Friday, January 30, 2015

Gone!

This was the Stollerys menswear store that stood at Yonge & Bloor Streets since 1901. There was an attempt going on to get heritage designation for it but it is much easier and faster to get a demolition permit here and one was issued a couple of weeks ago and the building started coming down the next day. There was quite a controversy around town but the good news is that well-known British architect Norman Foster has been hired to design a new building for this site which is one of the city's most important corners. Foster's designs include the Gherkin and the City Hall in London England. Hopefully we get something quite exciting!

25 comments:

Lowell said...

While I'm glad a creative architect has been hired to do a new building it is too bad (in my humble opinion) that this old treasure had to come down. I mean, really, that building was older than I am. Sort of.

Andy said...

I shopped there a few times when I was young man. It makes me feel a bit empty to realize it is going to be gone.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Its hard to imagine a more perfect building than this for this spot Pat. The stonework looks strong and in good condition.. Let's hope for the best.

Sharon said...

It's shame the old building has to go but, the designs of Foster are quite distinctive so if it has to go, maybe something quite striking will go up.

Luis Gomez said...

Sad thing but Foster's work is great.

TexWisGirl said...

geez, they move fast...

William Kendall said...

I'd followed that story in the paper. To say I have no respect for the developer is an understatement. His few remarks had a single undertone: "Like I care what anyone thinks."

John @ Beans and I on the Loose said...

Here in California many old building suffer the same fate for they must meet new earthquake standards and it is too costly to retrofit the building. Cheaper to tear it down and build a new one.

from Madrid said...

Here in Madrid, Norman Foster has made several skyscrapers, the more highs in the city.

Tomás.

21 Wits said...

Wow, I bet they have a plan ready to begin. Keep us posted, you just know it will be something with him at the head of the design. I love that pickle building as my daughter likes to call it. We're big "Gherkin Pickle" lovers around here.

VP said...

Foster is 79 now, I admire his buildings, but I guess it will be more the work of his partners...

Revrunner said...

You can have your old pickle. I love this old building with its awnings and arched windows.

Halcyon said...

Foster also did the new cuppola on the Reichstag here in Berlin. It's sad this building got slated for demo so quickly. But at least you'll be getting something neat to replace it!

Gosia said...

the building is in a good shape

Anonymous said...

Good you snapped this pic (in case an aweful building comes in place):) - I hope not!

cieldequimper said...

I know, I know, one shouldn't be afraid of the future and not dwell in the past but still...

Birdman said...

Another one bites the dust...

Jack said...

I hope your optimism is rewarded. This building facade is pretty nice. Not so sure the famous architect will have the same sensitivity to the environment. Megalomania is a common architectural disease.

Lois said...

What a shame to lose such an old and beautiful building. I hope the new one is worth it!

Randy said...

I love a good sale.

Stephanie said...

It is too bad they could not refurbish it.

Cloudia said...

Sad to lose the landmark at such a key intersection, but hopeful about the new project. Please keep us aware and show us the new one!

ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
<3

Anonymous said...

Hopefully something good will take its place!

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Personally, I think Stollerys looks much nicer than the silly gherkin and city hall buildings! Good luck.

EG CameraGirl said...

Hmmmm. I think I detect graft. Just saying!