Thanks
pierre. This confirms some of the rumours over the last couple of months concerning "last minute design modifications" (presumably for the boutique hotel), and a possible ninth floor (which apparently will be a rooftop terrace).
The new design is certainly more classical and less avant garde. Presumably this is the "safer" option, and presumably was done to accommodate the 25% increased footprint. The increase in the underground parking presumably was necessary for the hotel, but 96 spaces still seems insufficient for the project. I think there was some surface parking towards the back too, wasn't there?
According to the T&T, actual construction won't start now until next spring, with a fall 2018 opening date. I imagine site preparation will continue this fall however. I wonder if some preliminary excavation will occur this fall??
I'm like
Vorkuta, I always expected the building to face Queen Street. The revelation that the original orientation of the building was 180 degrees opposite is a complete surprise!
One last thing. According to the T&T, there will be upgrades to Queen street between Botsford & Lewis to coincide with this development. This will no doubt complement the intended widening of Lewis at the Main/Assumption intersection planned for next year. This 2-3 block area behind city hall appears set for gentrification over the next few years...........