new "buzz" that will be a plus overall for the city.

But at the end of the day, it doesn't do it in a cutting edge style, and will really just be more Tim Hortons, McDonalds, Gap, multiplex AMC, Sears, Hard Rock Cafes....nothing to get excited about. The only thing unique, is Torch, and we already know that's both an aestetic and attendance dud. The new Canadian music thingy...who knows, but it also has dud written all over it.

The only thing the place will have going for it...is that it's already Yonge street, and is vibrant by default. The only thing I really like about it is the square itself, with all it's events and the fountain.






KGB

[bboy_u]

it is kind of a shame that the "centre" of the city has not been used fully to its potential, but i think most of you guys will agree that whatever monstrosity they build there is alot better than a pile of shit boarded by blue-painted wood for god knows how many years.

IMO building something there will be nothing short of a civic miracle after all the crap that the corner has gone through, so i welcome ANYTHING remotely sensible with open arms.

I also think that the Canadian Music Hall of Fame will be attractive to tourists, location and content-wise. Let's just hope they don't make the actual site a cheese-fest.

[urban 2.0]

The city expropriating private property to give over to private developers is very strange in the first place...to build this makes it even more bizarre.

KGB


... lets not forget what it replaced: Jean-o-rama - with the bodies hanging from the outside of the store - and the annoying flyer guy at Yonge/Dundas, The Crack flea market where you could buy back your stereo - and a harvey's - like a coffee time - if you have one in your area you know your neighbourhood is in decline.

I'll take this. My worry is further north on Yonge - do we really need another mom and pop clothing or electronics shop? Seriously.

[drummer]

Yonge Street...north of Dundas Sqaure and south of Bloor is just a major junk yard.
The city should get rid of these cheap dollar/variety stores.
It's disgrace to the downtown that we don't have some nice souvenir stores in this area.
I had visitors from Eurore this summer and I was ashamed to walk with them down this strip of Yonge.
Even they made a comment that it looks like Gipsy market.
What happened to cleaning of the Yonge Street ???????

[Taller, Better]

Yonge Street...north of Dundas Sqaure and south of Bloor is just a major junk yard.
The city should get rid of these cheap dollar/variety stores.
It's disgrace to the downtown that we don't have some nice souvenir stores in this area.
I had visitors from Eurore this summer and I was ashamed to walk with them down this strip of Yonge.
Even they made a comment that it looks like Gipsy market.
What happened to cleaning of the Yonge Street ???????

I am not the slightest bit worried if visitors from Europe find it looking like
a Gypsy market, the main point is that it is a healthy, thriving street. Yes
it is obviously more North American than what they are used to seeing, but
is it necessary for us to try and emulate everything European? I vividly
remember British and European tourists 20 years ago droning on and on
and on about how the monstrous skyscrapers were ruining Toronto and making it too American, etc....
There is a place for Dollar Stores, and I say that place is Yonge St. It is
crazy, tacky, grubby beyond belief.... but it is never dull.
I would like to see some of the better old Victorian buildings on Yonge
St get a nice renovation, though... and perhaps there can be some
limitations on signage. Right now there are awful cloth banners being strung
up over old backlit plastic signs.
The last thing I would like to see is for Yonge St to be sanitized and "cleaned up" like 42nd St and Times Square was in New York. It has become a mini
Disneyland, and is now completely boring.

[salvius]

Yonge Street...north of Dundas Sqaure and south of Bloor is just a major junk yard.
The city should get rid of these cheap dollar/variety stores.
It's disgrace to the downtown that we don't have some nice souvenir stores in this area.
I had visitors from Eurore this summer and I was ashamed to walk with them down this strip of Yonge.
Even they made a comment that it looks like Gipsy market.
What happened to cleaning of the Yonge Street ???????

Your priorities are not in the right place. That's Yonge; it's not meant to be beautiful or refined. I mean, 'souvernir' stores?!?!?!?!? Really, I think you have a completely wrong conception of Young.