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Here’s a snapshot of the month of September vs September 2017.
These Toronto Real Estate Board stats are significant. We have the largest real estate board in the world, and the area that we cover is extensive.
Much of the 905 areas suffered dramatically last spring and summer, after the government interventions were implemented in April 2017. To now record such a recovery is noteworthy.
Buildings lost to demolition in Toronto form a far too long list. Some dismantling of the old is required to pave way for the new, of course, but throughout the 1960s and 70s, this city unceremoniously destroyed some of its finest architecture, in some cases merely to building parking lots.
Here are my picks for the buildings most tragically lost to demolition in Toronto.
Built: 1852
Demolished: 1950
What exists there now: Trinity Bellwoods Park, though the original gate and women’s residence still stand, the latter as a retirement home.
Why it’s missed: Designed by Kivas Tully, the building was an excellent example of Gothic-Revival architecture.
Built: 1873
Demolished: 1931
What exists there now: Citigroup Place
Why it’s missed: As wonderful as the current Union Station is, think of what it’d be like to have the previous iteration of the station preserved and used for another purpose.
Built: 1873
Demolished: 1958
What exists there now: State Street Financial Centre
Why it’s missed: This was Toronto’s 8th post office and acted as the summit of the gorgeous Toronto St. Designed by Henry Langley, it was one of the city’s most ornate Second Empire buildings.
Built: 1874
Demolished: 1927
What exists there now: Scotia Plaza
Why it’s missed: A fabulous Second Empire-style building with an an intriguing history courtesy of one-time owner Ambrose Small, the millionaire that one day up and vanished, nothing like it remains in Toronto.
Built: 1892
Demolished: 1958
What exists there now: EDS Building
Why it’s missed: Designed by New York’s James & James firm, the Board of Trade held a prominent place on the northeast corner of Yonge and Front streets. The rounded building was the perfect companion to the Flatiron a couple of streets away.
Built: 1894
Demolished: 1963
What exists there now: Provincial Court House (University Avenue)
Why it’s missed: Thomas Fuller’s Romanesque masterpiece was not only the largest armoury in Canada, but just look at what replaced it.
Built: 1896
Demolished: 1970
What exists there now: Queen-Bay Centre
Why it’s missed: Aside from being the tallest building in Toronto upon its completion, George W. Gouinlock’s Tempe Building was a lovely Romanesque counterpart to nearby Old City Hall.
Built: 1915 (started in 1911)
Demolished: 1961
What exists there now: Parkland
Why it’s missed: Chorley Park was the fourth and last official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada. Architect F.R. Heakes modelled it after the chateaux of the Loire Valley. The opulent building closed in 1937 due to the high maintenance costs. It served a few other uses before being razed.
Built: 1929
Demolished: 1972
What exists there now: First Canadian Place
Why it’s missed: Designed by Chapman and Oxley, it was one of Toronto’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture.
Built: 1965
Demolished: 2007
What exists there now: Aga Kahn Museum grounds
Why it’s missed: While it’s been replaced by a worthy successor, the Bata Building was one of Toronto’s finest examples of modernist architecture. It might also have been John C. Parkin’s best architectural work, though that is up for debate.
The most breathtaking views of Toronto delight passers-by, professional photographers and amateur Instagrammers with new ways to appreciate the city. Whether at dawn or dusk, or even during a super storm, these locations give us all a chance to marvel at the metropolis we call home.
Do you have a breathtaking view that we missed? Send a photo of your best view in Toronto, and we will add it to the growing list. Email photo to: Sandra@sandrapate.com. Don’t forget the photo credit!
Grab a hot beverage from Rooster Coffee House and enjoy it as you walk north up Broadview. It’s what Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan did in the rom-com The F Word and it’s the perfect way to admire the city as its skyscrapers loom just beyond the park.
The ferry ride across Lake Ontario provides stellar views of the downtown core, as do the Toronto Islands. Whether you’re cycling or walking around, a trip to the Islands gives you the chance to gaze at the city from an entirely new perspective. (At this time the ferries to Centre and Hanlan’s are closed due to flooding, however the businesses on Ward’s Island are open for business.)
When cheering on Toronto FC from the top of the BMO Field stands you’re not only ensconced in a sea of red-and-white-clad fans, you’re also looking at one of the best views of the city. It’s worth it even if you’re not into football.
This picturesque spot in the city’s west-end is a favourite of cyclers, joggers and photographers. You can view the skyline from the area’s iconic arch bridge, or venture into Humber Bay Park before dawn to watch the sun rise over the city.
Chester Hill Lookout might be one of the best makeout spots in the city, due in part because it offers stunning views of downtown, the Don Valley and the Bloor Viaduct. You won’t find a perspective in which the city looks more lush than this one.
This thoroughfare that runs above the Front Street railway tracks offers a unique, sidelong view of the downtown core. When walking or jogging along the bridge, it’s always tempting to take a photo of the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, which appear as if they’re right beside you. If you tire of the skyscrapers, turn your head to admire Fort York.
A visit to the Port Lands, and Cabana Pool Bar, is never complete without snapping a shot of Toronto’s skyline. However, if the thought of spending $20 (or more) to lie by a pool gives you the chills, you can experience similarly spectacular views from all over Polson Pier, including the parking lot across from Sound Academy.
Located on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, this pricey patio in Yorkville offers 180 degree views of the city. Head here if you’re itching to sip luxurious cocktails and munch on cornish hen or beef carpaccio way up in the sky.
What list of Toronto viewpoints would be complete without the CN Tower? A trip up will cost you (it’s $35), but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the GTA and beyond. You can always combine your visit with a meal at 360, the revolving restaurant. Or try the Edgewalk if you’re feeling daring.
Other than the lounge and unlimited in-flight drinks, the best part of flying Porter is the view you’re privy to upon take-off and landing. As you soar above Toronto, you get to see the city from an entirely new vantage point. There’s nothing quite as grounding as that.
Photos by Spyhopphoto, Empty Quarter, Howard Yang, Jennifer Robblee, Neil Ta, twurdemann, Jason Allies and sandifjm.
Watch this fantastic video of Toronto. What a great place to call home!
Sage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage · 2010 Yonge St. Toronto ON M4S 1Z9 · 416 483 8000