Toronto Library District Condominiums + Toronto's 99th Library | ?m | 29s | Context Development | KPMB

[Torontovibe]

It could also be used in the new park that is going to lead from Cityplace to Fort York. That would give it some character.

 

[Towered]

That's kind of fascinating.

 

[Solaris]

March 13 2011 update

Previous photo that I forgot about:

 

[confusion]

I hope they preserve this structure somehow , build it directly into a basement museum extension of Fort York or something.

Sucks to be the developer as this will no doubt change their plans, but then again if this is done right the developer could benefit from this too.

 

[current]

I think the archaeological site may be in the area designated for parkland. The condo/library will be located along the southern and eastern areas of the site.

These are some conceptual drawings of that block. Please note these are not final - just conceptual.

The condo/library development is probably going to be built in the area to the right of a line drawn from the steel beams (at the bottom of the pic) to the pylon and the parkland to the left of that line. The exposed structure would be located in the park area.

Notice some kind of brick beside the Pylon. Maybe this is a remnant from Fort York???

Notice the cement dividers all the way along.


Does anyone know what was on this site many many years ago?

More to look at here:

42

 

[James_TheVirus]

Some more pictures from yesterday. It looks like it was an old building as they begin to excavate around it.

 

[gregv]

Railway relics unearthed at condo project tell history of city’s boom

Some more pictures from yesterday. It looks like it was an old building as they begin to excavate around it.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...ct-tell-history-of-citys-boom/article1990440/

 

[Edward Skira]

Hey Edward,

Sorry for delay. I wanted to check out the site in person so I could comment accurately.

The archaeological dig uncovered rail road related below grade foundations and infrastructure dating from the 1850's to the 1920's that were previously buried with land fill. These findings were anticipated by our archaeologists due to past excavations that began on site in 2005 and the fact that until recently this was a rail road yard and we continue to work with the archaeologists on site. The future decision on the foundation wall will be made after the consultant’s report is issued and talks occur in concert with the city and province and Context.

Thanks for your interest and you are welcome to post this on urbantoronto.

Best regards.


Craig Taylor
Director of Design Marketing
Context

 

[urbandreamer]

What I'd do with the wall: build the new library around it! Move the masonry to library site, cleaned and restored, then put behind glass as a feature wall or two of the new library: Garrison Creek Library?

 

[marcus_a_j]

^ I would do something very similar. I think it's an opportunity to showcase some history of the area within Toronto's 100th Library. Alternatively, some incorporation into the new Garrison Creek Park could be a good idea.

 

[3Dementia]

hen put behind glass as a feature wall or two of the new library

Fantastic idea UD. Putting Toronto history behind glass is simply brilliant.

Kinda like a San Diego Zoo for Toronto artifacts... what a great tour that would be.

 

[ProjectEnd]

Or just build it on top. The Bolognese thought it a grand idea and installed a glass floor in the central library's Sala Borsa to view the ruins beneath.

 

[Atlantis]

It's certainly not everyday that we get to see an archeological site in Toronto, and this one is just beginning to get intriguing! Saw a survey team of 4 on site today taking measurements.

 

[Automation Gallery]

Wow..amazing, nice pics Atlantis..I sure hope they keep this untouched and have a glass floor or something similar incorporated to the development.

 

[Atlantis]

I'm really hoping that they plan on leaving this find in place and covering it with a glass floor as well. I think it may be the most cost effective for all parties, and would maintain its authenticity. Another thing that may be nice would be a small staircase leading down onto a walkway encircling the area. A bit of a sub-basement zone where people can actually see the walls and the undisturbed remnants up close, as well as from above. I know it's not quite comparing apples to apples, but this is the best example I could think of. At the Louvre they unearthed the remains of a much older, original Louvre building and did exactly that. They built a walkway right around the structure bellow ground, and it became a basement exhibit space to the existing Louvre building. http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/nateandglenn/1/1286634558/louvre-basement.jpg/tpod.html

Of course I have no idea what significance if any this structure has, but I think it's an idea worth exploring!