Canada's 10 Tallest U/C

[WhipperSnapper]

The Bata Building is a prime example that we haven't grown that much. These old buildings are once again lauded so they get a lot of attention but, there's very little outcry for modernism. How many classic Page + Steele designed buildings have been destroyed during this boom?

[TorontoDrew]

That Bata building was amazing and you're right when you say the more modern a building is perceived to be the less it's historical or architectural importance it gets allocated. Off the top of my head though I can't think of many too many modernist buildings that we've lost.

[caltrane74]

This picture is mine - 258 meters of goodness!

[isaidso]

Originally Posted by Gresto

Stunning building. What a disgrace that it was razed.

Yet we're doing the exact same thing today. One of our last art deco office buildings (The Concourse Building) got bulldozed just a few months ago. A few years before that another historic building came down to build Bay-Adelaide. People convince themselves that no destruction has taken place by re-building 2 exterior walls to give the illusion that these buildings are still there. The level of denial is off the chart and all so they don't have to admit that they've destroyed anything. If there's one thing I've learned about this current generation: they'll never ever admit any wrong doing. It's always someone else's fault, they'll argue that it's just how things are done these days so it's ok, or they'll construct some parallel reality where all is fine even if it's a complete lie.

Destruction of our architectural heritage? People use precisely the same argument: it's ugly. Do people not realize what they find ugly today will be cherished 80 years from now? The era of buildings most at risk today are 60s and 70s buildings. They're just not old enough yet for the population to have developed an appreciation for them. Just watch, 50 years from now they'll be bulldozing stuff like Bay-Adelaide. But it's ugly! The turd doesn't even have any walls! It's just glass!

[WhipperSnapper]

At least elements of the facade were preserved for those towers and something of greater value were built in their places. We're tearing down better quality modernist architecture for no reason.

[niwell]

Originally Posted by isaidso

If there's one thing I've learned about this current generation: they'll never ever admit any wrong doing. It's always someone else's fault, they'll argue that it's just how things are done these days so it's ok, or they'll construct some parallel reality where all is fine even if it's a complete lie.

That's a very odd statement. Usually when people pul the "this generation" card they are referring to young people. But I guarantee there were people from multiple generations involved in all of those decisions. And destruction of something old for newer things isn't exactly, well, new. If anything we are better at preserving our old history now. The Concourse building had a decent facade but was a nightmare inside and completely unusable for modern business. It would be a dime a dozen in large American cities. As much as I love buildings from that vintage I'm not too sad about the incorporation into a new tower - some of the better art deco parts will be incorporated into the lobby too IIRC.

Whippersnapper is correct about modernist architecture. We are seeing a grassroots movement recognizing it now though, which is promising. Probably similar to what happened with Victorian/Edwardian architecture in the 60s.

[WhipperSnapper]

Didn't want to push it but, yeah, both the Concourse and National Buildings are average buildings from that era; that haven't held up too well; that would have a similar fate in any core of any city. There are much better examples from that era that can't be touch in the downtown core. Reconstructing the facade is actually a bonus. Unfortunately, the developments replacing these buildings are of average quality too.

During this boom, we've seen complete demolitions of award winning modernist buildings by storied local architects. It's definitely a cause for alarm and I'm not surprised we are seeing a grassroots movement despite everyone gravitating towards neoclassic styles.

[caltrane74]

Today

[bulliver]

Stantec/Delta. Finally some concrete poured, and the first of at least 4 crane bases is in...

[Innsertnamehere]

That pit is beyond massive.

[Harrij]

Thank you, bulliver. Great shots.

[caltrane74]

Huge One Bloor Update by AlvinofDiaspar at Urbantoronto

http://urbantoronto.ca/forum/showthr...017#post993017

[caltrane74]

This is from today - Harbourplaza Two Towers - 234 meters / 224 meters

[TorontoDrew]

That off ramp is coming down right? This might actually feel like a real street someday.

[caltrane74]

Originally Posted by TorontoDrew

That off ramp is coming down right? This might actually feel like a real street someday.

Yeah, it's coming down. But not for a good while, I suspect.

[HomeInMyShoes]

So great to see three cities currently in the list.

[Innsertnamehere]

the ramp comes down next summer.

[TorontoDrew]

Originally Posted by Innsertnamehere

the ramp comes down next summer.

That's what I thought. Hopefully a little streetscaping will happen soon after.

[koops65]

1 Bloor from the north:
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Pics by me

[caltrane74]

20 - 22 more floors to go, and its already a monster!