From the Star:

Distillery keeps corporate names at bay
Jun. 19, 2006. 01:00 AM
CHRISTOPHER HUME

For most visitors, the Distillery District is a pleasant way to spend a few hours, maybe go for a meal, wander through an art gallery or watch a play at the Young Centre.

It's all those things, for sure, but there's something else going on down here that in its own quiet way is different, even revolutionary.

Though it takes a few minutes to sink in, it's hard to miss: There are no franchises here, no chains, no brands as they're now called.

That means no Starbucks, no McDonalds, no Chapters, no Tim Hortons; well, you get the idea.

This is no accident. For the owners of the Distillery, Cityscape and Dundee Realty Corp., it's part of a carefully considered strategy aimed at resisting the tide of homogenization that is turning cities around the world into clones of one another. They won't stop globalization, but they can keep one little pocket of one little city safe from the forces of sameness.

So far, their approach has paid off handsomely. Though there are millions upon millions of people, many of them Torontonians, who are happy to run with the horde, others prefer not to. These rugged individualists are precisely the ones the Distillery wants to attract. If you want Burger King, don't bother with the Distillery. If you're looking for Future Shop, go to the mall. If it's a heavily advertised national brand you desire, go elsewhere.

The Distillery is a bastion of authenticity, a celebration of the non-corporate. That doesn't mean its tenants don't include businesses; there are dozens.

Lisa Mills-George of The George Partnership, a graphic design firm, runs one of them. "We came because we love the energy," she says. "We feel we're a part of something. And our clients love to come here."

Mills-George and her staff of 12 rent space in the five-storey limestone building that is the oldest on the site. It has been a landmark since 1860, a monument to the Victorian love of architecture, no matter how humble its use.

Transformed into office space, the multipurpose building works beautifully. Throughout the George Partnership's light-filled space there are reminders of the past, stone walls, old bins and scales. This may not be the kind of real estate that appeals to insurance company executives, but that's not a bad thing. Indeed, that's the point.

As it is, barely three years after the Distillery opened as a cultural enclave, it is fully rented. Tenants include everything from cafes and restaurants to art galleries, shops, daycare and, soon, a spa and performing arts school.

"If we had two Distilleries, we could rent them out in a month and a half," says Cityscape's John Berman. "We thought it would take us eight years to reach critical mass; it took only three."

The advent of the Young Centre, the theatre/teaching facility built by Soulpepper and George Brown College, has made a big difference. It attracts 400 to 700 people nightly. All this without a single Blockbuster, Coffee Time or Shoppers Drug Mart.

"Excluding the national and international chains is critical to the approach we've taken," Berman explains.

"By doing that, we've ensured the Distillery will remain unique and special. We've been approached many times, and though sometimes it hurts to say no to the rents they're willing to pay, it pays off in the long run. For example, I think that if the café we had were a national chain, the Distillery would be a far less interesting place. If people want to go to McDonalds, there are dozens around. They don't need to come to a national historic site."

In the meantime, Berman and his partners are busy planning new construction in the southeast corner of the site. They hope to announce a retail/residential/hotel complex before the end of the year.

But don't expect a Holiday Inn.

I was there on the weekend, and there is a big hole being dug on the northwest corner of the site. Is this pure spirit? There were no actual signs on the hoardings that indicated what was going up.

And the size of the West Donlands site is impressive in person. It is quite the expanse.

A very exciting corner of the city to be sure.

That would most likely be pure spirit. A good addition to the area.

I would love to live there.... it is a wonderful area of town. And waking up to Balzacs
cafe every morning would just push me over the edge of heaven.

Perfect development for "The Booze Hound".

Perfect development for "The Booze Hound".

A bit downscale for His Nibs, but he did once venture into the Beach/es and mingled with the hoi polloi and had a not altogether distasteful afternoon.

"I would love to live there.... it is a wonderful area of town. "

Take the plunge

"I would love to live there.... it is a wonderful area of town. "

Take the plunge

Wanna lend me some $$? I promise to pay it back!! :angel:

A bit downscale for His Nibs, but he did once venture into the Beach/es and mingled with the hoi polloi and had a not altogether distasteful afternoon.
It was crazy! I had a beer, non -import, and some food: Not Indain, not Italian! But a burger! :cheers:

no franchises eh? i like that!
support local businesses :)

for now

Balzac is already opening a second location

for now

Balzac is already opening a second location

Last time I was at Balzacs I asked the lady selling muff....errmm... I
mean croissants, and she said they were opening a second location in
the King/Dufferin area. I begged her to open one downtown.

Last time I was at Balzacs I asked the lady selling muff....errmm... I
mean croissants, and she said they were opening a second location in
the King/Dufferin area. I begged her to open one downtown.

They sell Balzacs coffee at the Farmer's Daughter on Kingston Rd. But you have to go home to brew it.

"she said they were opening a second location in the King/Dufferin area."

Liberty Village - the base of Toy Factory Lofts to be exact

It is simply the best coffee. Can't beat the fresh roast.

"It is simply the best coffee. Can't beat the fresh roast."


It's true that fresh roasted coffee is the only way to go...most people just don't have a clue that what they are drinking is stale. And while it's common sense that no-one would argue stale anything is good....people will die before giving up their Tim Hortons coffee (which is totally stale by the way).

But while fresh roasted is best, it doesn't mean the coffee is going to be good...I find Balzak's roasts to be generally not the best at all...their choice of roast levels and blending doesn't work very well. And they certainly don't know how to use an espresso machine properly (but then again, few people do).

But Distillery District is fantastic....and makes for a nice starting-off point for the areas being redeveloped around it....gives it somewhere to grow from. It's very distinct and high quality.




KGB

I just wish it was even bigger than what it is now, considering the area is so successful the surrounding empty lots should be converted in more space for the district, are their any other historic buildings not yet renovated in the area?

^that what the west donlands plan will do

Last time I was at Balzacs I asked the lady selling muff....errmm... I
mean croissants, and she said they were opening a second location in
the King/Dufferin area. I begged her to open one downtown.
Hmmm... isn't King and Dufferin Downtown?

Starbucks= burnt coffee! Roast the coffee - don't burn it!

I'd call Liberty the far western boundary of downtown. Maybe not years ago...but definetely these days.






KGB

Hmmm... isn't King and Dufferin Downtown?

I was meaning truly downtown... Yonge St downtown. The smell in the air from the roastery is amazing.
They do have a bit darker roast than I would choose... but it is still great
coffee.

Hmmm... isn't King and Dufferin Downtown?

No. It's in the CBD. lol...I hate when people say that! :)

If I lived at King and Dufferin, the only people I would tell that I live "downtown" would be from Pickering. Personally I would not really think of King and Duff as being downtown for exactly the same reasons I would not
consider Yonge and Eglinton to be downtown.

"Personally I would not really think of King and Duff as being downtown for exactly the same reasons I would not consider Yonge and Eglinton to be downtown."


Well, if you lived east of Dufferin, you would be in Liberty, which would technically be in downtown. If you lived west of Dufferin, you would be in Parkdale, which is not downtown.

Dufferin itself is a bit of a borderline. If you lived right on Dufferin itself, then you could pick either I guess. LOL






KGB

Or, you can get drunk, and stagger along Dufferin, get picked up by the cops, tell them that you live both Downtown and in Parkdale and live in Metro West Dentition Centre for the weekend!
Perhaps we can have a forum meet at Metro West! Say hello to the judge on Monday morning!
I'm fairly certain they don't have 'doors open Toronto' at Metro West, so, we might as well check it out by getting arrested!

"Personally I would not really think of King and Duff as being downtown for exactly the same reasons I would not consider Yonge and Eglinton to be downtown."


Well, if you lived east of Dufferin, you would be in Liberty, which would technically be in downtown. If you lived west of Dufferin, you would be in Parkdale, which is not downtown.

Dufferin itself is a bit of a borderline. If you lived right on Dufferin itself, then you could pick either I guess. LOL






KGB

I'm confused and need to drink some beer before I understand your post. :cheers:

We're all on the same page! It's sunny outside! It's Friday! But for the fact that we all probably have plans already, we could agree to pay far too much to get lousy service at some patio in Yorkville! :cheers: !!!

^you confuse too easily

^you confuse to easily

But I like his self medicating ideas..... I find this helps:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1671/brewski7ze.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ever consider a maid service?

Great idea! I'd get him to run to the fridge for me! I'll call a maid service tomorrow.....

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1671/brewski7ze.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Beer? In the sun? Perhaps on a patio? WAY TO SCREWBALL EUROPEAN!

^you confuse too easily

yes...and drink too much.

But I like his self medicating ideas..... I find this helps:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/1671/brewski7ze.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

You know, I've never had a Brahma before. Your picture has me craving one right now. Quick, say something confusing.

BTW, I was on the other side of the hole, and it is pure spirit.

You know, I've never had a Brahma before. Your picture has me craving one right now. Quick, say something confusing.

I gave into my cravings and had a couple of them when I got home from work! :scouserd: If you are into craft ales and like a complex flavourful brew, then Brahma will be too light and sweet. But, I like 'em light and sweet and COOLLLLLDDDD!

I gave into my cravings and had a couple of them when I got home from work! :scouserd: If you are into craft ales and like a complex flavourful brew, then Brahma will be too light and sweet. But, I like 'em light and sweet and COOLLLLLDDDD!


I've never met a beer that I didn't like.

But ... most of stuff out there tastes like piss (not that I necessarily know how piss tastes)


'ice cold' as to numb the taste

But ... most of stuff out there tastes like piss

You are kinkier than I realized! :booze:

I can handle the odd bitter beer, like a true Pilsner... and will enjoy the odd pint of a good English ale.I can sit and down a few cold Warsteiners or St Pauli's Girl... but in general, I confess, I like beer to be light on flavour, and very frosty. I have even been known to enjoy the odd cold Michelob. Truth is, Brahma tastes a lot like Miller Genuine Draft. I guess I am not a true Connaisseur of the brew.

Pilsner!!! Ah! I'm not a big fan of ale, but lager!!! Ah!

But ... most of stuff out there tastes like piss (not that I necessarily know how piss tastes)



Now, if piss had 5% alcohol, just think of the possibilities.

Well, if you like major Canadian brands, I think you're near the mark.
I like Stella!

The Pure Spirit condo construction has reached the 12th floor and the "flatiron" wedge shaped podium is starting to rise above ground level. The rising building can be seen looking east along the Esplanade from the St. Lawrence Market area. Once it is finished it will make it easier to show people where the Distillery District is.

It will definitely be the tallest thing in the area, which is good I think, it will break up the monotony and provide a good gateway to the Donlands.

Sorry? I'm confused, what should I change the thread title to?

Sorry? I'm confused, what should I change the thread title to?

The developer DHD Developments is starting to market Phase 2 called Clear Spirit. The problem is phase 1 Pure Spirit and phase 2 Clear Spirit are located at opposite corners of the Distillery District (NW vs SE). One development but two separate building sites. Maybe split it into two threads?

Site plans/Rezoning Application for Clear Spirit:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-1214.pdf

and check out the "The Renderings Thread" to see how the development will look:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=12997782&highlight=clear+spirit+living#post12997782

pretty awesome project, I actually think it'll work! the site plan looks pretty good too.

Now, if piss had 5% alcohol, just think of the possibilities.

It does. And they sell it in bottles with a blue label! ;)

Today's issue of the Condo Guide has a rendering for Clear Spirit and its not the rendering we've seen recently. Its the older one with the hump in the middle of the tower.....

Oh well, guess it was too good to be true with the cooler looking renders. Could the renderings on the website be the originals and the hump design instead be a later redesign?

the hump design is in the aplication ,which means that its the new design.
i doubt they would market the old design.

Was the ad for Clear Spirit or Pure Spirit?

pure

Are you sure? I could have sworn that in the ad, it said "Clear Spirit". And the rendering is the one with the hump...... So those really cool looking renders everyone loves are the old ones?

you are correct,my bad. clear spirit it is.

To be honest, not really keen on the hump design. I was really hoping that tilted balconies design was going to be used but I guess not.

Anyone got a pic of this hunchback rendering? I don't recall the hump.

There is a application drawing somewhere on one of these threads. In it you can see that both buildings have a *curved hump* in the middle portions. If you ask me, the *tilted* version looks far more sexier......

Check out pages 15,16 and 17 to see the "curved humps" in the Site plans/Rezoning Application for Clear Spirit:


http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-1214.pdf

This link works. Sorry for not testing the first one I posted.

Check out pages 15,16 and 17 to see the "curved humps" in the Site plans/Rezoning Application for Clear Spirit:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2...dfile-1214.pdf

Thanks, but access is denied to that link.

This one?
http://www.ghettoshots.net/david/Photos/107/WebFullSize/55_Mill_Street.JPG

^^ That is from the link that is now working.

Check out pages 15,16 and 17 to see the "curved humps" in the Site plans/Rezoning Application for Clear Spirit:


http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2007/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-1214.pdf

This link works. Sorry for not testing the first one I posted.

That hump is caused by the balconies being staggered.

145m, thats really goofy.
C'mon t.o we can do ALOT better
As if the mini-Trump wasn't enough.
Time for supertall threads:)

I thought those curves were supposed to make the building look like a beer glass.

P.S. ^^I's coming, we hope. Fingers crossed for Manulife. ;)

145m, thats really goofy.


actually it's 155m when you include the mechanical which will soar at this location like a 1200 foot tower would in the CBD

Did they reduce the height on this?

From today's Star..............


Spirits rising at the old distillery

Tracy Hanes
Toronto Star

When the partners in Cityscape Developments used to describe their plan to turn an abandoned five-hectare Toronto industrial site with decaying century-old buildings into a vibrant cultural mecca, they were often greeted with skepticism.

"I remember one prominent Toronto restaurateur looked around and said, `Call me back in 10 years when you get your first tenant,'" recalls John

Berman, a lawyer, who along with real estate broker Mathew Rosenblatt, planner David Jackson and architect James Goad, is a partner in Cityscape.

He takes a certain satisfaction that some time later that same restaurateur called back – but there was no space available.

Since 2001, when Cityscape bought the 45 vacant buildings and property of the Gooderham & Worts distillery (between Parliament and Cherry Sts., south of Mill St.) for $10 million from its British owners, the Distillery District's 325,000 square feet of commercial space has been leased – for coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, art and photography galleries, jewellery, fashion and home decor shops, artists' studios, offices and a spa.

It's also home to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, as well as dance, theatre and opera companies and the site of music and arts festivals and other events.

But the evolution from an abandoned factory site to hip neighbourhood hasn't been easy. As the largest historic restoration project in Canada, at one point 300 woodworkers were employed to replicate original window frames, doors and trimwork, and 600,000 bricks were hauled from Cleveland to lend authenticity to the pedestrian-only streets. That initial $10 million investment has grown to $50 million-plus.

There have also been periods when businesses, disappointed by a lack of pedestrian traffic, fled for other parts of town. But with all commercial space accounted for and new developments in the works, an increase in year-round opportunities is virtually certain.

"It was a huge, huge risk we all took and there were a lot of sleepless nights," Berman says. "There still are challenges – we just had to rush in to rebuild a 150-year-old chimney last week."

Now, Cityscape and Dundee Realty, its partner in the project since 2004, are about to launch their second residential project in the Distillery District: Clear Spirit condominiums.

Their first project, Pure Spirit, is under construction, with buyers scheduled to move in next spring.

Units in Clear Spirit will go on sale later this month. Plans call for a second Clear Spirit tower to be launched in the fall of 2008, as well as the Ribbon Building, a commercial/retail space linked underground to both Clear Spirit towers that will add several hundred underground public parking spaces.

The first 351-unit Clear Spirit tower, to be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards and designed by architectsAlliance, will be steel and glass, curving like a piece of fabric. Units are priced from $225,000 to $1 million-plus and range from 524 to 1,100 square feet. The entranceway and lobby, designed by Ava Janikowski, will echo the modern urban feel, integrating wood cladding from the distillery's historic rack houses, with spiralled columns and reflecting pools.

"The Distillery District is certainly one of the most wonderful places in Toronto," says Pam McConnell, city councillor for Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale.



McConnell says looking at the outside of the historic buildings now, it's hard to tell how difficult it was to restore some of them, as they were built to accommodate distilling, not residences or commercial space. For example, one had floors that were only 1.5 metres tall; and the buildings that housed the barrels and racks used the barrels as part of their structural support, McConnell says.

"For them to put their necks out and put money into heritage before building out the condos is unheard of. They did the right thing first. It was incredibly creative and visionary, but also practical – they got things done."

There's also a long way to go. While the area is very much downtown, many would-be visitors still see the district as off the beaten path, not a convenient destination.

It's served by the King streetcar and bus routes that connect it with the TTC's Union and Castle Frank stations, but outside rush hour (and especially between September and April) transit is not very attractive.

There are 450 commercial parking spaces on site and the Toronto Parking Authority has created 200-300 more along Parliament St., but finding a spot can be tough when events are on, especially since construction hoardings went up around the West Donlands sites east of Cherry St.

But McConnell says that once the West Donlands and East Bayfront areas are developed the Distillery District will not be "an isolated island of history and culture, but connected to two other neighbourhoods."

Syd Beder, owner of Lileo, a clothing store, says attracting patrons to the area was difficult for a while, "but I think the worst is over. They (Cityscape and Dundee) are being more proactive."

Beder says the parking problem has been relieved significantly by the addition of new lots and by inexpensive valet parking offered during special events and he's noticed an increase in visitors to the area in the past few months.

The ongoing construction has also hampered business somewhat, Beder says. "Short term, it was painful, but in the long term, I think it will be in our best interest and I'm still looking forward to a bright future," he says.

Like Pure Spirit, Clear Spirit will be contemporary in style, in contrast to the historic neighbourhood around it.

"The idea is to contrast the heritage buildings with new materials designed for today's culture," Rosenblatt says. "We want to speak to our time, not 150 years ago. So we're using modern materials and going for a minimalist look with glass and concrete."

Jason Lester of Dundee Realty says the look will suggest the city's historic Flat Iron Building (also built by the Gooderhams), juxtaposed against the background of modern BCE Place.

Unlike most mixed-use developments, the retail and commercial sector of the Distillery District came first, with the residential units coming later.

"It was easier for us to sell the residential component once we had a much more vibrant community," says Berman. "It made more sense to create a fantastic neighbourhood first."

"If you have a golf community or a ski community, you build the golf course and the ski hills first," says Lester.

Rosenblatt says attracting condo buyers to the previously stark industrial site without establishing the commercial and retail components first would not have been easy, especially as the "area was outside the average person's consciousness and most people didn't travel to this part of the city."

Because the property was a historic site, all work on it had to be approved by the city and Heritage Toronto. Then there was the matter of updating services and the structures themselves.

Cityscape, formed in 1997, has had experience with historic loft conversions and restorations, such as One Columbus Ave., the Movie House (394 Euclid Ave.) and Worx (436 Wellington St. W.).

Dundee Realty has worked on many projects in Western Canada, including golf and ski communities as well as large suburban developments.

"It's not any one thing that makes the Distillery – it's a bunch of pieces," says Rosenblatt. "It attracts like-minded people looking for something different. People who never even thought of living in the city before come to our sales office."

Whereas artists have often left communities when upscale condos come in, Rosenblatt predicts that won't happen in the Distillery District.

"We view the artists and arts component as part of the overall success of the Distillery District. To replace them and gentrify the area would not be successful," he says.

Many of the arts tenants have long-term leases, with below-market rates, to make it attractive for them to stay.

The plan for the District unfurled at a far quicker pace than the partners could have imagined – the original eight- to 10-year plan came together in half that time. Part of it was that some tenants – like Balzac's Coffee and the Sandra Ainsley Gallery – bought into the vision from the start and took a leap of faith that the public would come to the area.

Balzac's owner, Diana Olsen, didn't hesitate when Rosenblatt approached her.

"I used to live in Cabbagetown and jogged by there all the time. I loved those old buildings and saw they had so much potential," says Olsen. "By the time they called me and asked me if I'd heard of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, I was totally familiar with it and just so excited. I had a gut feeling it would work. I was willing to take a chance even if it didn't."

A lineup of customers (including many of the project's construction workers) greeted Olsen the first day of business "and it's been going strong ever since."

The number of artists and arts organizations in the District brings a lively, creative energy to the neighbourhood, Olsen says, and about the only missing components are services like a dry cleaner and a grocery store. But she feels those will come as condos are built and the West Donlands property to the east is developed.

The Cityscape partners have their offices in the heart of the district, and there's still a firm rule that the retailers and restaurants locating there must be unique; don't, for example, expect to find a Starbucks or Gap there any time soon, as Berman says they are not interested in having large franchises there.

Berman says about 2 million people a year visit the district to wander through the shops and relax on the European-style piazzas.

"It's a fun place, it's a unique place. The closest thing to it is Granville Island in Vancouver. The key is to stick to the vision, plant the right seeds."

What the DD desperately needs are these condos to bring a resident population to the area. That will increase traffic. As it is there is not a big population around there.

The heights in the thread title don't match the info from other sources.

I like the wavy balconies on this one:

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/81/purespiritea4.jpg

Cool.. it looks warped!

I don't think the page was lying flat on the scanner. The edge of the image is also warped.

I think the tower is supposed to look like that. The edge of the paper just wasn't cut out straight.

Agree, definitely intentional. It’s a pretty cool effect. Hopefully will be just as cool when built.

Construction progress... taken this morning...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit9.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit7.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit6.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit5.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit1.jpg

I like how this building comes to an extreme point but the above ground parking really worries me.

Yeah, I walked by the Distillery District yesterday and noticed that the entrance along Mill Street feels extremely uninviting with the bulk of the parking garage above street-level. However, apart from that I'm starting to love this tower, can't wait to see this baby fully cladded. I also like the Flatiron effect at the podium, I believe they're also using red brick. Which should look awesome.

The success of this project will depend on how well the base will be clad. The cladding on the tower is secondary.

I just got back from Boston. They have many old, classic above ground parking lots, 5, 6 stories tall. Surprisingly, they really added to the feel of density throughout the city. In this part of town, it's not too bad. A parking garage on Queen, well, maybe not so much.

Coming along nicely... pics taken today...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp15.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp14.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp13.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp12.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp11.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp10.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp9.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp8.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp7.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp6.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp5.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp4.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp3.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp2.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/sp1.jpg

A bit repetitive, but some very inSPIREing photos.

So.... just to clear things up, these photos are of "Pure Spirit", not "Clear Spirit", right? Clear Spirit has not been started yet, has it? A woman who lives nearby said they are demolishing a building within the Distillery District for it... does anyone know if that is true? Which building is coming down?

Yep, the photos are of Clear Spirits. Pure Spirits, a third unnamed tower, and a podium-like midrise are still to come. The tallest rackhouse sporting a rooftop billboard will be dismantled and rebuilt as part of the Clear Spirits complex.

The similar names are frustrating and I continue to get the two names confused.

This information is from the Toronto Star.

PURE SPIRIT: Southeast corner of Mill and Parliament Sts., south of Front St. Builder: Cityscape Development Corp. and Dundee Realty. A 32-storey glass point tower and a five- and eight-storey brick podium with 378 units in total. Prices: from $289,900 for 764 sq. ft. to $789,900 for 1,628 sq. ft. Fees: 42 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, exercise room, party room, saunas, guest suite, media room with large-screen TV, games room, 24-hour concierge and outdoor terrace. Sales: over 90 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: spring 2008. Sales centre: on-site, building No. 51, 416-361-1322; www.purespiritliving.com.

CLEAR SPIRIT CONDOMINIUMS: South of Mill St., west of Cherry St. Builder: Cityscape Development Corp. and Dundee Realty. A 30-storey glass tower with 274 units and a brick podium. Prices: from $231,900 for 538 sq. ft. to $549,900 for 1,070 sq. ft. Fees: 48 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: outdoor pool, outdoor hot tub, exercise studio, exercise deck, guest suites, boardroom, library, 24-hour concierge, outdoor terrace. Sales: 65 per cent sold. Status: construction not started. Occupancy: June 2010. Sales centre: southeast corner of Mill St. and Parliament St., building No. 51, 416-361-1322; www.clearspiritliving.com.


http://www.thestar.com/living/article/250820
In the above article Clear Spirit is releasing for sale 30 storeys now and the rest of the storeys will be for sale later. Clear Spirit will be the "wavy" tower:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/81/purespiritea4.jpg

This is a render of Pure Spirit:
http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/one%20mill.jpg

And this is the wedge shaped Pure Spirit podium and tower under construction:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z133/markus919/spirit10.jpg

From the latest Condo Guide magazine:

http://www.newhomesandcondos.com/content/4/20080512/A1_4951.jpg

Toronto’s condo future is firmly rooted in the city’s past

Gooderham Building will be crowning jewel for Distillery District


Today’s savviest new-home purchaser seeks more than just a well-appointed condominium. Most will *gravitate towards great architecture, state-of-th*e art amenities and fabulous finishings; however, what truly makes a new condo stand out comes down to three little words: “Location, location, location.”

Indeed, buyers want homes in distinctive and secure neighbourhoods; condos well served by public transit; condos in vibrant areas that are within close proximity to shops, galleries and restaurants. In short, they want condos with a distinctive address and with character.

Toronto’s internationally acclaimed Distillery Historic District is a distinctive address, full of character and charm. Toronto Life has called The Distillery Historic District “the hippest address in Town.” The Toronto Star said that it is “slated to become one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in the country” and that “nothing remotely as ambitious has ever been undertaken in Toronto.” The Globe and Mail wrote that “Toronto has nothing that comes close to offering the variety and character of this historic development.”

What makes the Distillery so unique and desirable? When one enters The Distillery, one enters another world, free of stress and congestion. It is a fully preserved historic community, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Distillery’s secure and private, pedestrian-only brick-lined streets are filled with the city’s best stores, restaurants, theatres, art galleries, bakeries and cafés. Patios abound. Creativity and charm fill the air. As the Star notes, “to enter the Distillery is to step back into a world of horse-drawn carts, windmills and sailing ships.”

The Distillery is a village within the city. Three schools call the Distillery “home.” An organic food market will soon open its doors, as will The TD Bank. A 30,000-sq.-ft. fitness facility, complete with outdoor pool, hot tub and recreational areas, will further enhance Distillery life. An 18-acre landscaped park is under construction steps away, and the TTC will soon commence construction to bring the King streetcar line to the Distillery’s doorstep.

“There is no other community in North America quite like Toronto’s Distillery Historic District,” says Jason Lester of Dundee Realty. “As soon as we launched the first of our three planned condos, buyers instantly recognized what a special opportunity was before them. Clearly, the addition of a vibrant residential community to the area’s established mix of art, culture and entertainment, served to further distinguish the Distillery location.”

With just three residential towers available within its 13 acres of brick-lined streets and Victorian Industrial *architecture, Distillery District developers Cityscape and Dundee Realty have been overwhelmed by the purchaser response to this very exclusive residential opportunity.

The first tower, Pure Spirit, fully sold out just weeks after its launch. Not long after, purchasers queued for the opening of the Distillery’s second residential phase, Clear Spirit, the first of two planned point towers to be developed in the second and final residential phase. Clear Spirit also met with overwhelming success.

Today, as occupancies are about to begin at Pure Spirit, Cityscape and Dundee are preparing to launch Gooderham – the Distillery District’s final condominium tower.

Designed by the award-winning team at architectsAlliance, Gooderham – a 35-storey, 310-suite tower will boast the distinction of being the Greenest of the three residential buildings.

“We were environmentally conscious before it was fashionable,” notes Cityscape partner David Jackson. “From day one, throughout our revitalization of the District, we have always gone to great lengths to reuse of-era materials, repurpose, recycle and leave a small environmental *footprint. And this original focus on the environment and sustainability has reached new heights with Gooderham.”

Gooderham will far exceed the standard environmental features commonly found in condo *projects today. The magnificently grained, 130-year-old reclaimed fir boards from one of the Distillery’s original rack house buildings will be recycled to create beautiful “historic” engineered wood *flooring. Beyond unique, these boards lend a distinctive warmth that only comes with the patina of history.

Other significant environmental elements include the construction of a cogeneration plant, capable of on-site electricity production, effectively taking Gooderham off the power grid, making it energy self-sufficient.

Gooderham’s innovative approach to sustainability is matched only by its luxurious approach to design. Suites boast expansive nine-ft. ceiling heights and private balconies or terraces, to take advantage of the views of the historic precinct, the lake or downtown cityscape.

Features and finishes include European-style kitchens, four stainless steel appliances, a choice of quartz, Corian or granite counters. The bathrooms are equally luxurious with deep soaker tubs, glass shower enclosures and *contemporary fixtures.

Gooderham offers a litany of modern amenities. Residents will receive membership in the state-of-the-art fitness facility, and the oasis-like rooftop pool and lounge.

Of course the tower’s greatest amenities and most impressive common spaces lie in the District itself. Here residents can experience world-class art, theatre, *entertainment, shopping and cuisine – all in their own *backyard. A truly one of a kind experience. And an experience only available to those few residents who have decided to make Toronto’s Historic Distillery District their home.

For more information about this one-of-a-kind residential opportunity, visit the Gooderham presentation centre, Building 51 on Trinity Street (in the Distillery). Call 416-361-1322 or visit www.liveatthedistillery.com.

http://www.newhomesandcondos.com/modules/magazine/article.asp?AID=6673&MID=4&IDATE=5/12/2008&CMID=4&CIDATE=5/12/2008

hmmm ... looks like both Clear Spirits and Gooderham have each had over 10 storeys lopped off.

From the latest Condo Guide magazine:

http://www.newhomesandcondos.com/content/4/20080512/A1_4951.jpg

Toronto’s condo future is firmly rooted in the city’s past

Gooderham Building will be crowning jewel for Distillery District


Today’s savviest new-home purchaser seeks more than just a well-appointed condominium. Most will *gravitate towards great architecture, state-of-th*e art amenities and fabulous finishings; however, what truly makes a new condo stand out comes down to three little words: “Location, location, location.”

Indeed, buyers want homes in distinctive and secure neighbourhoods; condos well served by public transit; condos in vibrant areas that are within close proximity to shops, galleries and restaurants. In short, they want condos with a distinctive address and with character.

Toronto’s internationally acclaimed Distillery Historic District is a distinctive address, full of character and charm. Toronto Life has called The Distillery Historic District “the hippest address in Town.” The Toronto Star said that it is “slated to become one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in the country” and that “nothing remotely as ambitious has ever been undertaken in Toronto.” The Globe and Mail wrote that “Toronto has nothing that comes close to offering the variety and character of this historic development.”

What makes the Distillery so unique and desirable? When one enters The Distillery, one enters another world, free of stress and congestion. It is a fully preserved historic community, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Distillery’s secure and private, pedestrian-only brick-lined streets are filled with the city’s best stores, restaurants, theatres, art galleries, bakeries and cafés. Patios abound. Creativity and charm fill the air. As the Star notes, “to enter the Distillery is to step back into a world of horse-drawn carts, windmills and sailing ships.”

The Distillery is a village within the city. Three schools call the Distillery “home.” An organic food market will soon open its doors, as will The TD Bank. A 30,000-sq.-ft. fitness facility, complete with outdoor pool, hot tub and recreational areas, will further enhance Distillery life. An 18-acre landscaped park is under construction steps away, and the TTC will soon commence construction to bring the King streetcar line to the Distillery’s doorstep.

“There is no other community in North America quite like Toronto’s Distillery Historic District,” says Jason Lester of Dundee Realty. “As soon as we launched the first of our three planned condos, buyers instantly recognized what a special opportunity was before them. Clearly, the addition of a vibrant residential community to the area’s established mix of art, culture and entertainment, served to further distinguish the Distillery location.”

With just three residential towers available within its 13 acres of brick-lined streets and Victorian Industrial *architecture, Distillery District developers Cityscape and Dundee Realty have been overwhelmed by the purchaser response to this very exclusive residential opportunity.

The first tower, Pure Spirit, fully sold out just weeks after its launch. Not long after, purchasers queued for the opening of the Distillery’s second residential phase, Clear Spirit, the first of two planned point towers to be developed in the second and final residential phase. Clear Spirit also met with overwhelming success.

Today, as occupancies are about to begin at Pure Spirit, Cityscape and Dundee are preparing to launch Gooderham – the Distillery District’s final condominium tower.

Designed by the award-winning team at architectsAlliance, Gooderham – a 35-storey, 310-suite tower will boast the distinction of being the Greenest of the three residential buildings.

“We were environmentally conscious before it was fashionable,” notes Cityscape partner David Jackson. “From day one, throughout our revitalization of the District, we have always gone to great lengths to reuse of-era materials, repurpose, recycle and leave a small environmental *footprint. And this original focus on the environment and sustainability has reached new heights with Gooderham.”

Gooderham will far exceed the standard environmental features commonly found in condo *projects today. The magnificently grained, 130-year-old reclaimed fir boards from one of the Distillery’s original rack house buildings will be recycled to create beautiful “historic” engineered wood *flooring. Beyond unique, these boards lend a distinctive warmth that only comes with the patina of history.

Other significant environmental elements include the construction of a cogeneration plant, capable of on-site electricity production, effectively taking Gooderham off the power grid, making it energy self-sufficient.

Gooderham’s innovative approach to sustainability is matched only by its luxurious approach to design. Suites boast expansive nine-ft. ceiling heights and private balconies or terraces, to take advantage of the views of the historic precinct, the lake or downtown cityscape.

Features and finishes include European-style kitchens, four stainless steel appliances, a choice of quartz, Corian or granite counters. The bathrooms are equally luxurious with deep soaker tubs, glass shower enclosures and *contemporary fixtures.

Gooderham offers a litany of modern amenities. Residents will receive membership in the state-of-the-art fitness facility, and the oasis-like rooftop pool and lounge.

Of course the tower’s greatest amenities and most impressive common spaces lie in the District itself. Here residents can experience world-class art, theatre, *entertainment, shopping and cuisine – all in their own *backyard. A truly one of a kind experience. And an experience only available to those few residents who have decided to make Toronto’s Historic Distillery District their home.

For more information about this one-of-a-kind residential opportunity, visit the Gooderham presentation centre, Building 51 on Trinity Street (in the Distillery). Call 416-361-1322 or visit www.liveatthedistillery.com.

http://www.newhomesandcondos.com/modules/magazine/article.asp?AID=6673&MID=4&IDATE=5/12/2008&CMID=4&CIDATE=5/12/2008

Who writes this crap?

National Post article:

City dragging its feet on Distillery condo towers, developers say
Posted: September 09, 2008, 9:07 PM by Barry Hertz
Politics, Neighbourhoods, Real estate
By Allison Hanes, National Post


The developers of Toronto’s Distillery District expressed frustration yesterday that the city is dragging its feet approving the details of the final condo towers that will complete the cultural, residential and commercial site.


The city is seeking a $1-million donation to theatre groups, a levy for park space and a delay in construction until the flood plain is reconfigured among other minor concessions before signing off on the $300-million construction of two high-rise condo buildings and a four-storey mixed-use building in the Distillery.


But after investing $50-million up front to restore the Victorian-era brick industrial buildings and transform them into restaurants, stores, galleries, theatres, offices, studios, public squares, walkways and patios, the developers said they have already contributed plenty to the fabric of the city and just wanted to break ground after two years of delays.


“It feels like double dipping on the city’s part,” said Michael McClelland, an architect for the project by Cityscape and Dundee Realty.


“We’ve already done lots of community benefits, probably more community benefits than any other site…. It’s like a memory loss because there’s been a huge amount of commitment already made on the site.”


The matter goes before the Ontario Municipal Board, which can overrule city decision-making, in October. But Mr. McClelland told the Toronto and East York Community Council that the developers would prefer to sit down with city officials and resolve outstanding issues together.


However after the session, it was unclear yesterday if that sit-down will happen before the hearing — which won’t determine whether the project will proceed, only on what terms and when.


“We’d actually like the city’s cooperation to go ahead ... in a much more smooth way without so much red tape,” Mr. McClelland said. “


Councillor Pam McConnell (Toronto Centre Rosedale) agreed yesterday that the project has been “wrapped in red tape to the point it almost suffocated” since the redevelopment of the disused Gooderham and Worts distillery began in the 1990s.


She gave the developers credit for creating a world-renowned treasure that is Toronto’s newest tourist destination before getting the payoff from the condo towers that make the venture commercially viable but said the city still has a duty to be vigilant.


“I think it’s a balance but it makes it good planning,” she said.


The finishing touches on the Distillery District include 35- and 40-storey towers on the southeast quadrant of the site, including one that will use Tankhouses G and J as a podium for a glass tower. Office and retail space will be included on the ground floors.


David Jackson, a partner in the Distillery and Cityscape, said the city was on board when the major overhaul of the district began and doesn’t understand why they’re holding out now.


“There was a big servicing and restoration component required. We worked with the city. They were great supporters, certainly at the outset, but this last piece has been difficult,” he said. “It’s taken us two years to get to this point.”

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/09/09/city-dragging-its-feet-on-distillery-condo-towers-developers-say.aspx

from Current:
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/81/purespiritea4.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-2/20091122019.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-2/20091122021.jpg

Ever notice how some renderers use shadows to create the illusion that buildings curve, when clearly they do not?

^^ Well, Clear Spirit does, but that hasn't been built yet. Pure Spirit was always rendered as a 'non-curvy' building.

http://www.dailycommercialnews.ca/cgi-bin/top10.pl?rm=show_top10_project&id=58d0ec268c22e690efd5acbdbc15dcb7d8504fc3&projectid=9094473&region=ontario

CONDOMINIUM BUILDING Proj: 9094473-3
Toronto, Metro Toronto Reg ON NEGOTIATED/PLANS COMPLETE
Gooderham Condominiums at the Distillery, Parliment St, S of King St E, M5A
$40,500,000 est
Start: June, 2010 Complete: June, 2011
Note: Working drawings are complete. Construction start is expected Summer, 2010. Sub trades will be awarded sequentially as needed from an Invited list. Further update Summer, 2010.
Unsolicited phone calls WILL NOT be accepted by the Const Mgr.
Project: concrete foundation, structural steel frame, curtainwall exterior, fuel fired heating system, various interior finishes; wrap-around balconies and terraces; 24-Hour Concierge; Three high-speed elevators; landscaping; security system; proposed construction of a 35-storey condominium building with 310 units. The building will feature a sunset terrace with outdoor bar and fireplace; two guest suites; a rooftop garden; an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and adjacent hot tub and water lounge with men's and women's change and steam rooms plus saunas; exercise facilities with spinning, cardio, weights and circuit training areas; a Multi-purpose room with demonstrator kitchen; Media/Screening Room; and Yoga and Pilates studios. Phases One and Two of this project can be followed under report numbers 1286869 and 9057338.
Scope: 375,000 square feet; 35 storeys; 310 units
Development: New
First report Fri Jan 16, 2009. Last report Thu Feb 12, 2009.
This report Fri Jan 08, 2010.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100124018.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100124019.jpg

The hole just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

CNSlx_PBWdQ[/QUOTE]

So, is this the taller one they're starting?

Yes

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100215016.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100215019.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314002.jpg

Some brick work...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100328036.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100328034.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100328035.jpg

Wow...we should be paying you to do all this amazing research, Jason! Do you have a car or do you get about by transit?

Does anyone have any new or different renders of this project? I want to know whether this really does curve or I am just seeing things.

Wow...we should be paying you to do all this amazing research, Jason! Do you have a car or do you get about by transit?

I assume, after all... he's from Mississauga. :lol:

I was on one of the top floors of a financial district tower the other day, looking east, and I have to say this tower really sticks out like a sore thumb. I personally don't mind, it'll look less out of place when the second phase is built, and not out of place at all when east bayfront is built up. But for now... sore thumb. Since it sticks out so much, a more daring design would have been more appropriate, I think, even though that idea is sort of counter-intuitive... the intuitive idea, I guess, was to make this tower as conventional, unobtrusive and inoffensive as possible, and to generally tread lightly around the historical architecture of the distillery district, but now all we have is a totally bland tower that people's eyes will be drawn to because it's the only highrise around. Like I said, it will eventually be less out of place, which will mitigate the effect because it will no longer really stand out... but for now, I don't really like it.

Does anyone have any new or different renders of this project? I want to know whether this really does curve or I am just seeing things.


I have nothing to base this on, but I'm pretty sure that the curves will turn out to be cheap, obvious render trickery again... I would be shocked if the new one was not as conventional as the first one.

The good thing is that it represents the birth of a neighbourhood, and a chance for the Distillery District to really come into its own. The problem up till now has been a lack of a permanent neighbourhood residents who live, work and play in that area. Condos like this are proof of a healthy rebirth of here-to-fore practically unihabited downtown neighbourhoods. It might not be pink and shaped like a corkscrew, but it is quite revolutionary simply in the fact it is there. :)

Wow...we should be paying you to do all this amazing research, Jason! Do you have a car or do you get about by transit?

Well, 7/10 times I park my car at Kipling subway, buy a day pass and do the on-off tour or just walk it from Spadina to the core and back taking different routes on the way. Other times I drive in and park either at Distillery District or in the Annex (my former stomping ground) and do the walk and/or bike around. It all depends on what I'm doing before and after the trip into TO.

May 28

Construction is continuing in the large pit.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4654147282_77c546e74a_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4654147282_77c546e74a_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4654147368_2acecb20fc_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4654147368_2acecb20fc_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4654147352_2a1cfeecd8_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4654147352_2a1cfeecd8_b.jpg)


The hoarding around the site with protective umbrellas
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4654147264_a8e971108b_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4654147264_a8e971108b_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4654147274_47d93e8c8f_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4654147274_47d93e8c8f_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4654094214_5b651b712a_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4654094214_5b651b712a_b.jpg)


Probably the best hoarding in Toronto
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4654094220_6755ac7698_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4654094220_6755ac7698_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4654094176_0b279bfbab_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4654094176_0b279bfbab_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4654094154_ff3b24531a_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4654094154_ff3b24531a_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4654094144_c4a507c399_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4654094144_c4a507c399_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4654094122_65b9b86f53_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4654094122_65b9b86f53_b.jpg)

Hands down the nicest construction fence this city has seen. I'm glad to see that those monster sculptures are still there. I thought they were only temp installations.

http://www.dailycommercialnews.ca/cgi-bin/top10.pl?rm=show_top10_project&id=58d0ec268c22e690efd5acbdbc15dcb7d8504fc3&projectid=9094473&region=ontario

CONDOMINIUM BUILDING Proj: 9094473-4
Toronto, Metro Toronto Reg ON NEGOTIATED/START
Gooderham Condominiums at the Distillery, Parliment St, S of King St E, M5A
$40,500,000 est
Start: June, 2010 Complete: June, 2011
Note: All Sub trade pricing has been secured by Invitation.
Unsolicited phone calls WILL NOT be accepted by the Const Mgr.
Project: concrete foundation, structural steel frame, curtainwall exterior, fuel fired heating system, various interior finishes; wrap-around balconies and terraces; 24-Hour Concierge; Three high-speed elevators; landscaping; security system; proposed construction of a 35-storey condominium building with 310 units. The building will feature a sunset terrace with outdoor bar and fireplace; two guest suites; a rooftop garden; an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and adjacent hot tub and water lounge with men's and women's change and steam rooms plus saunas; exercise facilities with spinning, cardio, weights and circuit training areas; a Multi-purpose room with demonstrator kitchen; Media/Screening Room; and Yoga and Pilates studios. Phases One and Two of this project can be followed under report numbers 1286869 and 9057338.
Scope: 375,000 square feet; 35 storeys; 310 units
Development: New
Category: Apartment bldgs; Retail, wholesale services
First report Fri Jan 16, 2009. Last report Fri Jan 08, 2010.
This report Fri Jun 11, 2010.

So only 35 floors now? I'm cool with that.

To be clear, there are 3 towers:

Pure Spirit - 32s
Clear Spirit - 40s
Gooderham - 35s

I'm pretty sure that's accurate. What Jasonzed posted refers to phase 3, the Gooderham Condominiums at the Distillery.

http://www.liveatthedistillery.com/

I had no idea there were three.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719069.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719068.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719070.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100904040.jpg

November 4

West side.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5150159876_f02a0192ab_b.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5150159876_f02a0192ab_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/5150159866_0fef52c449_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/5150159866_0fef52c449_b.jpg)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1405/5150159862_266317e3a7_b.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1405/5150159862_266317e3a7_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/5150159854_a0273eeb8f_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/5150159854_a0273eeb8f_b.jpg)

North side.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1105/5150159846_4dd3ab8b09_b.jpg (http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1105/5150159846_4dd3ab8b09_b.jpg)

from today
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/11282010063.jpg

It'll be nice when all those brownfields are gone for good.

Same regards to Mississauga.

I was shocked at how much more vibrant the Distillery District was this past summer, now that there is resident population. It can only get better with additional condos. The more the merrier, as that 'hood used to be quite quiet.

It'll be nice when all those brownfields are gone for good.
Same regards to Mississauga.

Mississauga doesn't have brownfields. It's all greenfield over there. Every condo that is going up in Peel region... nothing ever existed on the site previously.

not true.
i know of at least some property (huge area) near the airport in mississauga that is designated brownfield -it's currently for sale. The status is kept fairly confidential.

What do you know Sammo, you don't live in Vancouver. Leave it to the expert.

^^Oh right, my mistake... those empty parcels of grass in MCC are actually brownfields, just like the shadow boxes on Four Seasons are actually spandrel, just like 1+1=4. Thanks for giving us the inside scoop, AndrewJM3D.

No no, you're the expert on everything here, we all love reading all of your posts. Did you have something to post on this building or are you still coming to these threads to bash everything?

You really offer next to nothing to the Toronto rooms.

No no, you're the expert on everything here, we all love reading all of your posts.

Exactly. That's why you need to learn not to embarrass yourself insisting on the most ridiculous fallacies just for the sake of being contrary to what dleung says...

I love that I don't even have to criticize a building to provoke your wrath. Just informing the misinformed will do :lol:

:sleepy:

Guys. Please cool it. Thank you.

Ok, I've deleted an entry. I am going to request both of you to put a final end to the bickering. Please keep the forums civil and friendly and put an end to the tit for tat. It has gone on long enough and needs to stop. Thank you.

Clear Spirit is starting to make an impact.

d-o3GSW_KP0[/QUOTE]

^^ Thanks for this.
You get a really good vantage point of this project coming west into Union on the Lakeshore east train. Anyone know what they are holding up the old red brick perimeter walls for?

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/2011016039.jpg

We won't recognize that view in 5 years.

Thanks, Jason!! How many times a year do you go up the CN Tower?

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130105.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130103.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130100.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130106.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130109.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130113.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110130114.jpg

A quick look.

rM3n9QvDf1M[/QUOTE]

I was talking to a realtor the other day whilst perusing Boutique, and he told me the unfortunate story that in the first building in this trifecta, in some units you can't open the refrigerator because there is a support pole in the way. I'm just hoping the interior workers and designers put a little more thinking into this one.

kindda OT, but did they open the sake factory in the distillery yet?

ewww, I just cannot get into sake, and I have tried. There is a distillery of it in Vancouver that makes very expensive sake, and I just can't stomach the stuff. Tastes like medicine to me.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110212069.jpg

I think these buildings will look quite impressive and monumental, when finished. So far, it looks pretty good.

OGREGhY-T5M[/QUOTE]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430123-1.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430107.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430106.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430124.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430125.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110430126.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110606a101.jpg

This one`s making good progress, should continue moving smoothly/quickly this summer and into autumn. Looking forward to seeing this one rise, and enhancing the SE end of the district.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110625088.jpg

June 25
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5895428767_3ebe8580af_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5895428767_3ebe8580af_b.jpg)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5895358615_fd53325eb5_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5895358615_fd53325eb5_b.jpg)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/5895358609_dafc9a07f1_b.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/5895358609_dafc9a07f1_b.jpg)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5895358597_912016d43f_b.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5895358597_912016d43f_b.jpg)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5895358589_82d5490990_b.jpg (http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5895358589_82d5490990_b.jpg)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5895358583_aa7368a357_b.jpg (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5895358583_aa7368a357_b.jpg)

We're getting some nice angles here.
WI1sOmttILU[/QUOTE]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110717a016.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110717a017.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110717a018.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110717a022.jpg

What's going in the whole behind? The other tower?

Seems a little unnerving with the construction directly adjacent.

^^ It's for the other tower, The Gooderham.

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/35495/1571469-S1600x700.0.jpg?optimalizedperformance=true

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/35495/1571469-S1600x700.0.jpg?optimalizedperformance=true

WOW! I love that park pavilion. That roof is so dramatic. I can't wait until it's finished.

The skyline view is going to be AMAZING from there.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110910076.jpg

Andrew!! Stellar photo... my god I am happy that you got a camera! Your photos are top notch!

That is some terrific high speed drive-by shooting indeed.

So it looks like the crane is in for the last tower now. What's it's name again? Pure, Clear, and now ??????

^pristine?

Drunken Towers???! :dunno:

Clear Spirit is about 23 floors above grade, as shown in Jason's lastest pic, and The Gooderham is still a (neighbouring) hole in the ground.

By TroyGuy on UT.

From Sept. 15th, 2011 - Walk around the Distillery and Construction site.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/ClearSpirit.jpg
View from Entrance to Distillery District

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/ClearSpiritlookingSouth.jpg
From the North, looking South

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/ClearSpiritfromBase.jpg
From the Base, looking up

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/Gooderham.jpg
Gooderham's Future spot

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/DSC_0108.jpg
Clear Spirit close-up

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/DSC_0104.jpg
Clear Spirit - Looking at the guts of the parking garage through Gooderham's pit.

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l520/troyguy/DSC_0107.jpg
Looking down into the Gooderham Pit.

Those crazy, massive columns are sweet!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110918051.jpg

View from the top of Clear, anyone?

Took this on the 20th floor, south side, facing west. /view from unit 2008.

http://postimage.org/image/ipg7a42s

cheers

I'll post some more when I get a chance if you're interested

Edit: for some reason embedding the image is causing it not to show up, or I just fail at old imageboard architecture. probably the latter

Nice photo, and welcome to the group!! :)
You have to first upload the photo through a service like Photobucket, Imageshack, or Flickr, and then copy and past the code here, for it to show up. If you try and are having problems, send me a pm and maybe I can help. I'm hoping we can see more pics from you! :cheers:

View from the top of Clear, anyone?

Took this on the 20th floor, south side, facing west. /view from unit 2008.

http://postimage.org/image/ipg7a42s

cheers

I'll post some more when I get a chance if you're interested

Edit: for some reason embedding the image is causing it not to show up, or I just fail at old imageboard architecture. probably the latter

wow thats gonna be a amazing view for the ppl living there. how did u get the pick? are u working on the building?

to embed get the image url with the .jpg at the end and add it between this urlgoeshere

Thanks for the welcome. I was putting the url within the html tags but nothing was showing up in the finished post. Maybe I'll try another host.

Krsipy: Yes I do work there and have since about the ground floor. I've been on quite a few large projects around the city but this is my favourite tower by far. I probably have a few hundred pics and videos of this place under construction, I'll post when and what I can.

Lemme give imageshack a try..

http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4733/toronto2011081201076.jpg

Massive structural columns in the winter. huge 70mm diameter steel rebar

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9085/img00486201103091524.jpg

approaching rain

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/4319/toronto2011080301040.jpg

starting to dig down for Gooderham as viewed from the second floor of Clear Spirits

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/7896/img00113201011181414.jpg

^^ Awesome pics. Welcome to the forum.

^^ I'll second that! These are thrilling new pictures! :eek:

from today
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924022.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924023.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924025.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924026.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924028.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924029.jpg

A lot of demo going on next to the Distillery District along Front...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924019.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110924013.jpg

^^ I noticed those old warehouses coming down on Cherry Street. Does anybody know what's going on? Aren't those historic buildings? What will replace them?

^^ I have a feeling it might have to do with the small hydro substation that's planned for the area for the distillery plus the west donlands. then again I thought the land for that in particular was already set aside

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4131/img00186201012161530.jpg
lots of rebar

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4748/img00492201103091539.jpg
architectural concrete ramp

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/2581/toronto2011032300022.jpg
pool on the north end, rather small. There's a hot tub as well

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/3412/img00373201102171418.jpg

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7623/img00330201101281057.jpg

Flyform for a unit on the 4th floor, east side

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3268/img00166201012091122.jpg

Pouring the 6th floor. End of the podium. Notice the large beams underneath what will form the walls of the tower from this point up.

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5196/img00363201102100737.jpg

http://img813.imageshack.us/img813/6003/img2011040200102.jpg

View from what will be the amenity area

Great pics! Thanks for sharing.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20110925036.jpg

from today
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/2011001069.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20111203039.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6450589411_60fbf5f14b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queer_central/6450589411/)
DSC02549 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queer_central/6450589411/) by queer_central (http://www.flickr.com/people/queer_central/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6450599937_4e571c8581_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queer_central/6450599937/)
DSC02545 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/queer_central/6450599937/) by queer_central (http://www.flickr.com/people/queer_central/), on Flickr

from wed
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20121228010.jpg

Clear Spirit, Distillery District, Toronto


February 8, 2012.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6843425029_f42cf3f017_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6843425645_a132885617_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6843426397_40f2a13528_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6843427157_4c515a1d25_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6843428001_fde784b5f5_b.jpg

From tonight.


http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8017/pure001.jpg

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/822/pure002.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/7995/pure003.jpg

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9786/pure004.jpg

http://img859.imageshack.us/img859/8247/pure005.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/762/pure006.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9590/pure007.jpg

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/3901/pure008.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/4195/pure009.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/9484/pure010.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/873/pure011.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8417/pure012.jpg

She's a looker.

She's a looker.

That silver thing on all fours? She's not my type.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20120220058.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/20120220040.jpg

Is this supposed to be the shorter of the 2 towers? because it looks pretty tall out there all alone.

^^ Taller of the two. The Gooderham is shorter.

Thanks Jasonzed!!!

I have been waiting for this. You made my day.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/whistlerinToronto/03_19_2012_010.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/whistlerinToronto/03_19_2012_013.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/whistlerinToronto/03_19_2012_014.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/whistlerinToronto/03_19_2012_015.jpg

...edit...

from yesterday
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/DSCF3457.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/DSCF3446.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/DSCF3519.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/DSCF3446.jpg


What are they building on that mound with the stairs?

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto/DSCF3519.jpg

That's an incredible picture.

No grey spandrel. YAY!
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/9499/dsc02760ha.jpg
By torontovibe (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/torontovibe) at 2012-05-06

Great pics Jasonzed.

That's an incredible picture.

Yeah, but what's with all the snow fencing?

There seems to be quite extensive efforts to encourage certain varieties of plants/animals in Leslie Spit. I remember reading one of the info plaques in the area explaining the work being done, but I can't remember the details.

Ah, so it's for protection. Looks a little ugly though.

Yeah, but what's with all the snow fencing?

Mammals love to eat eggs.

Mammals love to eat eggs.

I'll have mine over easy, thanks.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/5272012024.jpg

I just noticed on Thursday driving past on the Gardiner this tower is curtain wall. This is a top shelf development.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/DSCF6191.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/DSCF7324_zpsbc3f6226.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/DSCF7328_zpsdaf28b2d.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/DSCF7324_zpsbc3f6226.jpg


Wow.

And people say the waterfront developments are a boondoggle?

Wow.

Wow x 2

What a pretty photo!

I'm growing tired of waiting for that park to open. What's the hold up? Anyway I took some shots from the same vantage point yesterday.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8054/8086456812_a556538fb2_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8086447787_d652b592e7_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8186/8086449155_0cbb64a508_b.jpg

Oct 11
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8111028695_941568af01_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15643394@N05/8111028695/)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8111031491_b4675871a8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15643394@N05/8111031491/)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8111033583_4e29710ef5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15643394@N05/8111033583/)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8046/8111024849_bdbe3dbd0b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/15643394@N05/8111024849/)

That brick is new?

I can't see from the photo, but it may be reclaimed brick.

I can't see from the photo, but it may be reclaimed brick.

I think it's a bit of half and half. Came out pretty good, I think it might look pretty crap when it's cleaned though. Couple years of wear and it will be lovely though.

It's probably closer to 75% reclaimed. They did tear down that massive warehouse where the tower now stands.

It's probably closer to 75% reclaimed. They did tear down that massive warehouse where the tower now stands.

It may very well be 100% reclaimed brick. They might have supplemented what they salvaged with recycled brick from other sources. There are lots available today; the farmhouse at Riverdale Park was made brand new from recycled brick and it looks genuinely old.

Not to mention a lawyer purchase a massive stock of old red bricks from the Brickworks about 20 years ago for next to nothing. They were just going to dump them and he had the foresight to see a need for them for repairs and construction. I'm sure he's laughing now.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/20121103037.jpg

Taken Sunday by me.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8283621230_a15955552a_b.jpg

^^ The lighting on that top floor looks like florescent lighting and I don't like it. They could have used much more stylish lighting. (softer lighting too or at least frosted windows)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/36b5efc6-e4b6-4ce4-9134-27c5a36fa438_zps693821b1.jpg

not a single tower in that view was there 5 years ago.. now there are 6.

Hopefully in another 5 years there will be 20.

Moved into this building a few weeks ago. Love the area and the views are incredible.

Unfortunately, much of the interior 'public' spaces are nowhere close to being done.

Welcome to the site and please post some interior shots and your views if you feel like it.

^^ Agreed, Arkitexture!! Welcome to our group! :cheers:

I'd totally live in these buildings if they were just a bit closer to the city. Loved the layouts and interiors from what I saw at the presale. And of course from the few Pure Spirit units I saw when I was condo hunting...

Too bad there's not too much out there until the PamAm village gets built. At least very little within close walking distance.

Palm to Face. It's a 5 minute walk to King East, 5 to St Lawrence, and 10 to the Riverside restaurant bar area, not to mention it's a destination onto itself. It's in a perfect location for me.

I'd totally live in these buildings if they were just a bit closer to the city. Loved the layouts and interiors from what I saw at the presale. And of course from the few Pure Spirit units I saw when I was condo hunting...

Too bad there's not too much out there until the PamAm village gets built. At least very little within close walking distance.

That's my big beef with that area as well. I like it, but you have to walk 10 minutes to get anywhere; it's a 20 minute walk to the Loblaws. It will be a dynamite neighbourhood when it starts to fill in with more residential, shops, etc. but it will take a good 10-15 years before it's anything close to say the Garden District or Church-Wellesley.

^^ But really, it is still down-town, and only a hop skip and jump from King Street East. I wouldn't have thought of this area as being too far from downtown at all. As you say, it is very up and coming!

^^ But really, it is still down-town, and only a hop skip and jump from King Street East. I wouldn't have thought of this area as being too far from downtown at all. As you say, it is very up and coming!


That's because it's not. I know I may be a faster walker then some older people or perhaps those in not such great shape but even according to google it's only 10 mins to St Lawrence Market. 7 Mins to the shops, bars, and restaurants of King East, 6 mins to No Frills and the LCBO, and all of this if you don't include the cool destination it already is. If those distances are too far for people there are very few areas of the city they could manage without transportation.

It's interesting that people's initial reactions with this area is that it is quite far from downtown. However, from my perspective it doesn't feel that way at all.

Below are some photos of my view:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/satcfan08/photo.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/satcfan08/photo3.jpg

Great view, thanks for sharing. I think what it boils down to is people might be used to certain amenities they can only find in some areas of the city. If somebody wanted to live near the subway then yes The Distillery might seem far.

^^ But really, it is still down-town, and only a hop skip and jump from King Street East. I wouldn't have thought of this area as being too far from downtown at all. As you say, it is very up and coming!

It is, but when you're used to having everything on your doorstep places like the Distillery District feel 'not quite there' yet. I realize its hard to fathom that some consider it isolated, but it depends on what you've grown accustomed to.

Arkitexture, your view is SPECTACULAR!!!!

It is, but when you're used to having everything on your doorstep places like the Distillery District feel 'not quite there' yet. I realize its hard to fathom that some consider it isolated, but it depends on what you've grown accustomed to.


And some may find it hard the fathom (LOL) that it's not really isolated at all. Aside from not being right on top of a subway it has more going for it then most communities in the core.

We now have a subway stop underneath the Distillery District? There wasn't one there last week. :weird:

We now have a subway stop underneath the Distillery District? There wasn't one there last week. :weird:

Still not one there this week, either! :)

Aside from not being right on top of a subway

No, of course, but there WILL be one there on the proposed Relief Line! Let's hope that gets built ASAP!

Still not one there this week, either! :)

I missed the 'not'. I do like the neighbourhood, but it's too 'up and coming' for me at this point. In 10-15 years, it will start coming together.

I missed the 'not'. .

Weirdly, I did too when I first read the sentence, but caught it upon re-reading.

Read slower people ;)

Canary, Pure Spirits, and Clear Spirits.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8559090866_500533cf94_b.jpg

Nice shot!

Believe the building to the left of Clear Spirit in the picture is The Gooderham.

I keep forgetting it's name thanks. :)

Read slower people ;)


My finger was in a bandage, so I wasn't able to drag it along the lines as I struggled to read! :D

My finger was in a bandage, so I wasn't able to drag it along the lines as I struggled to read! :D

LOL. Do you move your lips when you read to yourself too?

Oh, totally! I had scraped my knuckles from dragging them on the floor so that is why they were bandaged and therefore affecting my reading skills. :ohno:

Although taken a few weeks ago, this is a view from the Penthouse. Eventually, I'll dig my DSLR out to take some better photos.

http://i.imgur.com/LdNEAK3.jpg

Welcome to the group, Troy! :cheers: We'd love to see more photos!

Dang that's a great view. I've seen the penthouse on sale for a while now.. HMM!

The 6 tower 1 Yonge proposal would really balance the skyline out a lot from that vantage point: tall buildings to the right and left of the CN Tower.

Dang that's a great view. I've seen the penthouse on sale for a while now.. HMM!

I think there's 2 penthouses available still (out of 8). I could be wrong, as I haven't followed the listings closely. There are some really nice suites, and incredible views.

I still find myself standing there staring at the city every morning & night... so much to look at!

The 6 tower 1 Yonge proposal would really balance the skyline out a lot from that vantage point: tall buildings to the right and left of the CN Tower.

I was thinking exactly the same thing! :yes:

Toronto is slowly but surely forming a capital T with its skyline. (along the waterfront and up Yonge/Bay Street) Pretty soon our skyline will look like a big T when flying over-head. How appropriate!

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/ff496d9f-d38b-412a-98fa-7ef8b7bea414_zps897a6f32.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Toronto-04-21-2012-onward/7478f858-0aac-41f1-9143-5f66f62b94f3_zpsd3b2f212.jpg