Corus Quay | Complete | 8 st | East Bayfront

catcher_of_cats · March 1st, 2007, 02:28 PM

Here is another issue of TEDCO screwing around with the revitalization of the waterfront. It will be interesting to see how this will turn out, especially if they want to start construction by this June. Has anyone heard anything else about this or seen proposed renderings?

Drama looms down by the lake

Mar 01, 2007 04:30 AM
Christopher Hume

A showdown is looming on the waterfront. At stake is nothing less than the look, feel and form of future development along Lake Ontario. No one can say how it will end, but already there are deep concerns about whether waterfront regeneration will live up to expectations.

The story starts – as it so often does in this part of town – with TEDCO (the Toronto Economic Development Corp.). The municipal agency has never bought into the vision of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corp. and has devoted enormous resources to fighting the TWRC, at one point hiring local architect Jack Diamond to prepare a parallel precinct plan for the area known as the East Bayfront.

Now it has turned once again to Diamond's firm, Diamond and Schmitt Architects, to design a building on land TEDCO controls at the foot of Jarvis St.

Though no one will say who the tenant is, it will bring much-wanted knowledge workers to the waterfront. The bad news is the building in which they will work. Given that it will be one of the first buildings constructed in the name of waterfront revitalization, it has to set a high standard. The general consensus, however, is that it doesn't.

"This is the first test of the waterfront corporation," says respected Toronto architect and chair of the TWRC design review panel Bruce Kuwabara. "I guess I thought there was going to be a design competition for the first building. Why wouldn't we have set some design standards for the first building? It's so important to the credibility of the TWRC."

TWRC president John Campbell says the corporation "supports the project." But he also acknowledges that, "We recognize that the first project on the waterfront has to be great." However, he insists, "The design is still at the conceptual stage."

He also points out that the design review panel has established a subcommittee to deal with the TEDCO building, code named Project Symphony.

TEDCO has been a thorn in TWRC's side from the start and despite a memorandum of understanding, its agenda is strictly economic; as an agency it clearly has nothing invested into the idea of waterfront revitalization. Indeed, TEDCO is moving ahead as fast as possible with Project Symphony, and hopes to start construction in June. That doesn't leave much time for the architecture of the building to be redone to meet the expectations of the design review panel.

TWRC officials admit they are frustrated by the attitude and actions of TEDCO. But because it holds the title to the land and because the design panel is merely advisory, it can theoretically carry on regardless.

Members of the York Quay Neighbourhood Association are also unimpressed with what they have seen.

"It's got to be urban," says Kuwabara. "It's got to be sustainable. It's got to be beautiful. It's got to be full of life. When people see mediocre architecture on the waterfront, they will be really angry. It's all about the branding and identity of the waterfront. It will become a very significant issue."

And as Kuwabara makes clear, "They say they haven't designed the building yet, but they're moving ahead with the project."

None of this bodes well for waterfront revitalization. It raises the question of why TEDCO hasn't been reined in by the city, specifically by Mayor David Miller, who made waterfront redevelopment an election issue and who insisted he be given a seat on the TWRC board.

Yes, it's important to get jobs on the waterfront, but it's more important to get things right. With its attitude of let's just get something going as soon as possible with as little public input as possible, TEDCO is jeopardizing the whole point of the revitalization process.

"I've lost a lot of sleep over this, more than anything else," Kuwabara admits. "We've got to start thinking bigger."

urban 2.0 · March 1st, 2007, 02:59 PM

... this city is a joke. Seriously. Out of control departments. Nobody has respect for the public.

I think it's all the old boy's club and nepotism run amuke.

Port Authority, TEDCO, Island Airport, all out doing their own thing. Nobody listens to the elected people at city hall.

Everyone is out to cover their ass and protect their jobs. Why doesn't the Province/Feds give more money and control to the cities? Cause it would put their departments out of work -- and they would be the ones who would have to downsize.

Everyone wants their finger in Toronto's pie. Police chiefs in Windsor are now complaining that the Provinces extra money to fight guns and gangs is causing a rise in gangs and guns in their city - so they want a share of the money Toronto is getting!!

O.k. Rant over.

p5archit · March 1st, 2007, 04:31 PM

I think the fact that TEDCO still exists, is a testament to the ass-backwards politics that run this city and country. Its a shame and very frustrating that we have so little control in this city and its arms length agencies. An agency like TEDCO should have been disbanded and removed long before the TWRC was to take control of the waterfront lands and for exactly the reasons stated in the article.

Now its a power struggle, with TEDCO undermining the TWRC's and the city's efforts to promote the waterfront vision. The worst part is that they (city and TWRC) are helpless to do anything against this and any other project TEDCO wishes to go ahead with, because they are the title holders of those lands and can do and build what they wish!

Also, if the TWRC knows about this why are they pushing or lobbying to get this f-ing project stopped or at least put under the TWRC banner? Why are they so passive about this? It makes me think that in the end, no one really cares, as long as we do something- and anything is better than nothing..WTF???

It also irritates me to no-end that Jack Diamond, who is very involved in the waterfront revitalization process (being part of the WEST 8 TEAM) wouldn't have seen this request from TEDCO as somewhat odd? Someone who took part in one of the major competitions to revitalize our core waterfront and won, doesn't tell TEDCO that this is a bad idea, or at least that he refuses unless he is working with the TWRC? You would think that he would want the best for the city- maybe he thinks he is the best- actually I think he believes he is so underrated and with this project he would show the city that his ego supersedes the city's and TWRC's authority-with the help of TEDCO..

Back-assward I tells ya!!

p5

valantino · March 1st, 2007, 05:16 PM

^methinks you're being a little rash - remember the author is Hume who would want nothing more than to see the plan fail

TWRC was clearly given development control the last time the two agencies locked head over this property so this should be considered as nothing more than an act of deparation by TEDCO with the chance of construction without approval being 1 in a 1000

While TEDCO has being a thorn in the backside over the East Bayfront masterplan, it would be economically ass-backwards to disband them or, worse still, incorporate them into the TWRC

urban 2.0 · March 15th, 2007, 12:43 AM

Implementing Waterfront Plans
Proposed Commercial Development in East Bayfront

Tuesday, March 27, 2007
7:00-9:30 p.m.
Metro Hall Rotunda
55 John Street, Toronto

Commercial development has an important role to play in revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront. The first proposed development in the East Bayfront is for a commercial proposal known as "Project Symphony" located on a parcel of land municipally known as 125 Queens’ Quay East at the foot of Jarvis adjacent to the Jarvis Street Slip. The public is invited to this meeting to review and provide feedback on the design concept proposed for the building, as well as the vision for how the building and surrounding open space interact with the public.

This meeting is being hosted by Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), and the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) in conjunction with the City of Toronto. Diamond and Schmitt are the project architects.

If you would like further information about the mee ting and/or proposed development, please contact Carlo Bonanni, Manager of Planning Services, TEDCO, at (416) 981-1927.

***Taller, Better*** · March 15th, 2007, 08:20 AM

Interesting, urban. Thanks for posting this...

urban 2.0 · March 15th, 2007, 08:41 AM

So any guesses at what the main client will be?

I bet some tech firm?

catcher_of_cats · March 15th, 2007, 10:06 PM

Can an admin merge this thread with the other thread of the same name?

Jaye101 · March 16th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Tada!

phunky · March 16th, 2007, 09:54 AM

Can someone please briefly tell me what this is all about. I read the articles but didn't really get it.

Filip · March 16th, 2007, 03:34 PM

Grrr screw jetlag I'm up at the crack of dawn...

Ok, basically, at the end of Jarvis street you have this great big plot of land. Long ago, the idea was for CanWest to make a splashy big studio/office complex, but the plan fell through due to them wanting way too many city subsidies.
Today, the project is called Project Symphony and seems to be in a similar boat as the old Project 24/7 proposal (CanWest), so we can expect most likely a big tech firm or a media giant.
Since it's a Diamond and Schmitt we can expect something reserved yet grand and institutional. I give this project thumbs up!

phunky · March 16th, 2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filip

Grrr screw jetlag I'm up at the crack of dawn...

Ok, basically, at the end of Jarvis street you have this great big plot of land. Long ago, the idea was for CanWest to make a splashy big studio/office complex, but the plan fell through due to them wanting way too many city subsidies.
Today, the project is called Project Symphony and seems to be in a similar boat as the old Project 24/7 proposal (CanWest), so we can expect most likely a big tech firm or a media giant.
Since it's a Diamond and Schmitt we can expect something reserved yet grand and institutional. I give this project thumbs up!

9:30 am is crack of dawn?

Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking along the lines of what you explained I just wasn't sure. Now I know.

***Taller, Better*** · March 17th, 2007, 05:57 PM

How was the trip, Fil? Did you have a great time?

Filip · March 28th, 2007, 03:00 AM

Renderings are up for Project Symphony over on UT

Well, I'm thoroughly dissapointed - I like the whole atrium idea, but the architecture is SO Markham chic that I might as well go drown myself in the Jarvis Slip. Not a good way to start off the construction of East Bayfronts.

Some info: It should be breaking ground in July - along with the rest of East Bayfronts.

From jayomatic on UT:

Here are the details I learned so far.

Lighthouse element on jarvis slip corner which would emit some sort of light. Using LED or other technology.

Most of the ground floor is retail or cafe related. Glass canopy along edges.

1100 Workers, many clues leading to perhaps bell globemedia as a tenant but nothing revealed.

2 buildings with large atrium in middle with a vegetation wall. Large urban square along jarvis slip. Planning along Jarvis slip still to come.

Does not include building facing Queens Quay.

Groundbreaking July! Other east bayfront parks starting around the same time.

Thoughts

Boring..... Uninspiring... Something that could be at home in Markham.

Sorry for the bad images. Dark room. Tried to keep camera still.

Tuscani01 · March 28th, 2007, 03:25 AM

All the secrecy for that?

p5archit · March 28th, 2007, 03:55 AM

Any idea who the architects for this project are? What is the square footage?

And finally what the fuck is this monstrosity? I can understand why this project was shrouded in so much secrecy-they didn't want anyone to complain that they are setting the bar really low. This should be a great precedent to follow...

p5

SpatulaCity · March 28th, 2007, 05:07 AM

that looks pretty horrific.

Filip · March 28th, 2007, 05:24 AM

Diamond and Schmidt.. I didn't know they were capable of 90's chic Markham.. Actually I didn't know anyone was... Gah I'm pissed.

Epi · March 28th, 2007, 06:21 AM

Too bad it couldn't be 80s Markham, cause then at least we'd have Superdave. That does look pretty horrific though, which is funny because Toronto's standards are so high now. Anywhere else that would be an awesome building.

phunky · March 28th, 2007, 06:56 AM

Meh I don't find it that bad. The rendering might not be exactly how it will look either.

March 1st, 2007, 02:28 PM	#1
catcher_of_cats Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 57 Likes (Received): 0	Corus Quay \| Complete \| 8 st \| East Bayfront Here is another issue of TEDCO screwing around with the revitalization of the waterfront. It will be interesting to see how this will turn out, especially if they want to start construction by this June. Has anyone heard anything else about this or seen proposed renderings? Drama looms down by the lake Mar 01, 2007 04:30 AM Christopher Hume A showdown is looming on the waterfront. At stake is nothing less than the look, feel and form of future development along Lake Ontario. No one can say how it will end, but already there are deep concerns about whether waterfront regeneration will live up to expectations. The story starts – as it so often does in this part of town – with TEDCO (the Toronto Economic Development Corp.). The municipal agency has never bought into the vision of the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corp. and has devoted enormous resources to fighting the TWRC, at one point hiring local architect Jack Diamond to prepare a parallel precinct plan for the area known as the East Bayfront. Now it has turned once again to Diamond's firm, Diamond and Schmitt Architects, to design a building on land TEDCO controls at the foot of Jarvis St. Though no one will say who the tenant is, it will bring much-wanted knowledge workers to the waterfront. The bad news is the building in which they will work. Given that it will be one of the first buildings constructed in the name of waterfront revitalization, it has to set a high standard. The general consensus, however, is that it doesn't. "This is the first test of the waterfront corporation," says respected Toronto architect and chair of the TWRC design review panel Bruce Kuwabara. "I guess I thought there was going to be a design competition for the first building. Why wouldn't we have set some design standards for the first building? It's so important to the credibility of the TWRC." TWRC president John Campbell says the corporation "supports the project." But he also acknowledges that, "We recognize that the first project on the waterfront has to be great." However, he insists, "The design is still at the conceptual stage." He also points out that the design review panel has established a subcommittee to deal with the TEDCO building, code named Project Symphony. TEDCO has been a thorn in TWRC's side from the start and despite a memorandum of understanding, its agenda is strictly economic; as an agency it clearly has nothing invested into the idea of waterfront revitalization. Indeed, TEDCO is moving ahead as fast as possible with Project Symphony, and hopes to start construction in June. That doesn't leave much time for the architecture of the building to be redone to meet the expectations of the design review panel. TWRC officials admit they are frustrated by the attitude and actions of TEDCO. But because it holds the title to the land and because the design panel is merely advisory, it can theoretically carry on regardless. Members of the York Quay Neighbourhood Association are also unimpressed with what they have seen. "It's got to be urban," says Kuwabara. "It's got to be sustainable. It's got to be beautiful. It's got to be full of life. When people see mediocre architecture on the waterfront, they will be really angry. It's all about the branding and identity of the waterfront. It will become a very significant issue." And as Kuwabara makes clear, "They say they haven't designed the building yet, but they're moving ahead with the project." None of this bodes well for waterfront revitalization. It raises the question of why TEDCO hasn't been reined in by the city, specifically by Mayor David Miller, who made waterfront redevelopment an election issue and who insisted he be given a seat on the TWRC board. Yes, it's important to get jobs on the waterfront, but it's more important to get things right. With its attitude of let's just get something going as soon as possible with as little public input as possible, TEDCO is jeopardizing the whole point of the revitalization process. "I've lost a lot of sleep over this, more than anything else," Kuwabara admits. "We've got to start thinking bigger."

March 1st, 2007, 04:31 PM	#3
p5archit Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Vienna, Amsterdam Posts: 523 Likes (Received): 0	I think the fact that TEDCO still exists, is a testament to the ass-backwards politics that run this city and country. Its a shame and very frustrating that we have so little control in this city and its arms length agencies. An agency like TEDCO should have been disbanded and removed long before the TWRC was to take control of the waterfront lands and for exactly the reasons stated in the article. Now its a power struggle, with TEDCO undermining the TWRC's and the city's efforts to promote the waterfront vision. The worst part is that they (city and TWRC) are helpless to do anything against this and any other project TEDCO wishes to go ahead with, because they are the title holders of those lands and can do and build what they wish! Also, if the TWRC knows about this why are they pushing or lobbying to get this f-ing project stopped or at least put under the TWRC banner? Why are they so passive about this? It makes me think that in the end, no one really cares, as long as we do something- and anything is better than nothing..WTF??? It also irritates me to no-end that Jack Diamond, who is very involved in the waterfront revitalization process (being part of the WEST 8 TEAM) wouldn't have seen this request from TEDCO as somewhat odd? Someone who took part in one of the major competitions to revitalize our core waterfront and won, doesn't tell TEDCO that this is a bad idea, or at least that he refuses unless he is working with the TWRC? You would think that he would want the best for the city- maybe he thinks he is the best- actually I think he believes he is so underrated and with this project he would show the city that his ego supersedes the city's and TWRC's authority-with the help of TEDCO.. Back-assward I tells ya!! p5 __________________ ..unc!

March 1st, 2007, 05:16 PM	#4
valantino The Greatest Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Valhaven Posts: 4,474 Likes (Received): 0	^methinks you're being a little rash - remember the author is Hume who would want nothing more than to see the plan fail TWRC was clearly given development control the last time the two agencies locked head over this property so this should be considered as nothing more than an act of deparation by TEDCO with the chance of construction without approval being 1 in a 1000 While TEDCO has being a thorn in the backside over the East Bayfront masterplan, it would be economically ass-backwards to disband them or, worse still, incorporate them into the TWRC __________________ Jeez, supertalls and faux deco.

March 15th, 2007, 12:43 AM	#5
urban 2.0 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Torontopia Posts: 3,045 Likes (Received): 0	Project Symphony Implementing Waterfront Plans Proposed Commercial Development in East Bayfront Tuesday, March 27, 2007 7:00-9:30 p.m. Metro Hall Rotunda 55 John Street, Toronto Commercial development has an important role to play in revitalizing Toronto’s waterfront. The first proposed development in the East Bayfront is for a commercial proposal known as "Project Symphony" located on a parcel of land municipally known as 125 Queens’ Quay East at the foot of Jarvis adjacent to the Jarvis Street Slip. The public is invited to this meeting to review and provide feedback on the design concept proposed for the building, as well as the vision for how the building and surrounding open space interact with the public. This meeting is being hosted by Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), and the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) in conjunction with the City of Toronto. Diamond and Schmitt are the project architects. If you would like further information about the mee ting and/or proposed development, please contact Carlo Bonanni, Manager of Planning Services, TEDCO, at (416) 981-1927.

March 15th, 2007, 08:20 AM	#6
*Taller, Better* Administrator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 52,823 Likes (Received): 302	Interesting, urban. Thanks for posting this... __________________ Please visit my photoblog! Montréal \| Mexico \| Niagara-on-the-Lake \| Brazil \| Hamilton aka "The Hammer"! "Fine words butter no parsnips"-17th Century proverb.

March 1st, 2007, 02:59 PM	#2
urban 2.0 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Torontopia Posts: 3,045 Likes (Received): 0	... this city is a joke. Seriously. Out of control departments. Nobody has respect for the public. I think it's all the old boy's club and nepotism run amuke. Port Authority, TEDCO, Island Airport, all out doing their own thing. Nobody listens to the elected people at city hall. Everyone is out to cover their ass and protect their jobs. Why doesn't the Province/Feds give more money and control to the cities? Cause it would put their departments out of work -- and they would be the ones who would have to downsize. Everyone wants their finger in Toronto's pie. Police chiefs in Windsor are now complaining that the Provinces extra money to fight guns and gangs is causing a rise in gangs and guns in their city - so they want a share of the money Toronto is getting!! O.k. Rant over.

March 15th, 2007, 08:41 AM	#7
urban 2.0 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Torontopia Posts: 3,045 Likes (Received): 0	So any guesses at what the main client will be? I bet some tech firm?

March 15th, 2007, 10:06 PM	#8
catcher_of_cats Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 57 Likes (Received): 0	Can an admin merge this thread with the other thread of the same name?

March 16th, 2007, 08:29 AM	#9
Jaye101 Midtown Fella Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: █♣█ Toronto Posts: 5,361 Likes (Received): 0	Tada! __________________ Jaye's Rant 5: Take Back Your Future! Jaye's Rant 6: Tomorrow's Too Late Jaye's Rant 7: An Afro-centric Solution Jaye's Rant 8: The G-Word

March 16th, 2007, 09:54 AM	#10
phunky BANNED Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,382 Likes (Received): 0	Can someone please briefly tell me what this is all about. I read the articles but didn't really get it.

March 16th, 2007, 03:34 PM	#11
Filip Torontonian 4ever Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 9,257 Likes (Received): 16	Grrr screw jetlag I'm up at the crack of dawn... Ok, basically, at the end of Jarvis street you have this great big plot of land. Long ago, the idea was for CanWest to make a splashy big studio/office complex, but the plan fell through due to them wanting way too many city subsidies. Today, the project is called Project Symphony and seems to be in a similar boat as the old Project 24/7 proposal (CanWest), so we can expect most likely a big tech firm or a media giant. Since it's a Diamond and Schmitt we can expect something reserved yet grand and institutional. I give this project thumbs up!

March 17th, 2007, 05:57 PM	#13
*Taller, Better* Administrator Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 52,823 Likes (Received): 302	How was the trip, Fil? Did you have a great time? __________________ Please visit my photoblog! Montréal \| Mexico \| Niagara-on-the-Lake \| Brazil \| Hamilton aka "The Hammer"! "Fine words butter no parsnips"-17th Century proverb.

March 28th, 2007, 03:00 AM	#14
Filip Torontonian 4ever Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 9,257 Likes (Received): 16	Renderings are up for Project Symphony over on UT Well, I'm thoroughly dissapointed - I like the whole atrium idea, but the architecture is SO Markham chic that I might as well go drown myself in the Jarvis Slip. Not a good way to start off the construction of East Bayfronts. Some info: It should be breaking ground in July - along with the rest of East Bayfronts. From jayomatic on UT: Here are the details I learned so far. Lighthouse element on jarvis slip corner which would emit some sort of light. Using LED or other technology. Most of the ground floor is retail or cafe related. Glass canopy along edges. 1100 Workers, many clues leading to perhaps bell globemedia as a tenant but nothing revealed. 2 buildings with large atrium in middle with a vegetation wall. Large urban square along jarvis slip. Planning along Jarvis slip still to come. Does not include building facing Queens Quay. Groundbreaking July! Other east bayfront parks starting around the same time. Thoughts Boring..... Uninspiring... Something that could be at home in Markham. Sorry for the bad images. Dark room. Tried to keep camera still.

March 28th, 2007, 03:25 AM	#15
Tuscani01 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mississauga + Toronto Posts: 3,476 Likes (Received): 4	All the secrecy for that?

March 28th, 2007, 03:55 AM	#16
p5archit Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Toronto, Vienna, Amsterdam Posts: 523 Likes (Received): 0	Any idea who the architects for this project are? What is the square footage? And finally what the fuck is this monstrosity? I can understand why this project was shrouded in so much secrecy-they didn't want anyone to complain that they are setting the bar really low. This should be a great precedent to follow... p5 __________________ ..unc!

March 28th, 2007, 05:07 AM	#17
SpatulaCity Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 462 Likes (Received): 2	that looks pretty horrific.

March 28th, 2007, 05:24 AM	#18
Filip Torontonian 4ever Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 9,257 Likes (Received): 16	Diamond and Schmidt.. I didn't know they were capable of 90's chic Markham.. Actually I didn't know anyone was... Gah I'm pissed.

March 28th, 2007, 06:21 AM	#19
Epi Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 2,579 Likes (Received): 8	Too bad it couldn't be 80s Markham, cause then at least we'd have Superdave. That does look pretty horrific though, which is funny because Toronto's standards are so high now. Anywhere else that would be an awesome building.

March 28th, 2007, 06:56 AM	#20
phunky BANNED Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,382 Likes (Received): 0	Meh I don't find it that bad. The rendering might not be exactly how it will look either.

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