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!
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25 comments:

  1. LowellJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    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.

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  2. AndyJanuary 30, 2015 at 8:56 AM

    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.

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  3. PerthDailyPhotoJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:18 AM

    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.

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  4. SharonJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    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.

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  5. Luis GomezJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:19 AM

    Sad thing but Foster's work is great.

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  6. TexWisGirlJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    geez, they move fast...

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  7. William KendallJanuary 30, 2015 at 10:50 AM

    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."

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  8. John @ Beans and I on the LooseJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    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.

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  9. from MadridJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:27 AM

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

    Tomás.

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  10. 21 WitsJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:38 AM

    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.

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  11. VPJanuary 30, 2015 at 11:45 AM

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

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  12. RevrunnerJanuary 30, 2015 at 12:56 PM

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

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  13. HalcyonJanuary 30, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    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!

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  14. GosiaJanuary 30, 2015 at 2:48 PM

    the building is in a good shape

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:10 PM

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

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  16. cieldequimperJanuary 30, 2015 at 3:35 PM

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

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  17. BirdmanJanuary 30, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Another one bites the dust...

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  18. JackJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    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.

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  19. LoisJanuary 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM

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

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  20. RandyJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    I love a good sale.

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  21. StephanieJanuary 30, 2015 at 9:58 PM

    It is too bad they could not refurbish it.

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  22. CloudiaJanuary 31, 2015 at 2:26 AM

    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

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2015 at 5:03 AM

    Hopefully something good will take its place!

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  24. Mike@Bit About BritainJanuary 31, 2015 at 9:19 AM

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

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  25. EG CameraGirlJanuary 31, 2015 at 7:02 PM

    Hmmmm. I think I detect graft. Just saying!

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