[Tuscani01]

I don't think it should be an either or - where possible, accessibility should be maximized, but it shouldn't be done to the extent to wrecking a building's heritage character (which isn't the case here). Imagine trying to make the Leaning Tower of Pisa accessible? It would have made no sense.

AoD

It should be

 

[Tewder]

It should be

This is why we can't have anything nice!

 

[Mississauga Slim]

Just because they're putting in a new elevator doesn't mean they're getting rid of the old one. They are in two different locations. Structurally, I don't think you could take out the old elevator even if you wanted to.
Here's the old elevator: http://youtu.be/1vmiGASEVXc

 

[Tewder]

thinking of old elevators... isn't there one similar but larger in the lobby that takes you up to the Wintergarden theatre?

 

[College Park]

This type of device has been designed out of existence - I can see the risk issues (pinch points). Pity really - it is lovely.

 

[interchange42]

There's no indication that the old elevator is being removed though.

42

 

[someMidTowner]

COA minor variance: http://app.toronto.ca/DevelopmentAp...tion=init&folderRsn=3822569&isCofASearch=true

450 YONGE ST
Ward 27 - Tor & E.York District

►View All Properties


To alter the existing four-storey heritage building by constructing a five-storey non-residential addition at the north west portion of the building.
Applications:
Type Number Date Submitted Status
Minor Variance 15 220801 000 00 MV Sep 10, 2015 Hearing Scheduled
Contact Information Hearing Dates
Robert Ursini
Application Technician
416-397-7771
rursini@toronto.ca Hearing Date Nov 18, 2015

 

[Automation Gallery]

The height of the altered building will be 32.42 m
http://www1.toronto.ca/City Of Toro.../pdf/C/C_of_A_TEY_Agenda_November_18_2015.pdf

 

[Automation Gallery]

They're probably gonna just plunk a glass cube on top of the building, .

That's what it seems like?

the construction of a five-storey addition atop the existing four-storey building, provided the existing building is retained,
http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2016.TE13.17

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

Rendering:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-86234.pdf

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-86237.pdf

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-86238.pdf
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2016/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-86239.pdf

AoD

 

[stjames2queenwest]

I'm ok with this, kinda neat.

 

[Automation Gallery]

I'm ok with this, kinda neat.

Yeah, i agree...extra office space is always good

 

[Benito]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Lenser]

That looks promising.

 

[dt_toronto_geek]

thinking of old elevators... isn't there one similar but larger in the lobby that takes you up to the Wintergarden theatre?

The Elgin Wintergarden theatres have three original bird-cage elevators from around 1912 that were refurbished in the late 80's when the building was restored and lobby areas added. They are larger than this one, manually operated and with double gates. An operator is required for the three elevators to open/close the gates, press the floor button and then turn the original handle to activate the lift. The elevators go to the basement, lobby (main level), Elgin balcony level, Wintergarden orchestra level and Wintergarden balcony level.