androiduk
Senior Member
I'm not sure if ther's a thread for this but there should be. It's a pretty major restoration at a high profile intersection. I believe CB2 (Crate & Barrel) is the future tenant. The first 2 pics are from the City News site.
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651 Queen West Restoration (formerly Big Bop)
- Thread starter androiduk
- Start date
SLOCRO
Active Member
Looking forward to this as well. Though was completely beside myself when I read that the City didn't permit the construction of the originally designed/built mansard roof. Totally ridiculous.
junctionist
Senior Member
Do you have any reason why that wasn't permitted? The building needs the mansard roof for true restoration and grandeur. Otherwise, the architecture is a problematic representation of our heritage because it's a simplification.
SLOCRO
Active Member
Because it violates present zoning regulations.
egotrippin
Senior Member
If I recall correctly, some similar (ridiculous) regulations are preventing the resurrection of the original roof at the Gladstone as well. Zeidler's daughter actually expressed interest in rebuilding the old roof, but hasn't been allowed thus far.
Sometimes the ham-fisted bylaws in this city are absolutely infuriating. Though, did the people behind this reno even want to restore the old mansard? Something inside me says that bottom-line motives were provided a sigh of relief in knowing that the most financially significant piece of the reno couldn't be achieved.
Sometimes the ham-fisted bylaws in this city are absolutely infuriating. Though, did the people behind this reno even want to restore the old mansard? Something inside me says that bottom-line motives were provided a sigh of relief in knowing that the most financially significant piece of the reno couldn't be achieved.
junctionist
Senior Member
These regulations don't make sense. Our grand Victorians deserve to be fully restored. The mansard roof could have been restored at this valuable downtown property.
achender
Active Member
urbandreamer
recession proof
Wow huge improvement! Perhaps one day though it'll make a great base for 10-15s condo?
Gord
Banned
It's perfectly fine the way it is.
junctionist
Senior Member
That would be a banal outcome. Queen Street is a mostly low-rise street. It retains its historic character for that reason, which is relatively rare in Toronto. At the same time, the heritage buildings are home to many of the most contemporary and fashionable establishments, proving that heritage preservation doesn't mean places becoming museums. They should do a complete restoration of at least the exterior of this building eventually.
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someMidTowner
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Welcome to UT Gord
you must have been as enraged by urbandreamer's comment as me to make this your first post. And as for you urbandreamer, i genuinely hope that was sarcasm.
Automation Gallery
Superstar
Looks good, hopefully they could do something with the other derelict corner properties of this intersection.
sixrings
Senior Member
maybe the king street lcbo can move here when its location is demolished for a condo.
Register123
Active Member
^Can be moved where? Into this building?
cmcint01
Active Member
Anyone know when CB2 is opening?