Mustapha
Senior Member
Nothing terribly significant today, visually speaking, but... a bit of retail mall mini-history:
Then. 64 Saint Patrick street, rear. 1938.
Now. February 2014. We're inside the courtyard of the Village By The Grange Condo looking at one of the ground level units. VBTG is a low rise condo of about 35 years vintage. It may have some significance in the memories of some of us. When it was first built the condo had an indoor shopping mall at ground level. About 20 years ago these ground level units that you see here were built when roughly half - the south end - of the mall was redeveloped. Some of you may remember the eatery 'Ginsberg and Wong' which was one of the businesses affected when this redevelopment happened.
A small segment of the north part of the mall was left untouched and today is a mix of a handful of not terribly significant businesses and an eclectic and charming food court filled with OCAD students and, strangely enough, police from 52 Division from across the street.
At one time this small downtown boutique mall tried to vie with Hazelton Lanes. Dating couples would dress up to promenade here in the late 70's and early 80s. Now it's a quiet courtyard.
Just thought I would add a few thoughts about the present food court. It's well worth a visit, it's makeup of mom and pop kitchens and seating layout is singularly unique in Toronto. A group of Anime figure collectors meet occasionally here too. Not at all like your Cadillac Fairview mall food court.
Then. 64 Saint Patrick street, rear. 1938.
Now. February 2014. We're inside the courtyard of the Village By The Grange Condo looking at one of the ground level units. VBTG is a low rise condo of about 35 years vintage. It may have some significance in the memories of some of us. When it was first built the condo had an indoor shopping mall at ground level. About 20 years ago these ground level units that you see here were built when roughly half - the south end - of the mall was redeveloped. Some of you may remember the eatery 'Ginsberg and Wong' which was one of the businesses affected when this redevelopment happened.
A small segment of the north part of the mall was left untouched and today is a mix of a handful of not terribly significant businesses and an eclectic and charming food court filled with OCAD students and, strangely enough, police from 52 Division from across the street.
At one time this small downtown boutique mall tried to vie with Hazelton Lanes. Dating couples would dress up to promenade here in the late 70's and early 80s. Now it's a quiet courtyard.
Just thought I would add a few thoughts about the present food court. It's well worth a visit, it's makeup of mom and pop kitchens and seating layout is singularly unique in Toronto. A group of Anime figure collectors meet occasionally here too. Not at all like your Cadillac Fairview mall food court.
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