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Woodbine Centre

J.M.Z. said:
I'm interested to see what "Woodbine Cinemas" (formerly Imagine Cinemas) is going to become. The Pandemic killed off any interest
for another movie theatre company to step in. Which wouldn't matter now anyway since the owner just auctioned off the movie seats,
film projectors, sound systems and popcorn machine.
Click to expand...

The Porno Theatre downtown was turned into a rock climbing space. I am sure they will find a use for the space.
 
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It just looks sad & empty.
 
What a shame. All of the auction listings for Maggiano's and Woodbine Cinemas have finished. The listing mentions "All Theatre Eqpt Currently Under Power!
SOLD TO THE BARE WALLS!".

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I truly feel Maggiano's would have been a hit with Rexdale and Woodbridge's Italian communities. The restaurant certainly looked beautiful. Alas, a concept
that was too good for the Woodbine's current state and ownership.
 
J.M.Z. said:
What a shame. All of the auction listings for Maggiano's and Woodbine Cinemas have finished. The listing mentions "All Theatre Eqpt Currently Under Power!
SOLD TO THE BARE WALLS!".

View attachment 354889

I truly feel Maggiano's would have been a hit with Rexdale and Woodbridge's Italian communities. The restaurant certainly looked beautiful. Alas, a concept
that was too good for the Woodbine's current state and ownership.
Click to expand...
"Alas, a concept
that was too good for the Woodbine's current state and ownership."

FACTS! Woodbine mall's current owner SHOULD NEVER GOT INVOLVED WITH THE MALL!
 
Some recent photos of everyone's favourite mall:

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Photo credit: Rizwan M.A Hai

Vacant lots and closing stores. A time-honoured tradition in the Woodbine Centre's later years.

1635181062811.png

Photo credit: Rizwan M.A Hai

I remember when the sun used to shine at the Woodbine Centre.

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Photo credit: Kafui Danku

The boarded up wall to the right used to be the entrance to J.J. Muggs.

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Photo credit: Ian Fok

I love abstract art as much as the next guy. Just not here.

1635182091367.png

Photo credit: RSH DVP

A look at the food court in September. The odd chairs and tables are still noticeable.

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Photo credit: Robert Fishman

What liquidated goodies will you find under the tree? It always feels like Christmas morning at the Woodbine Centre.

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Photo credit: Kaifu Danku

Front entrance right side. Where Sportchek and Abacus used to be. Followed by the ill-fated Maggiano's.

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Photo credit: Kaifu Danku

Not even Koodo can take my eyes off of those garish floor tiles.

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Photo credit: Praveen S.

On the left, a brave woman contemplates whether she should enter the Woodbine Centre or not.

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Photo credit: Mashid JBR

Social distancing outside of TD Bank.

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Photo credit: William Brewitt

Despite arguments from seasoned historians, the area around the downstairs elevator did in fact feature running water years ago.
 
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In my opinion, for a mall that hasn't been updated since 1985, I think the current owner's renovations surprisingly make the Woodbine Centre look even older.
 
I went to the mall last weekend and it was surprisingly busy. The BAY. Ardene's, Urban Planet, Fantasy fair, Foot Locker, and the Food Court had decent crowds. I feel if the mall had proper owners and some of the parking lots were converted into condos this mall could have survived as at least a local mall with affordable brands. similar to the DIXIE mall.
 
J.M.Z. said:
... Across the street, stores are continuing to open along Queen's Plate. Most of which, would have been welcomed additions to the Woodbine such as Fortinos,
System Fitness, Mandarin, Staples, Winners, LCBO, and even a Subway Restaurant...
Click to expand...
Reading through most of this thread, it seems the ownership has far more to do with the downward spiral of this mall than its location.
gabe said:
My guess Amazon wants a parcel of land in Canada's largest city to build a sprawling fulfillment centre. Like what they did in the Chicago area.
God this thing is ugly.
Click to expand...
I only recently saw this about the site of the Pontiac Silverdome (former NFL Stadium for Detroit Lions) now being massive Amazon delivery and distribution buildings that were apparently built quite quickly, considering how long the stadium had been sitting there empty and decaying.
https://urbantoronto.ca/forum/threa...cquires-pontiac-silverdome.10715/#post-343246
 
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I love how the holes in the wall (where the movie posters used to be downstairs) are still visible in this stock photo.

Has any store replaced Maggiano's yet?
 
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Maco in the 6 said:
Despite what the sign said, it turned out it wasn't a renovation after all, Hudson Bay was just prepping the first floor of their store for the vaccination clinic.
Click to expand...
I just booked the booster shot appointment there for a couple of days before Christmas, as it was the earliest date offered in the list the booking site showed me. It wasn't the closest location to me, but it is quite easy and quick to get there with the TTC 927 Express route that zips up there from the Kipling subway station along Hwy 427.
And despite the date, I'm guessing there probably won't be the potential overcrowding that might exist at other malls.
 
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