Ramako
Moderator
I have to say that these buildings, while they did host a variety of uses and did possess a certain energy, will not be missed. I am not exactly a chic shiny upper scale fanatic, but these buildings were always a source of shame and embarrassment when I would take people to visit the ROM. They do not fit the area, and exhibit should be a fine piece of contemporary architecture that fits perfectly in a Toronto aesthetic. If only a McDonalds is left over that would be a shame (are there any other commercial units at all?), but the quality and form of the previous architecture left something to be desired. This is a fantastic place for a contemporary high rise. Looking very much forward to the juxtaposition of the stacked boxes with the ROM crystal.
I agree with this sentiment. As an undergrad I really appreciated the grunginess of this strip (and could often be found in the Pita Pit or the Bedford Ballroom). It felt like a beachhead into haughty Yorkville. Since those days the renovations of the ROM and the Royal Conservatory have really made this stretch a little gem unto itself. Now that one side of the street is thoughtfully designed, maintained and programmed and the other side if still somewhat shabby, the street has almost taken on an "unfinished" look. I love the chaotic Yonge/Queen West vibe, but it doesn't work here anymore. The street almost clashes with itself. I think the design of Exhibit will go a long way to unifying this stretch by playing off the ROM, much in the same way that the Sheraton plays of Nathan Phillips Square.