Friday, July 8, 2011

Fair Weather Ahead


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!

15 comments:

Leeds daily photo said...

These guys knew how to make a statement when they designed this building. The weather beacon is a neat idea.
Paul at Leeds daily photography

LĂșcia said...

Every time I see here something I like I think to myself "One day I'll visit this city!".
Have a good summer weekend! ;-)

Kay L. Davies said...

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).
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

EG CameraGirl said...

Yep, I think the weather is supposed to be mighty nice this weekend. :)

I didn't know about the weather beacon! I'm glad your "learnin"" this country bumpkin about the city. :)

Montreal Photo Daily said...

Now that's smart!
Never knew that RedPat.
Have a nice evening!

Paul in Powell River said...

Nice building and the beacon is a plus. Well shot!

Regina K said...

How nice to have a weather beacon to know the weather ahead. Wonderful building is correct.

Jack said...

This looks a lot like the tower of the Travelers Insurance Building in Hartford, except Travelers does not have the tall columns.

Randy said...

I really like the design of this building!

Sharon said...

This appears to be a classic "wedding cake" style building. I love the idea of the weather predictor on top.
That 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.

VioletSky said...

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.

Birdman said...

Hope it stays GREEN for a while.

Unknown said...

It's a beautiful massive building.

Linda said...

Imposing. My first thought was of a state building from communist Eastern Europe!

Chrissy Brand said...

Wow, what an imposing building- the blue sky and green trees make it a perfect composition too ;-)

Chrissy