Agreed that the exposed ceilings are awful, but they have been around for a long time, especially with discount and outlet malls - even in the mall corridors - and especially in restaurants (but they hide it with trellises and other décor).

Landlords often have requirements for leasehold improvements (including façade, signage, etc.).
This design could be due to lax landlord requirements - i.e. Is retail with exposed ceilings allowed in CF Eaton Centre?

I suspect that because this was a new build, they did not paint the ceiling. I think painted ceilings (and the cost associated) would be incurred if the retail space was an older space that needed a "refresh".

The other thing is that an enviro-conscious design probably lead to reduced lighting levels.
Personally, I like bright spaces where I can see things.
 
Agreed that the exposed ceilings are awful, but they have been around for a long time, especially with discount and outlet malls - even in the mall corridors - and especially in restaurants (but they hide it with trellises and other décor).

And 95% of them look awful. They try and pass it off as a trendy loft look but it's really just cost cutting and/or laziness. Speaking of ceilings, I'm still waiting for them to finish Museum subway station.
 
And 95% of them look awful. They try and pass it off as a trendy loft look but it's really just cost cutting and/or laziness. Speaking of ceilings, I'm still waiting for them to finish Museum subway station.
As has been explained a dozen times in this thread, the is an off-price store, and they all have this type of ceiling. It sends a "no frills" message to the consumer that the prices are lower here that they aren't charging you the price of a fancy ceiling when you pay for the clothes. If it offends you, shop somewhere else.

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Today.
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On a side note, the more pics I see of that Nordstrom Rack, the more convinced I am that it is one ugly space. I'll have to check it out for myself on of these days and see if things are really that bad inside there.
Looked like a Marshall’s in those photos.

I dislike Marshall’s. :)
 
I’m disappointed in the street level (lack of) “presence” this building exhibits. No public art, no amenities, and the sidewalks and canopy should be wider. This corner is the gateway to downtown south but offers nothing special. Considering the prominent presence this building makes on Toronto’s skyline one would expect something special at street level as well. Instead, it looks stingy and uninspired. How on earth the city gave approval to the street facade is beyond me. I’m very disappointed.
 

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