Long Island Mike
Senior Member
The Toronto Eaton Centre: A good remnant of 70s Toronto!
Everyone: I read thru this topic and I had to chime in on the Eaton Centre being that it could be one of the most interesting Downtown shopping malls constructed anywhere and a place that has fascinated me with its neat design since my first visit in 1979.
Skeezix and FreshCutGrass: I very much agree with your posts-Skeezix for that post on the planning of Eaton Centre by Eaton's and FCG for the observations that you posted. One of the things I always liked was that it was so accessible by the TTC Yonge Subway at either end via the Queen or Dundas stations and many people used the TTC to get there.
I like the design of the Eaton Centre very much-I recall the multi levels and rampways as well as features like the geyser fountain,geese hanging from the atrium rafters and the Canadian provincial flags on display outside the Eaton's entrance. It always was a lively place and I felt it complemented the paralleling Yonge Street strip area well.
I recall reading that shopping malls are updated and renovated about every 20-25 years to adapt with changing tastes and the times. I feel that the design of the Eaton Centre-other then maybe changing some small features like that S end food court-should have been kept the way it was designed but with some sprucing up of obviously deteriorated features but not to change the main look or character of its design.
I agree that it was not broke and it should not have needed fixing-those recent lights being a good example. Perhaps landmark status may have worked here but maybe some are reluctant to place a 31-year old complex along with much older preserved buildings but if that is what it would have taken to keep the intended design it should have been looked into at least.
In closing the Eaton Centre is a classic example of 70s Toronto! LI MIKE
Everyone: I read thru this topic and I had to chime in on the Eaton Centre being that it could be one of the most interesting Downtown shopping malls constructed anywhere and a place that has fascinated me with its neat design since my first visit in 1979.
Skeezix and FreshCutGrass: I very much agree with your posts-Skeezix for that post on the planning of Eaton Centre by Eaton's and FCG for the observations that you posted. One of the things I always liked was that it was so accessible by the TTC Yonge Subway at either end via the Queen or Dundas stations and many people used the TTC to get there.
I like the design of the Eaton Centre very much-I recall the multi levels and rampways as well as features like the geyser fountain,geese hanging from the atrium rafters and the Canadian provincial flags on display outside the Eaton's entrance. It always was a lively place and I felt it complemented the paralleling Yonge Street strip area well.
I recall reading that shopping malls are updated and renovated about every 20-25 years to adapt with changing tastes and the times. I feel that the design of the Eaton Centre-other then maybe changing some small features like that S end food court-should have been kept the way it was designed but with some sprucing up of obviously deteriorated features but not to change the main look or character of its design.
I agree that it was not broke and it should not have needed fixing-those recent lights being a good example. Perhaps landmark status may have worked here but maybe some are reluctant to place a 31-year old complex along with much older preserved buildings but if that is what it would have taken to keep the intended design it should have been looked into at least.
In closing the Eaton Centre is a classic example of 70s Toronto! LI MIKE