they removed the bottom part of the 'L', so now it's just an 'I' tower :D

I don't think they should rename it to I tower ... it'll sound like something that Apple would construct.

I don't think they should rename it to I tower ... it'll sound like something that Apple would construct.

lol that's true, and we can all imagine the type of people who would live in an Apple I-building...

iTower. The entertainment centre of your world. (stolen slogan)

iTower. Twice the view for half the price. (optimistic slogan)

iTower. Half the size for twice the price. (pessimistic slogan)

iTower. The entertainment centre of your world. (stolen slogan)

iTower. Twice the view for half the price. (optimistic slogan)

iTower. Half the size for twice the price. (pessimistic slogan)

^^:lol::lol::lol:

what about " J" tower?

Does that mean Ice condos will be clad in ice? Cool!

Only from January to March! :D

good news!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EG2QBGQW7eQ/SsuSF0gxINI/AAAAAAAABjY/7SWEKol1AeE/s320/L+Tower
Matthew Slutsky
BuzzBuzzHome
October 6, 2009

Toronto's skyline is about to get a little more dazzling, thanks to Cityzen / Fernbrook / Castlepoint and international architect Daniel Libeskind.

Thursday October 1 2009 marked an important milestone for The L Tower (aka The l-Tower), as Council approved the project which paved the way for construction to begin immediately.

According to Sam Crignano, President of Cityzen Development, "Construction is starting next week", being the week of October 12 2009. As such, full steam ahead for the corner of Yonge Street and Front Street.

The coveted location of the L Tower will offer unlimited access to everything Toronto has to offer from the Hockey Hall of Fame, to the Air Canada Centre, to the historic St. Lawrence Market and shopping; of course, restaurants and the TTC's Union Station are just steps away.

Although scaled down, The L Tower is destined to become one of Toronto's finer architectural landmarks.

Interested in the L-Tower?

Information below:

Developer: Cityzen Development Corporation / Fernbrook Homes / Castlepoint Development Corp
Builder: Dominus Development Group
Architect: IBI Group and Studio Daniel Libeskind Real Estate Brokerage: Milborne Real Estate Inc.
Type: New Condominium
Use: Commercial, Condominium, Residential and Social Housing
Status: Construction Starting!
Floors: 57
Suites: 494
Number of 1 Bedroom suites: 332
Number of 2 Bedroom suites: 159
Number of 3+ bedroom Suites: 3
Largest Suite: 1,699 SF
Smallest Suite: 468 SF
buzz'd at 2:48 PM


http://blog.buzzbuzzhome.com/2009/10/construction-start-cityzens-l-tower.html

Yay, 57 st is a good height, i hope this one doesn't take too much time... Also i'm glad/surprised to see Social housing.

That is awesome news!!! Really sad about the bottom though, the original design was absolutely spectacular, a real eye-popper and would have been an unbelieveable attraction in the downtown financial district. Oh well, everything must be scaled down in Toronto it seems... Lest we offend the uninspired.

The bottom was changed because of economic realities. There was no one wanting to pay for the use the boot space! Perhaps some have forgotten that we are just coming out of a whopping big fat recession??!?! What in heck does that have to do with "offending the uninspired"? But hey, don't let facts get in the way, I suppose.

Good news

nvm

finally it's approved :)) good news for T.O

The bottom was changed because of economic realities. There was no one wanting to pay for the use the boot space! Perhaps some have forgotten that we are just coming out of a whopping big fat recession??!?! What in heck does that have to do with "offending the uninspired"? But hey, don't let facts get in the way, I suppose.

I wouldn't mind living in the boot, I sorta enjoy being near the street level and hearing/seeing the people as they go by.
But i also love me a nice penthouse :D

I think it was just bad timing, economically. I am surprised people aren't blaming David Miller for it as well.

I wouldn't mind living in the boot, I sorta enjoy being near the street level and hearing/seeing the people as they go by.
But i also love me a nice penthouse :D

Would it have been like the old woman who lived in a shoe ? I suppose it's a mystery we'll never solve.

As T,B pointed out, we are truly extremely fortunate to get this landmark building built in spite of the current world economic realities.

The project, to me, is just as stunning as the original proposal, and I like the fact that the Hummingbird Center (Sony Center or whatever the name de jour is) is better preserved and recognizable as a the heritage structure that it is and less overpowered by the would have been "boot" portion. Plus, I like the idea of a larger street public space and fountain.

Someone please be on the lookout for the first signs of construction this week! :banana:

As T,B pointed out, we are truly extremely fortunate to get this landmark building built in spite of the current world economic realities.

The project, to me, is just as stunning as the original proposal, and I like the fact that the Hummingbird Center (Sony Center or whatever the name de jour is) is better preserved and recognizable as a the heritage structure that it is and less overpowered by the would have been "boot" portion. Plus, I like the idea of a larger street public space and fountain.

Someone please be on the lookout for the first signs of construction this week! :banana:

I'm also glad it's going forward but I think at street level, it has lost it's flair. Of course, the roof looks good and will be a big improvement to our skyline.

Toronto is doing quite well, considering we just went through a recession. (though it didn't last long) Of all our big developments, only a few were cancelled. When you compare that to any other major city, we are very lucky indeed. We have a lot of exciting developments to look forward to. Just look at some of the other city threads on SSC. All they can do is post pics of finished projects because their construction has come to a stop, while we have towers going up in practically every neighbourhood of the city. It's onward and upward for Toronto.:banana:

I'm also glad it's going forward but I think at street level, it has lost it's flair.

Who knows, twenty years from now they may decide to build the boot part.

Here's hoping that happens! The street view on this corner could really use the boost. As for the economic situation cited above for the design change, I thought the boot was supposed to contain a museum of some kind. Wouldn't the funding decision therefore be mostly in the hands of the government? Either way, considering the way the government is handing out money for everything these days, I would have thought this project, as a potential tourist draw / important cultural attraction, and with its shovel-ready status, would be a great candidate. Oh well, what I'm really hoping for is a great big glass arched roof for the train tracks in the union station re-design (where there is currently rusted aluminum/steel patchwork roofing). More than anything else, a grand Union Station roof, like that of the Berling Hauptbehnhof, would redefine downtown Toronto.

"As for the economic situation cited above for the design change, I thought the boot was supposed to contain a museum of some kind. Wouldn't the funding decision therefore be mostly in the hands of the government?"

No. It was all a rather vague proposal, and quite frankly in my impression of perhaps questionable need as far as cultural institutions go.... I think this may have made it difficult to obtain corporate sponsorship. If we remember, the Conservative Government was giving this city nothing but attitude at the time, so certainly any Federal funding was completely out of the question. With no firm commitment, it appears the foot was amputated, to save the leg. In short it had nothing to do with offending anyone... uninspired or otherwise. It simply could not be built without sponsorship.

Actually Taller, since the City of Toronto owns the Hummingbird Centre on which this "facility" was supposed to be built, and the whole reason for building a "multicultural and tourism" centre in the first place was to replace the loss of both the ballet and opera as tenants to the city ownership, I would think the government would be deeply involved in the funding decisions on this project, and as a cultural venue, would obviously be asking the provincial and federal government to help fund it as well. I do agree that the Conservative government was not terribly forthcoming with funding help for Toronto at the time (though this has changed), but I think the sales pitch, as it stood then, was seriously lacking and that's part of the reason why I wrote, 'lest it offend the uninspired'. Because like you pointed out, the proposal was very vague, and to the best of our knowledge it was supposed to be a showcase of multiculturalism in Toronto, which would have likely included an "Arts Lab" and other 'stuff', but there simply wasn't enough inspiration to define exactly what the 'other' stuff was, though this project had so much potential. The other part of the reason was, reading the majority of comments posted on the opening page of this thread, I came to the conclusion that the so-called 'boot' part of the project was unpopular due to the 'strangeness' of its design. I, for one, thought it was very inspiring, and would have been appropriate for a great cultural centre in the heart of downtown. Once again, I don't think it was money that killed this project, but rather the vagueness of the proposal, and therefore the lack of 'inspiration' in its particulars, as well as the lack of 'inspiration' that it provoked in Toronto in general. The ROM crystal, despite its inadequacy for mounting art and cultural displays due to its poor interior design elements, and its extreme cost, did manage to 'inspire' Torontonians and recieved funding from all levels of Government because it had a clearly defined and well constructed end product (an extension of the museum), even despite the loss of the main funding component, which was to have come from the condo tower to be built where the observatory is, and which was cancelled due to public protest.

^^ I think much of that is true, although I still maintain the project failed because of a lack of corporate
sponsorship coming on the heels of a few years of massive donations for other projects and the beginning
of a major recession. In any case, it is certainly a more accurate description of what happened than:
"Oh well, everything must be scaled down in Toronto it seems... Lest we offend the uninspired."


;)

Now, had they planned for a Museum of the City of Toronto, the proposal may have had legs... or, in this
case, a foot to stand on. :)

As it stands, it seemed like a vague idea pulled out of a hat at the last moment. Building a schoolhouse does
not create children. Same with cultural venues.

"I do agree that the Conservative government was not terribly forthcoming with funding help for Toronto at the time"

understatement of the year, considering how much tax money was siphoned out of the GTA during the four years prior to that point. The Conservatives were so wholly convinced they could get a majority government without Toronto and without Ontario that they were focused entirely on other regions of the country. Things have changed somewhat since then, but the civic/federal relationship is still far from healthy.

I still don't know why they couldn't have built the boot and use it for offices, a library, community centre, a hotel, retail or some other good use. Why not some live/work condos or studios for artists and musicians? This development seems to have sold well enough. I'm sure with the smallest bit of work, this could have been quite successful. The developer just took the easiest and less creative route but hard work usually pays better in the end. It's a missed opportunity for both them and Toronto.

The way he simply chopped it off makes me wonder if they have left open the option to add the shoe on later....

TB, just do what I'm doing. Pretend you only saw the final render, still a pretty slick building. There's no use dwelling on a past design we can't bring back. Let's just be glad that we're getting a pretty top notch tower regardless.

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww102/brise99/L-Tower/NewLTowermodel.jpg

True... from anything more than a block away it will look the same on the skyline, anyway, and will be still a cool building.

Stare at the spinning wheel and say to yourself,-"This has always been the only design. The boot was a figment of my imagination. The current design is kick ass and will be one of the best new towers Toronto has seen".

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/Corbus/Opti20animated.gif

When I look at that, I can't help but think of Zebras running in all directions...

That means it's working.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202008/Winter%20Part%20Two%202009/Late%20Summer%20Early%20Fall%202009/cantseeshitcaptain.jpg

wow, i stared and concentrated on the zebra circles long and hard -they start rotating! in alternate directions! now they won't stop! :nuts:


maybe it's something in my tuna sandwich-?

I still don't know why they couldn't have built the boot and use it for offices, a library, community centre, a hotel, retail or some other good use.

It's totally uneconomical for anything but for expanding the Sony Centre's space. It's better to axe it and give the Sony Centre some breathing room than to water it down into some commonplace podium.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/711131--architectural-jewel-goes-straight-to-l

It's not pretty watching a city destroy itself, not even when we're told destruction is something to celebrate.

Welcome to Toronto, where next Wednesday will mark the official start of construction of the so-called L Tower. Normally the launch of yet another condo would warrant little more than a groan. In this case, however, the condo will be built beside and on top of the Sony Centre. Formerly known as the O'Keefe Centre, the old concert hall is one of the best remaining examples of 1960s architecture in Toronto.

This exuberant landmark, which stands on the southeast corner of Yonge and Front Sts., may be a few years short of becoming a heritage site, but once the new building appears, that will never happen. The Sony will be so compromised, designation wouldn't make sense.

That would be true even if the condo were a masterpiece, which it isn't. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, he of the Royal Ontario Museum's Crystal, it is called the L Tower because it rose, shank-like, from a horizontal feature resembling the foot of a boot. In the beginning, that foot was to have included various cultural uses. Since then it has disappeared; the L is now an I.

The only masterpiece on this corner is the Sony, which opened in 1960 and stands out as one of those remarkable pieces of postwar architecture that had the power to change Toronto and the way the city saw itself.

With its soaring canopy, limestone cladding and clean, crisp lines, it exudes optimism. Designed by the English expatriate architect Peter Dickinson as a roadhouse – a place where productions came before they went to Broadway – it has an easy sophistication that makes it a unique presence on the Toronto skyline.

But ever since the main tenants, the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada, moved to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, which ironically is as dull as ditchwater, the Sony has sat largely empty. To make matters worse, it has the misfortune to be owned by the city, which doesn't have a clue. To municipal politicians and bureaucrats, it is nothing more than an expense we can't afford.

So when developers came along with the ill-conceived scheme of constructing a condo literally on top of the property, city council leapt at the opportunity.

Will blunders never cease?

"The city's approach to heritage is to trash it," laments Councillor Adam Vaughan. "Council's more worried about the balance sheet than making it work. It's an abomination."

Already, terrible damage has been inflicted on the building. Several weeks ago, a sewer backed up and the orchestra pit was flooded. The landscaping on the west side along Yonge has been destroyed and the place is a mess.

True, the Sony presents a challenge; the backstage is too small, the hall too big. Even though the interior of the hall will be renovated, this doesn't justify the desecration of one of the city's few remaining modernist icons.

But at a time when the city's reserves are depleted, when its deficit hovers around $350 million and we can't begin to maintain our fast-crumbling infrastructure, it's little wonder there's such enthusiasm for the project. And yet, a city willing to hand itself over to developers willy-nilly is not one that inspires confidence in residents or visitors.

In our panic to raise money, city assets suddenly become possible sources of revenue. One day it's the Sony Centre, the next it could be Toronto Hydro.

Who knows where it will end? But selling the city is no way to save the city.

Christopher Hume can be reached at chume@thestar.ca

As always, Hume is a douche.

With its soaring canopy

Is he talking about the right building? I like the Sony Centre, but I've never associated the word "soaring" with it.

With the boot gone, the L tower barely impinges on it.

God, some people are so scared of seeing the city grow.

Hume can be such a wet blanket at times.

Yea...it's Hume in full bloom. But he's right about O'Keefe being a modernist masterpiece.

Now, without the "boot", the only intrusion is over the back set tower, but that's enough to make you worry.

My hope is that it gets the proper reno it deserves to bring it back to its glamorous vintage glory, and the tower makes a decent architectural statement without looking like something "tacked on".



KGB

Its ok, the design can be recycled:

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9171/daniellibeskindltowersm.jpg

New Bata Tower anyone? :lol:

It's a go! Construction starts today!

"Plans to transform the site of the historic Sony Centre in downtown Toronto get a long-awaited start Wednesday when construction on the adjacent residences officially gets underway with a ceremony presided over by Mayor David Miller." Full story in the Toronto Star:

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/article/713302--sony-centre-s-facelift-on-track

:banana: :dance: :banana:

It's a go! Construction starts today!

"Plans to transform the site of the historic Sony Centre in downtown Toronto get a long-awaited start Wednesday when construction on the adjacent residences officially gets underway with a ceremony presided over by Mayor David Miller." Full story in the Toronto Star:

http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/article/713302--sony-centre-s-facelift-on-track

Sweet... this project is gonna be awesome can't wait to see it progress.

So glad it's not another box. :)

good news.

this tower will be similar (in size, architectural temerity, gravity...) to the Ritz on the other side of town. i think it will help counterbalance our west-heavy cbd cluster of 'chess pieces' -kinda like the second 'castle' on the opposite side of the board.

good point Sammo, both buildings are pleasant to look at and similar in height.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/Ltower2009.jpg
Posted by MetroMan at urbantoronto
Original unknown (maybe Spine3D)

still fun to look at. looks really retro

definitely different -and we yearn for 'differnt' here in what's becoming glass 'boxopolis' central.
i wonder what the long verticle (white) strips on the north facade are/will be made of? lighting accents?

and our cn tower is so cool. it's like our gta projects watermark. if you're proposing a building, a house, a chair... in a render, just paste it onto the background, -on the right, the left, big, small, crooked, anywhere... 'nuf said. :)

This project is going to be fun to watch.

posted by MetroMan at ut. the 'other' side.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/9430/ltowerdaycropped.jpg

Oh my gosh, this one looks amazing... where is the exact location of it? anywhere near the downtown core of TO? please say YES

It's around Yonge and Front. GREAT location. :)

yes, this area needs a landmark building like this. It will help lenghten out the skyline to!

lengthen, strengthen, highten.

definitely will help heighten the skyline on the east side. :)

I really like the bottom part in the original rendering, check out this building being built in phnom penh, cambodia...remind you of anything?lol


http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/Fabolous8756/Vattanac_Tower_revised_c_TRP_Farrel.jpg
Vattanac Tower, Phnom penh cambodia

now that is a L

OMG. Sorry, but that makes me ill. The proportions are horrible, and what's with the chachkas glued all over it? The boot part looks like
the atrium at Eaton Centre. Please tell me it is not by Liebskind.

Please tell me it is not by Liebskind.

It's not.

I really like the bottom part in the original rendering, check out this building being built in phnom penh, cambodia...remind you of anything?lol


http://i572.photobucket.com/albums/ss165/Fabolous8756/Vattanac_Tower_revised_c_TRP_Farrel.jpg
Vattanac Tower, Phnom penh cambodia

now that is a L

i have a strong urge to chop that fin thing off the top

hmmmmm........... let me judge this one for you

I sense a bit of Burj Dubai, I taste a little bit a bitter/sweet taste of Jumaira Hotel in Dubai again, and I kind of have this feeling like this is now going to be a bad copy of all those odd shapes one can nowadays find around UAE or Central Asia?
hmmmm...

HOWEVER THOUGH, I love that Crystal cube! that on itself looks gorgeous.

HAHAHA i just find it funny how it resembles the L tower being built in Toronto..more of L shape if you don't look at the crystal cube thing on top :P

Recd occupancy letter today, Nov 2012 :)

So.... can we expect the housewarming party to be, oh.. say the first Saturday of November 2012? I've put it on my social calendar!!! I'm the cocktail mixing expert!! :D

So.... can we expect the housewarming party to be, oh.. say the first Saturday of November 2012? I've put it on my social calendar!!! I'm the cocktail mixing expert!! :D

I will be there, only if invited:cheers:

which party?

http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/article/id35992

http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/images/archivesid/35992/120.jpg

DAN O’REILLY

correspondent

Two construction teams will soon be working almost cheek-by-jowl on two separate, but interrelated projects that will transform the face of a heritage cultural site in Toronto.

A $30-million renovation and restoration of the nearly 50-year-old Sony Centre for the Performing Arts is being overseen by construction manager Vanbots. The architect is Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects and the structural consultant is Halcrow Yolles.

Only metres away on the centre’s southwest quadrant, construction of a 58-storey 600-unit condominium has just started. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the $250-million 600,000-square-foot point tower is being built by construction manager Dominus Construction Group. (Page + Steele/IBI Group Architects is the Architect of Record)

Money from the sale of a half-acre of land for the condo is being used to finance the centre’s restoration. The complex transaction is the result of years of negotiations between the city, which owns the site, and a developer consortium.

Opened in 1960 as the O’Keefe Centre and later renamed the Hummingbird Centre, the Sony Centre was closed last year for renovations which were supposed to begin at that time.

“But then there was the credit crunch,” says centre chief executive officer Daniel Brambilla.

However, when it reopens in 2010, the facility will boast a new mechanical building, totally upgraded HVAC systems, a rebuilt lobby, new dressing rooms and terrace area, new washrooms, along with audience seating and flooring upgrades.

While iconic features such as its marquee canopy will be preserved, a number of architectural interventions added to the theatre over the years will be eliminated. That will restore the elegance and grandeur of architect Peter Dickinson’s original design, Brambilla told about 200 participants at a recent sod turning ceremony. The guests included Mayor David Miller and several city councillors.

“We intend to restore, rejuvenate and recreate the centre to keep it going for another 50 years.”

Although it has struggled with the loss of major tenants a few years ago and at one time faced demolition, the centre is now a designated historic structure, Brambilla pointed out.

While the ceremony partially marked the start of the Sony Centre project, it was basically to herald the construction start of the condominium by joint venture partners Castlepoint Realty Partners Limited, Cityzen Development Group and Fernbrook Homes.

As the condominium won’t be completed until 2012, two years after the Sony Centre reopening, a whole set of code issues and operating procedures had to be established, says Brambilla.

“Patrons won’t have any trouble entering the theatre.”

While the negotiations with the city over the land purchase were long and detailed, the actual construction of the tower will be fairly straightforward, says Sam Crignano, partner, Cityzen Development. The building is now about 80 per cent sold out.

Much better... aw-inspiring, iconic, astonishingly beautiful.

The other one, NO! the Pineapple-like-ish cube is on itself a beautiful structure that would better be built somewhere on Queen West or around downtown TO, but not as a whole with that ( UGGS-alike boots!) = ugly boots by the way!

^^uggs are sexiii

just checked out the official ugg site.
'uggs', hmmmm. so that's what they're known as?
i can finally put a name to that silly boot! they look comfortable tho.
i image they can be worn in bed -for cold nights.

hmmmm, 'the ugg tower'. ugg tower.

emu look better on girls than uggs do :tongue2:

Can't stand them ... 3/4 of the girls at Western wear them ... they're not made for winter stupid!

Can't stand them ... 3/4 of the girls at Western wear them ... they're not made for winter stupid!

UGGS are not made for anything ... things as ugly as those should be kept in the deepest section of your closet. The company execs must be laughing ... they essentially called their product "ugly" and people still ate that shit up.

I think they are appalling looking clod hoppers, personally. I hate seeing girls schlep about in those heavy farm boots. Totally unsexy!

^wow, TB, you've hit and exceeded the 30,000 post mark! that's the most i've ever seen. congrats on that milestone.


back to boots.
i agree, uggs are ugly but they look so practicle & comfy compared to what the poor fashion slaves must wear in our cold winter clime -tight, pointy, heels...


any pics of hoarding, action, etc. now that the official commencement for L has passed? anyone?

Of course those boots are meant for winter, who said they are not. You juse see people wear them in the summer with short skirts because it looks HOT and it makes girls legs look slimmer, I Have to say that it definitely gets my attention (not that Im a pervert) that not sexy??? .everyone has different taste :dunno:

Uggs look silly in the winter and absolutely ridiculous in the summer.

^wow, TB, you've hit and exceeded the 30,000 post mark! that's the most i've ever seen. congrats on that milestone.


LOL! Dubious distinction.... ;)
I wish they would remove the post count. Reminds me of how much time I waste here! :lol:

30,060 and counting, LOL you are here a lot aren't you?

"Reminds me of how much time I waste here"

you meant to say 'invest' right?!?!

isn't there a (meagre) stipend or payout when we hit each 1000 post mark???
-a prize or medal, some sort of recognition we're competing for???

:)

you meant to say 'invest' right?!?!


Uhhhh... yeah! Silly me!!!! A typo. I meant to say "invest"! :D

lol, someone's gotta be the godfather on these forums. better you than some of the less intelligent posters. :D

30,000?!? Wow!! Canada/Toronto is relatively dead so in which subforums do you post?

30,000?!? Wow!! Canada/Toronto is relatively dead so in which subforums do you post?

I'm a moderator on a lot of forums here on SSC now. The photography ones have taken most of the energy, but also lots of the World forums (Citytalk, Architecture, Rate our Talls, etc...etc... etc.....)
Plus, let's face it. I am half Irish, and tend to talk a lot! ;)

Do you drink a lot of Guinness too?
(I can't stand that stuff; it's like drinking a loaf of bread)

Uggs look silly in the winter and absolutely ridiculous in the summer.

Agree, I don't have them, never will buy anything as such and disgust those who design them! if it is called " design at all"

Anyways...

I came up with an example and you guys all went totally off-topic. :ohno:

Let's get back to the " L" Tower...

I've always found it bizarre that Canadians by winter boots from Australians. Isn't that like Canadians selling sand to the Saudis?

We actually sold sand to Australia for the summer Olympics volleyball tournaments.
And now the Australians are selling sand to the Saudis. LOL
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,281016,00.html


Can we get back on topic now? Has anybody been by the site over the past few days to see if anything has started? I really want to see the status of this tower become u/c.

Why would a desert country buy sand? That's like Canada buying water...

Read into it, not all sand is created equal, and in regards to your last comment.

http://www.sohowines.hk/images/evian%201.5l.jpg


Can we get back to L-Tower now?

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QI_G3nlmC80/SUm2-YEKCkI/AAAAAAAAABU/65qKehDdqs0/s400/New+L+Tower+model.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/fifaguy/0311.jpg

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww102/brise99/L-Tower/L-Towersouthwest.jpg

http://s770.photobucket.com/albums/xx341/scullydog259/L-Tower_Sony-revision_Sept-08.jpg

lol yeah i forgot about Evian, i never drink it though, cuz if i do i may start buying purified oxygen too :P
On the subject of L tower, although the base was better in the original design the effect of the tower on the skyline will still be impressive.

Greenwall? GREENWALL???? Didn't we used to call just that "Ivy"? :lol:

is this a leed building or are they just greenwashing?

From the developer today.

LTower is the evolution of 21st century living. A symbol for the dynamic fusion of culture and arts. An architectural landmark, celebrating the spirit of urban diversity and the infinity of artistic expression. A re-invention of the 45-year-old Sony Centre. A residential tower, rising 58 storeys, home to over 585 suites and panoramic views of downtownToronto and Lake Ontario. An icon to live in.

-A landmark 58 storey residential tower, located at Yonge and Front, designed by Daniel Libeskind
- Panoramic views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario
- Steps to St. Lawrence Market,the PATH, fine dining and the best of Toronto
- Spectacular Munge Leung designed lobby
- Amenities include a fully equipped catering kitchen, private dining room, library, cinema, and Resident’s lounge
- Luxurious spa facilities featuring treatment rooms, his & her wet and dry saunas, lap pool, yoga studio,
- state of the-art fitness facility, and lounge
- Candidate for LEED Certification
- Uniformed 24-Hour Concierge
- Two designer decorated guest suites Suite Features
- Munge Leung designed kitchen cabinetry, featuring two glass upper cabinets
- Engineered hardwood in foyer, living/dining room, kitchen, interior bedroom, hallway, den and bedrooms as per plan
- Complete Miele stainless steel kitchen appliance Package. Stainless steel exhaust hood.
- Heat recovery unit in each suite for individual control of fresh air
- Granite kitchen countertop and choice of porcelain, ceramic, or mosaic tumbled marble backsplash*
- Marble countertop in master bathrooms with undermount porcelain sink
- Complete Miele laundry appliances
- Emergency voice communications

not bad, anyone have a layout of the typical floor plan?

I'm very disappointed with the new design. The old one made sense, inasmuch as there was a sense of cohesion in the design, but this last one is absolutely horrible. An architecture undergrad would get a C- on something this bad. What a mess

I'm very disappointed with the new design. The old one made sense, inasmuch as there was a sense of cohesion in the design, but this last one is absolutely horrible. An architecture undergrad would get a C- on something this bad. What a mess

C- may be a fair grade, but I can't be the judge there.

I do think that this design is better than the previous in the context of respecting the current theatre that is on site.

This design seems subtle by comparison, but time will tell.

D. Liebeskind is a star architect for sure, but that doesn't mean that a star architect's design is always a GRANDBREAKING beautiful one!
I personally do not like his work currently under construction on ground zero at all! There were way better designs and works for that project as to give NYC its unique lower Manhattan characteristic face back, but it is going to be a second " dubai" or " shanghai" with all due respect off course, also beautiful cities with amazing structures, nonetheless these are the same architects that are giving shape and building all over this planet with as result all cities are getting kind of identical twins of each others and at times, not even better or improved for the better.
Anyways, I am anxious to see what his plan for this part of town is and (hopefully) it will be one with a huge antenna or a spike ontop!
(OK I admit, I love skyscrapers with a spike or a crown)

The freedom tower's current design bears almost no resemblance to Liebeskind's winning proposal. Do you dislike the original or the one being built? The new version has a giant 'spike'. The original was much more 'original', in my opinion.

As for his plan for 'this part of town,' what are you talking about?

YONGE AND FRONT
Long-awaited L Tower gives historic area modern footprint

November 7, 2009
PAULA KULIG

The sagging economy played a role in its delay, but ground has finally broken for L Tower, the Daniel Libeskind-designed condominium that is part of the rejuvenation of the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

When it's completed in the summer of 2012, the glass tower with its graceful arch will rise 58 storeys above Front and Yonge Sts. – a piece of the future in an historic part of the city which includes the St. Lawrence Market, Union Station and the financial district. It's also close to Harbourfront, the Air Canada Centre, the transit system and the Gardiner Expressway.

"It's been a long road and we're happy construction is now under way," says Sam Crignano, president of Cityzen Development Group, one of three developers on the project, along with Castlepoint Realty Partners Ltd. and Fernbrook Homes.

The development, which is almost 90 per cent sold out, has been in the works for a few years and construction was to have started last year. But there were outstanding issues in the agreement with the city, which owns the site, and financing took longer than expected due to the recession, Crignano says.

The 600-unit L Tower will be built on the southwest portion of the block that houses the Sony Centre. The live entertainment centre, originally known as the O'Keefe Centre, will be renovated and reopen next year, in time for its 50th anniversary.

When a plan to house an arts lab in the foot of the "L" shape fell through due to lack of funds, the Sony Centre's loss became the condominium's gain, Crignano says. Such amenities as an indoor pool, fitness facilities, spa and a party room were moved above ground from basement level. The development also includes a landscaped outdoor plaza running north to Front St. that will be open to the public.

The removal of the arts lab also left more space for loft units with 10-foot ceilings on floors three to eight. The 57th and 58th storeys are home to two-storey penthouse suites. Most of the building's suites have balconies.
All of the suites, created by interior designer Munge Leung, boast high-end features, such as granite countertops in the kitchen, energy-efficient Miele appliances, engineered hardwood floors and marble countertops in the bathrooms.

The developers are seeking LEED certification, so many environmentally friendly features will be in place, including energy-efficient faucets, low-flow toilets, thermal low-E windows, an energy-recovery unit to heat and cool the building, and a system to capture storm water and use it in some of the amenity areas. The roof of the podium will be landscaped.
In addition to the loft and penthouse suites, the condominium includes one- and two-bedroom units, with or without dens. Sizes range from 540 square feet to at least 1,100 square feet, while the penthouses are a minimum of 2,000 square feet.

Prices start in the mid-$300,000s and go up to about $1.7 million.
The L Tower's sales office is at 56 The Esplanade, Suite 302. Hours are Monday to Thursday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The office is closed Friday. Call 416-777-2533

The freedom tower's current design bears almost no resemblance to Liebeskind's winning proposal. Do you dislike the original or the one being built? The new version has a giant 'spike'. The original was much more 'original', in my opinion.

As for his plan for 'this part of town,' what are you talking about?

I share the same view with you.

this part of town: the neighbourhood which I don't know which one it is, so I called it that way. Don't take offence on it, I was not downplaying on the neighbourhood as I don't know the area much.

I didn't ... I was wondering what you meant. The area around the L tower? London on Esplanade is in the vicinity. It's right by Yonge and Front (L tower).

http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/cgi-bin/top10.pl?rm=show_top10_project&id=739087cb0f5430c09546f992f7712c8d7040167b&projectid=9076136&region=ontario

THEATRE ALTS Proj: 9076136-8
Toronto, Metro Toronto Reg ON NEGOTIATED/START
Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front St E, M5E 1B2
$28,000,000 est
Start: September, 2009 Complete: September, 2010
Note: All Sub trade pricing is secured.
Project: proposed interior renovation and alterations to the Sony Centre. The project will proceed in two components. East Side Solution; the addition of two storeys to the existing building for the reconfiguration of mechanical and electrical space, and construction of floating docks on the East wall. Demolition of existing mechanical and electrical buildings on the SW side of the building to create space for the construction of a condominium project followed under report number 1239602. The project will include Interior Renovation to finishes, carpets, seating, and installation of a state of the art audio and video system, renovation and redesign of the lobby space including construction of new electronic signage system for a revitalized and fully equipped 3,187 seat theatre.
Development: Alterations
Category: Recreational bldgs
First report Wed Jan 30, 2008. Last report Thu Jun 11, 2009.
This report Wed Nov 25, 2009.

ACTIVITY ON THE SITE!

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm163/illmatic888/p_00404.jpg

The status needs to be changed to u/c on this one now.

http://www.dailycommercialnews.com/cgi-bin/top10.pl?rm=show_top10_project&id=cc960f5eb230711e5687c31349aaa1d506aed7cc&projectid=1239602&region=ontario

CONDO APT BUILDING Proj: 1239602-30
Toronto, Metro Toronto Reg ON NEGOTIATED/PLANS COMPLETE
L Tower, 1 Front St E, M5E 1B2
$150,000,000 est
Start: April, 2010 Complete: December, 2012
Note: Site work and excavation are underway. Sub trades will be awarded by Invitation sequentially through 2010. Structural start is expected Spring, 2010. Major trades will be secured Summer, 2010. Further update at that time.
Project: concrete foundation, structural steel frame, curtainwall exterior, fuel fired heating system, proposed construction of a 59-storey condominium apartment building. The L Tower will feature 570 suites and panoramic views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. The project will be built adjacent to the Sony Centre and will be linked at grade by a public plaza, and green wall along Yonge Street. Redevelopment of the Mainstage at the Sony Centre, including interior renovations and the addition of two storeys for mechanical and electrical space will be followed under report number 9076136.
Scope: 850,000 square feet; 58 storeys; 2 storeys below grade; 570 units; parking for 600 cars
Development: New

First report Wed Feb 23, 2000. Last report Thu Jun 11, 2009.
This report Thu Jan 07, 2010.

I won't sound a sigh of relief till this thing starts rising out of its pit.

That picture of the Hummingbird Centre looks tragic... Kind of like a post-apocalyptic Toronto.

Sweet, a steel frame this baby will rise fast. Will this be Toronto's (Canada's) first residential steel condo?

Argh, this whole process has been agonizing. Please start digging already! :gaah:

For all you people that can't wait until L-Tower is finished...
I jumped into my time machine and went Back to the Future! and snapped this cool sunset shot of a recently completed L-Tower.

Notice too that the FCP re-clad is complete and so is the Ritz-Carlton.

Enjoy!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4388278404_455f586cbe_o.jpg
(Original courtesy Brian Wolk at www.flickr.com with my Photoshop work)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangeprince/

Holy crap, that's amazing.

Oh, well done Traynor. Beautiful job! :applause:

Nice work Traynor, those two are really going to help beef up the two sides of the CBD and break up all the straight lines a little without looking out of place.

Update:

I reworked the proportions of the L-Tower, to better match the renders. As well, I added all the balconies too!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4389453623_d9a8ac4825_o.jpg
(Original courtesy Brian Wolk at www.flickr.com with my Photoshop work)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangeprince/

Thats really great work. Its going to look fantastic. It feels like we have been waiting for this one a long time.

wow that looks awesome, great work.

Nice. :)

This is going to look awesome - I'm so glad they ditched that stupid boot.

I believe the current design will simultaneously blend in nicely with and stand out daringly from the more traditional surrounding area at the same time. It will also anchor the southern part of Yonge nicely.

beautiful work, really! the L-Tower looks so dazzling and what a nice composition.

I wish you could do this from other angles too. (and don't forget FCP and its new future look too)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314017.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314021.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314022.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314024.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100314023.jpg

besides looking good, the tower's great location will give its residence some great views, thanks for the update.

Update:

I reworked the proportions of the L-Tower, to better match the renders. As well, I added all the balconies too!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4389453623_d9a8ac4825_o.jpg
(Original courtesy Brian Wolk at www.flickr.com with my Photoshop work)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/orangeprince/

O... nice..
I knew it's only the matter of time.
Toronto just needs to speed up in everything.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100328058.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100328055.jpg

Thanks everyone for the kind words on my little render.

beautiful work, really! the L-Tower looks so dazzling and what a nice composition.

I wish you could do this from other angles too. (and don't forget FCP and its new future look too)


Charlotte, I am thinking about doing another of L from the east but I haven't found the perfect photograph with the right lighting to do it yet.

*And I did do the First Canadian Place re-clad. It was tough to get the colour just right considering we are talking greenish-white glass tinted orange from the sunset. Take a look at the original I worked from and you may compare the difference:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4474406784_c37ca0ed78_o.jpg
(Original courtesy Brian Wolk at Flickr)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4389453623_d9a8ac4825_o.jpg
(Courtesy my 'Shop skills)

Absolutely fantastic! There is some pretty amazing creative geniuses onboard here that help us to have a glimpse into the crystal ball.

@ Traynor: just one word: ASTONISHING!

I miss TO!!!!

Our skyline is suddenly getting sexier, with more interesting shapes and colours. Both L Tower and Ritz will add some flair to it.

Good to have you back, Molly! You were missed!!! :yes:

Oh nice. I'm going to crop the pic to use in the priciest-condos compilation in the Canada section... much more flattering then the one i'm currently using for RC.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100411070.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100411073.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100411074.jpg

Oh my gosh,,.... this is so nice... to see that all of these plans are going to become reality too!!!

Is anyone else in love with 1 King West, sorry for being off topic but I just can't get over how well that building turned out.

I love it from the outside, but the units aren't that great inside.

Is anyone else in love with 1 King West, sorry for being off topic but I just can't get over how well that building turned out.

YES

Good to have you back, Molly! You were missed!!! :yes:

Yeah, I missed him too! I really mean it. :lol:

Anyway, back to the thread again; I wonder how Toronto will look like on postcards or pictures people take from the Islands when this tower along with all the other lake shore ones are finished!? Would we ever be able to see Royal York hotel and its particular roof too?

Yeah, I missed him too! I really mean it. :lol:

Anyway, back to the thread again; I wonder how Toronto will look like on postcards or pictures people take from the Islands when this tower along with all the other lake shore ones are finished!? Would we ever be able to see Royal York hotel and its particular roof too?

Sorry to say CharlotteJ, the Royal York was lost long before L-Tower has even been constructed. Here's a shot from the Leslie Street Spit by niwell over at SSP:

P.S. Also check out the renderings thread. I recently added a new render for a future skyline shot from the East, that includes a whole bunch of projects including L-Tower.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/2346/skyline2h.jpg
(courtesy niwell at Skyscraper Page http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=148434&page=205 )

Gorgeous!!! you should take me there too on the bike...OK??? say you WILL!!!

Gorgeous!!! you should take me there too on the bike...OK??? say you WILL!!!

It is a good bike ride, but I highly recommend going to Ward Island Beach (the thin strip of sand on the right) too. It is a great way to waste a day.

Best way to arrive is by boat, with a cutlass clenched in your teeth, and an eye-patch (with some ice cold beer).

I love it from the outside, but the units aren't that great inside.

You've been in one? Can I borrow your time machine? ;)

It is a good bike ride, but I highly recommend going to Ward Island Beach (the thin strip of sand on the right) too. It is a great way to waste a day.

Best way to arrive is by boat, with a cutlass clenched in your teeth, and an eye-patch (with some ice cold beer).

Hey, don't underestimate me, OK? I can bike for hours and got a good one myself too.

I love boats, but no kayaks ok?? I am scared to death to Kayak actually.

What is a cutlass clenched in my teeth?

You've been in one? Can I borrow your time machine? ;)

1 King West was finished years ago. Since they were nice enough to let the owners inside, it's not much of a mystery.

The L Tower? You don't have to go inside. They invented these things called floor plans, brochures, and show rooms. It's very 1925! The L Tower units look fabulous by comparison; some of the best I've seen in the past 5 years.

I was being sarcastic, relax.

What is a cutlass clenched in my teeth?

fashion statement. i do it sometimes -but with a plastic knife. chics dig pirates.

I was being sarcastic, relax.

I was being sarcastic in response to your sarcasm. :)

I was being sarcastic in response to your sarcasm. :)

Ah ok.

fashion statement. i do it sometimes -but with a plastic knife. chics dig pirates.

ehmmm...OK... I still don't get it. LOL

Maybe I am getting too old and kind of stupid. (I suppose I am, soon will turn 36, anyway, tnx Sammo)

ok, you guys should maybe just indicate when you're being sarcastic...
-to avoid all the shoving, miss-communication...

ok, you guys should maybe just indicate when you're being sarcastic...
-to avoid all the shoving, miss-communication...

But that would take all the irony out. What would be the point of being sarcastic?

^are you being sarcastic?

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

Frankly I cannot imagine anyone in this group being sarcastic.

ok... back to the L Tower! :yes:

Oh, you're gonna be 36 Charlotte? That explains your obsession with skyscrapers and real estate--it's a tiger thing.:) Maybe you are Rachel Marsden in disguise?

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

you're forgetting Bob Saget. Bob is lower.

Oh, you're gonna be 36 Charlotte? That explains your obsession with skyscrapers and real estate--it's a tiger thing.:) Maybe you are Rachel Marsden in disguise?

Yep!!! Believe me UD, it is kind of a scary thing though. Before I know, I ll be 40!

What do you exactly mean UD? I 've always been so obsessed with architecture and skyscrapers mainly. As a child, I wish I was an architect, it is the best job on this planet, don't you think so?

But my destiny as a girl and from the Middle East, facing wars, revolutions, dictatorship, life in exhile and all, did change it all dramatically. But that doesn't mean I can/may not enjoy this beautiful art and world and be part of it, right?

No, I am not, I don't know how she really is.... LOL :lol:

^I agree.

re: Year of the tiger--that's what me and you are, and yes, we're the same age! (Chinese astrology.) It seems every year of the tiger person I know is involved in real estate--sales, architecture, development, interior design, urban planning, etc. Fascinating.

Like you, I've always wanted to be in the real estate biz. I've finally decided that although I may be older, I'm going back to school to become an architect! (A family tradition going back centuries, I might as well continue it! :)) (I'd rather be happy in my career in my mid-forties than miserable...like I am today.:( ) My goal is team up with friends (an urban planner, a senior architect, a real estate lawyer, a contractor and a money guy) who work in the biz and design/develop small properties.

^I agree.

re: Year of the tiger--that's what me and you are, and yes, we're the same age! (Chinese astrology.) It seems every year of the tiger person I know is involved in real estate--sales, architecture, development, interior design, etc. Fascinating.

Like you, I've always wanted to be in the real estate biz. I've finally decided that although I may be older, I'm going back to school to become an architect! (A family tradition going back centuries, I might as well continue it! :)) (I'd rather be happy in my career in my mid-forties than miserable...like I am today.:( ) My goal is team up with friends who work in the biz and design/develop small properties.

Good for you. Ever since I finished undergrad I've lamented the fact that I didn't take architecture instead of useless poli sci. I'd still love to go back to school to take architecture one day but for now I'm planning on taking a different route into real estate development.

^I agree.

re: Year of the tiger--that's what me and you are, and yes, we're the same age! (Chinese astrology.) It seems every year of the tiger person I know is involved in real estate--sales, architecture, development, interior design, urban planning, etc. Fascinating.

Like you, I've always wanted to be in the real estate biz. I've finally decided that although I may be older, I'm going back to school to become an architect! (A family tradition going back centuries, I might as well continue it! :)) (I'd rather be happy in my career in my mid-forties than miserable...like I am today.:( ) My goal is team up with friends (an urban planner, a senior architect, a real estate lawyer, a contractor and a money guy) who work in the biz and design/develop small properties.

Really? :lol: how come? I don't know that many Tiger people but I do believe what you say. I don't know but I can not live in a world without such really amazing stuff as architecture etc. The only thing I 'd love to know about a life after death, if it really exists, will be if I might be able to wander around as a spirit/ghost and really see things?? I mean it, really, like the cartoon star " casper" I hope I would be able to wander around big cities after my death and see the cities develop themselves, build skyscrapers and change. IF I 'd be in hell or heaven, I don't care. I 'd be in heaven among skyscrapers anyway even as a spirit! hahaha :lol: call me crazy, I don't care. LOL

I wish I could go back to school too, I shall see. But whether I 'd be an architect, no way, I hardly can count to 10 :ohno: let alone do the math which is so essential in such regard. :)

SSC is a fun place for me anyway. I can make friends and all of whom pepole like myself, some architect, some real estate agents, some bankers and I can be their PA or secretary! LOL

Good for you. Ever since I finished undergrad I've lamented the fact that I didn't take architecture instead of useless poli sci. I'd still love to go back to school to take architecture one day but for now I'm planning on taking a different route into real estate development.

At least you didn't do two graduate degrees in it (polisci that is).

I wanna be a demolition excavator operator.

I would like to become a trash picker.
My year is the pig.Oink.

'smart' architects wear monochrome; blacks, greys, shades, turtlenecks with pointy shoes. designer suits never pressed. it's 'The uniform'. do not desire it.

ole school piracy is where it's at. lots of action & loot. -yes, arrrrh.

I keep getting mental images of Phyllis Lambert now. :(

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100502103.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100502106.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100502109.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100502108.jpg

Does this make it PREP?

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100516101.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100516102.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga-3a/20100516103.jpg

May 28

Excavation
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4653594071_0b73bdf1e9_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4653594071_0b73bdf1e9_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4653594063_bf49b7a4d0_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4653594063_bf49b7a4d0_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4653594045_2065069aee_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4653594045_2065069aee_b.jpg)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4653594029_bfefb8a3df_b.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4653594029_bfefb8a3df_b.jpg)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612107.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612111.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612106.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612105.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612102.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100612100.jpg

I've always been amazed that there was enough space between the Centre and the curb to build anything, much less one of the tallest buildings in the country.

Feats of engineering. :)

An UT poster says phase 2 launches in October 2010. Is that going on the 5-7 Esplanade site or somewhere else?

Reduce bicycle parking? Well that's stupid. This is a perfect location to encourage biking and they don't take up that much room. And reduce the 2 bedrooms units? There are few enough decent-sized units on the market as it is...

Updates pls!!!!!! this important project's thread is bleeding dead..... shall we help this one to revive? :-)

Reduce bicycle parking? Well that's stupid. This is a perfect location to encourage biking and they don't take up that much room. And reduce the 2 bedrooms units? There are few enough decent-sized units on the market as it is...

It's pretty clear how a lot of developers work the system to get buildings approved. Give them what they want first, then when it's approved change it to maximize $$!

Is 2016 an ambitious estimation for completion?

I have spoken to a contractor working on this project (off the record). The owner told me that this excavation is currently delayed as the initial excavation and shoring plan is being revised due to the failure of the initial design. The discovery of masonry block instead of concrete walls and footings on the initial building is going to result in a drastic increase in the engineering and therefore the time to properly excavate and undermine the existing building and garage. He also told me they are going at least 5 floors below the existing garage. Cheers.

By catcher_of_cats on UT.


Taken this afternoon

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4750910828_6a27624e5f_b.jpg

from today

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719045.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719049.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719046.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719053.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719051.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100719055.gif

such a difficult location to work with.

edited!

Here's the exchange on UT:


They are releasing some new floors w/ 10 foot ceilings. This building was previously sold out.

I don't know if these units being released are on additional floors or not, but if they are, then at 42 units (with 6 units per floor for high floors), that's 7 extra floors. At about 3.2m to 3.3m per floor (10-foot ceilings plus floor slabs), that's ~23m extra for a total height of ~228m, good for 3rd place on the list of buildings in Toronto currently under construction (up from the current 6th place) behind Trump and Aura. (Number One Bloor will also be ahead of L Tower once it gets going.)

L Tower will be the tallest building east of Yonge Street... until 1 Bloor is built of course.

Wow..and just as tall as the neighbouring TD Canada Trust tower minus the spire .

I think that I need to issue a clarification about what is happening with the L Tower. What we do know is this:

One, 42 high-floor units, with 10-foot ceilings, are being released to the public. Two, the L Tower had been "sold out" since shortly after it went into sales. From these two facts, two explanations are possible:

The first is that those 42 units had always been planned, and they were being held back until a better price could be obtained for then. This is quite possible.

The second is that additional floors are being planned, in which case, being high floors, there would probably be only 6 units per floor for a total of 7 additional floors. This is rather more likely in my opinion, although certainly not proven.

Right now we know nothing, other than that 42 units have just now become available in a "sold-out" project, which implies but does not prove that a significant height increase is imminent.

I hope that this clears things up.

I think this will be the building that beats out Trump for thinnest looking tower in the city. Everytime i see that lot it just astounds me how narrow it is. And with an additional 23m, it will look particularly skinny.

edit.

update by Condo George over at UT.
no height increase, they did chop up larger units, high floor units approx $800 psf

such a difficult location to work with.

yeah its gotta be up there with the Trump tower for THE worst build site

By Condo George on UT.

no height increase, they did chop up larger units, high floor units approx $800 psf

uhm, check post #931. it's similar. :)

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a196.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a198.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a199.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a200.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a201.jpg

I could just image the building snapping in half in a gust of wind.

From AlvinofDiaspar on UT.

Public Art Plan Report, from the TEYCC Aug 17 Meeting:

http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/te/bgrd/backgroundfile-32558.pdf

Art Design FAIL!

From today...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100814085.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100814086.jpg

I may be out to lunch, but based on the photos in the afternoon - the lack of manpower and the few machines that are running - it appears no one is in a hurry on this site. I would almost think they are dragging their feet for some unknown reason.

Maybe they were out to lunch? Or maybe it was taken after 6 when most construction workers head home.

I may be out to lunch, but based on the photos in the afternoon - the lack of manpower and the few machines that are running - it appears no one is in a hurry on this site. I would almost think they are dragging their feet for some unknown reason.

Huh?


August 8:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a201.jpg


August 14:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100814085.jpg



August 8:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100807a200.jpg


August 14:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga/20100814086.jpg


All photos by Jasonzed

^^great comparatives!
we may not see many handymen milling about but there are many backhoes for such a tight space. looks like pretty solid grey clay or shale down there.

By Ed007Toronto on UT.

Crane being installed.

http://urbantoronto.ca/picoftheday/images/LTowerCrane082610.jpg

great timing. I am going to see this one rising personally!:banana:

^^ there is no more beatiful a sight.

From today...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829090.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829096.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829098.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829099.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829100.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100829109.jpg

today, at Buskerfest:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j251/dawnd_01/WINTER%202008/Winter%20Part%20Two%202009/Late%20Summer%20Early%20Fall%202009/2010%20Summer%20Part%20Deux/IMGP5191.jpg

What a tiny footprint!

By spacemonkey on UT.

Here is a pic of the crane being set up.
http://urbantoronto.ca/attachment.php?attachmentid=4779&d=1283114381

And the crane already set up, all in one day.
http://urbantoronto.ca/attachment.php?attachmentid=4778&d=1283114375

Took the photos with my camera phone so resolution is shoddy. But you can see Buskerfest has already shut down Front St. in front of the Sony Centre on the second photo.

By riley on UT.

Second Crane!

The second crane is getting built. Here are two pics, one which zooms in on the second crane and one which shows where it is in relation to the first crane. Excited to see things so underway!

http://i52.tinypic.com/24o2gj8.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/317b77k.jpg


By androiduk on UT.

http://andrewfare.com/UTB/mytoronto10/lpit.jpg

Was just driving through the street and imgaining what a site it will be when this one is finished! should be awesome ...

^^ Are you visiting Toronto now?

http://andrewfare.com/UTB/mytoronto10/lpit.jpg[/QUOTE]
what might that grey structural frame be for?

By pot_pie on UT.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/4643/cranet.jpg

Base of the second crane by The Esplanade.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/106.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20100918060.jpg

Hey, I was just thinking, Yonge Street is going to become the architectural showpiece of Toronto, starting with L Tower, 1 King west, Aura, Casa, Uptown and 1 Bloor. (along with Trump, Met, X, Four Seasons and a few others just on the sides) It will give us guys lots to gawk at, walking up Yonge Street.

Don't forget the Toronto Star building!

Hey, I was just thinking, Yonge Street is going to become the architectural showpiece of Toronto, starting with L Tower, 1 King west, Aura, Casa, Uptown and 1 Bloor. (along with Trump, Met, X, Four Seasons and a few others just on the sides) It will give us guys lots to gawk at, walking up Yonge Street.

Don't forget Ryerson's new Student Learning Centre by Snøhetta.

Don't forget the Toronto Star building!

:lol:

Jeez. I had just forgotten it!! :moods:

:D

I don't get it, she's a stunner.

Why does Hume never write about his own building?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3582845567_48d93ecef6_z.jpg?zz=1

It's our own Bufallo HSBC building, damn she's a hot one. Way better the the Star's original tower.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NtgXlrcvXZA/SgCBW5saoCI/AAAAAAAAeEU/fdRZIjqHy5E/s400/POSTCARD+-+TORONTO+-+STAR+BUILDING+-+NICE+-+c1940.jpg

indeed!

Just looking at that tower puts me in an extended state of melancholy. I hope you're happy Andrew.

Is the tower portion going to fit entirely in the excavated portion in the bottom right, or will it hang over part of Hummingbird Centre? Maybe it's an optical illusion, but there doesn't seem to be much space, yet the tower isn't exactly skinny either (the floorplate has room for 6 elevators). And how are they justifying the "L" now... ie sans podium?

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/106.jpg

not sure if this helps clarify. looks like the majority of the base will occupy the corner with all that yellow insulation stuff. looks fairly independant a structure.
lol, quite the feat to balance all that upper body without a foot.
posted on pg33 by Marcanadian/brise
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww102/brise99/L-Tower/NewLTowermodel.jpg

And how are they justifying the "L" now... ie sans podium?

'L' is for Libeskind.

Looking at the maquette, actually it does still give the impression of an "L".

a leaning tower .... looks VERY flashy!

It's a cursive L, end of discussion.

Is that going to be the actual colour though? I was expecting it to be a little more vibrant. Oh well, I'm sure the lighting will look wicked at night.

The Leaning Tower of Toronto.

Is that going to be the actual colour though? I was expecting it to be a little more vibrant. Oh well, I'm sure the lighting will look wicked at night.

Whats the deal with the lighting anyway?

For clarification|:

The original design with the "Boot" podium when viewed from West of Yonge (the only way to see it in its entirety) actually formed a capital "J" not an "L". However, when viewed from the Esplanade, the new version (including the glass portion on the East of the Sony Centre) now does form a true capital "L".

Furthermore, the above model does not illustrate the colour of the actual building but is made of transparent plastic to show interior floor plates.

For clarification|:

The original design with the "Boot" podium when viewed from West of Yonge (the only way to see it in its entirety) actually formed a capital "J" not an "L". However, when viewed from the Esplanade, the new version (including the glass portion on the East of the Sony Centre) now does form a true capital "L".



But unlike the original horizontal component of the "L", the portion along the Esplanade doesn't seem like it naturally flows from the same structure as the tower. In the previous design, the "L" looked like one whole unit, whereas the current podium along the Esplanade seems like a somewhat distinct piece from the tower. By the same token, I could call RBC Centre, Burano or any other tower with an off-centre podium an "L tower".

I tend to prefer the explanation that "L" is for "Liebskind."

Yes the L is now only for the architect. To me it looks a bit like a penguin.

Forgive me for not seeing the resemblance

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/mariusbleek/Emperor_Penguin_Manchot_empereur.jpg

http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/xx148/mariusbleek/NewLTowermodel.jpg

I was kidding though after you posted that picture I can see it.

[QUOTE=AndrewJM3D;64027657]I don't get it, she's a stunner.

Why does Hume never write about his own building?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3582845567_48d93ecef6_z.jpg?zz=1

I think he did, 10 years ago or so, in a very same Toronto Star :)

However, the Star had a "contest" for the ugliest building in Toronto, and somehow managed to not include their own hideous pile of concrete.

However, the Star had a "contest" for the ugliest building in Toronto, and somehow managed to not include their own hideous pile of concrete.

Lucky you didn't say that over at UT. You would have been attacked by any number of Brutalist lovers. I believe they actually insult you by throwing chunks of concrete.

They would tell you to immediately run out and buy a copy of Concrete Toronto, so you could educate yourself with the movement and thereby indoctrinate you in their cult.

http://www.chbooks.com/catalogue/concrete_toronto

^sounds like you're managing to resist the ut 'persuasion'.
There is no decernable united doxy around here, at least in the hi-rise dev. threads. For example, lately, i admire the RoCP twins.

can i get a "hell, ya", my fellow miesian/piet mondrian aficionados?
:)

However, the Star had a "contest" for the ugliest building in Toronto, and somehow managed to not include their own hideous pile of concrete.

Yeah, that building is depressing. Where is Mr. Hume? lol

The Star Building is a generic concrete box from the 1970s. That hardly qualifies it as the ugliest building in Toronto. The aversion no doubt stems from the loss of the original Star Building at 80 King Street West but, that loss has really little to do with the Star itself. FCP is a better building anyways.

We all know that, it's still ugly as hell though and the post was only meant as a joke. I'm not sure why people are still talking about it. Lest's get back to L.

Oh, I'd say it definitely qualifies it to be in the running for Ugliest Building in Toronto. Hands down. Even by 70's standards it is blah.

It's brutal, but at least it's honest and simple. Ugly is RoCP and anything that looks remotely like it.

^always the iconoclast!

:lol:

i actually work in the star building, and i love it. especially in the winter, its very cozy. has anyone actually been inside? i doubt few of you have.

there is a muted monumentalism to the building with its piers and the strange non-functional portico that takes up the southwest corner. i sometimes walk around it while smoking a cigarette and have used it to get to the bus stop to avoid the rain. up close the texture of the building is interesting. as that area develops the building will start to look nobler. right now its austerity is partly accounted for by the parking lot flatness around it.

you guys seem to take a very shallow view of these things sometimes. it's a comfortable, modest building for its era.

i actually work in the star building, and i love it. especially in the winter, its very cozy. has anyone actually been inside? i doubt few of you have.

there is a muted monumentalism to the building with its piers and the strange non-functional portico that takes up the southwest corner. i sometimes walk around it while smoking a cigarette and have used it to get to the bus stop to avoid the rain. up close the texture of the building is interesting. as that area develops the building will start to look nobler. right now its austerity is partly accounted for by the parking lot flatness around it.

you guys seem to take a very shallow view of these things sometimes. it's a comfortable, modest building for its era.


I'm happy that you are happy, but you are confusing the internal function with the external aesthetic. No one is saying it is not "cosy" to work in; they are saying it is bland and unattractive to look at. In the same sense an ugly person can be quite healthy on the outside, but still unappealing to look at.

I'm happy that you are happy, but you are confusing the internal function with the external aesthetic. No one is saying it is not "cosy" to work in; they are saying it is bland and unattractive to look at. In the same sense an ugly person can be quite healthy on the outside, but still unappealing to look at.

i think my post implied that external aesthetic is partly a representation of the internal function of the building and to miss that in evaluating the building is to have an incomplete idea of the whole aesthetic value of the building. aesthetics is about more than just how pretty the building's four walls are after all. and that is, of course, the paradigm of the modern of which this building is an example

They're good points and welcome to thye forum. I think though any building that is erected on the waterfront should look good from afar, nveremind the small details like textures. The fact that most of us find it ugly has little to do with the fact the Star used to have a beautiful landmark deco tower. The building would look fine in the burbs or further uptown but as part of the City's front page looks are everything. The star should have known that, even for it's time it was never a show stopper or waterfront worthy.

i think my post implied that external aesthetic is partly a representation of the internal function of the building and to miss that in evaluating the building is to have an incomplete idea of the whole aesthetic value of the building. aesthetics is about more than just how pretty the building's four walls are after all. and that is, of course, the paradigm of the modern of which this building is an example

I guess you know the building more intimately than I and again I am happy you enjoy working there. All buildings are "partly a representation of the internal function of the building". Each to their own, but I do believe we are all entitled to a personal opinion of the aesthetic beauty of the exterior of this tower. My opinion may be different from yours, but I am still entitled to look at the building and decide whether I like the look of it , or not without actually being a tenant.

All buildings are "partly a representation of the internal function of the building".

Some buildings less than others, often to their detriment. Many people hate PoMo precisely because their arbitrary arrangements of punched windows and curtain wall had nothing to do with how the building is constructed. Today we're still guilty of misrepresenting function when we build fake deco skyscrapers or hide parking garages behind fake windows.

That's why I'm certain that despite the blandness and "poverty" of some older buildings, at least they had more architectural integrity than many new buildings. And the worst is yet to come =)

In the case of a square building with rectangular space planning, form indeed follows function. Nothing is better or more efficient for offices than starting with a big square empty space and subdividing it as we wish. Trying to squeeze office space into the Swiss Re building, or a building shaped like a swan, or a building shaped like a twisting corkscrew quite likely is not going to result in good interior space planning. My only point is if we can't make an aesthetic judgement on the exterior of a building without intimately knowing its interior then most of us would only be able to judge one or two buildings here.

from today...
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20101003080.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii108/jasonzedd/Mississauga4/20101003079.jpg

By riley on UT.

http://i54.tinypic.com/1zxnjsz.jpg

looks like a complex start, tying into the old building. i'm guessing it'll be early spring when eL reaches grade.