Toronto Architecture: Re-developing, Current, Mid 1900’s, and “Back Then”

Re-development: Goodbye to the past, welcome to new developing architecture around Front and Yonge Streets.

y Currently, Nathan Phillips Square appears quite empty, but machines are present recreating the skating rink; a gathering spot for people of all ages in the winter.

Along Bay Street, which is the corporate and financial district of our city, modern sky scrapers built of glass, marble, concrete, and steel dominate the streetscape.

This famous Toronto landmark combined office and retail space to form Toronto’s Eaton Centre. It was designed by architect Eberhard Zeidler, and was considered revolutionary for its time in 1977. It influenced shopping centre design in North America.

Toronto City Hall, and its large public space fronts on Queen Street. Built in 1965, it is Toronto’s fourth City Hall built to replace the third City Hall due to lack of space. In 1958 , an architectural competition was launched by Nathan Phillips to come up with a new architectural feature for the City Hall. This unique design won out, and provides us with this interesting building to serve as our municipal offices.

Old City Hall is one of the buildings still standing from the late 1800’s. Old City Hall was home to the City Council from 1899 until1966. The subsequent larger and current City Hall stands adjacent to this building. It now houses city courts.

Although significant changes are occurring in the downtown core of Toronto, thoughtful town planning will ensure that Toronto’s rich architectural history is maintained right alongside modern and contemporary design .

Thank you for watching.