This wonderful 15 storey Beaux Arts building is the 'Canada Life Insurance Building' and was designed by architects Sproatt and Rolph and completed in 1931 on University Ave. But it is most well-known for the weather beacon on top, installed in 1951, which stands at 321 ft above the street and gives everyone downtown an up to date weather indication. The light at the top glows green for fair weather, red for cloudy, flashes red for rain, and flashes white for snow. Lights running up the beacon flash up or down to show the temperature direction or steady when the temp is steady. The green was a bit washed out by the great sunshine when I took this pic this morning but we have great weather ahead!
These guys knew how to make a statement when they designed this building. The weather beacon is a neat idea.
ReplyDeletePaul at Leeds daily photography
Every time I see here something I like I think to myself "One day I'll visit this city!".
ReplyDeleteHave a good summer weekend! ;-)
What a beautiful building. I guess I've never seen it because I'm sure I'd have remembered (oh, okay, not very sure, because I can never trust my memory any more, but I'd like to think I'd remember a building like this one).
ReplyDelete— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Yep, I think the weather is supposed to be mighty nice this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the weather beacon! I'm glad your "learnin"" this country bumpkin about the city. :)
Now that's smart!
ReplyDeleteNever knew that RedPat.
Have a nice evening!
Nice building and the beacon is a plus. Well shot!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have a weather beacon to know the weather ahead. Wonderful building is correct.
ReplyDeleteThis looks a lot like the tower of the Travelers Insurance Building in Hartford, except Travelers does not have the tall columns.
ReplyDeleteI really like the design of this building!
ReplyDeleteThis appears to be a classic "wedding cake" style building. I love the idea of the weather predictor on top.
ReplyDeleteThat dog in my picture isn't an aireldale. It's just the cutest little mutt that was resuced from a shelter. I love the way he always put his back paws out when he layed down.
Last year they had the observation floor open for Doors Open. The staff used to be able to use it and It is a shame this beautiful floor is now closed.
ReplyDeleteHope it stays GREEN for a while.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful massive building.
ReplyDeleteImposing. My first thought was of a state building from communist Eastern Europe!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an imposing building- the blue sky and green trees make it a perfect composition too ;-)
ReplyDeleteChrissy