Toronto’s New Tower: A Tale of Progress and Preservation
There’s something profoundly symbolic about Toronto’s skyline. Each new tower isn’t just a testament to the city’s growth; it’s a conversation between the past and the future. And nowhere is this more evident than in the latest development near Toronto Street, where a 91-storey tower is set to rise alongside historic gems like the Consumers’ Gas Company buildings. Personally, I think this project encapsulates a broader tension in urban development: how do we embrace progress without erasing the stories that make a city unique?
The Gaslit Origins of Toronto’s Ambition
Let’s start with the Consumers’ Gas Company buildings at 17 Toronto Street. Designed by David B. Dick in the late 19th century, these structures are more than just architectural relics—they’re a reminder of Toronto’s industrial roots. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the company’s growth mirrored the city’s own. By 1876, the company was raking in “very handsome” profits, as The Globe noted, and its buildings became symbols of Toronto’s burgeoning financial and industrial might.
But here’s the thing: these buildings aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re about the people who built them, the technologies they represented, and the complaints they inspired. One dissatisfied Torontonian in 1856 grumbled about unlit gas lamps, a detail that I find especially interesting. It’s a reminder that even the most transformative innovations come with growing pains. What this really suggests is that progress has always been messy, and Toronto’s history is as much about frustration as it is about triumph.
Preservation in the Shadow of Skyscrapers
Fast forward to today, and the new tower by Goband Investment is a stark contrast to these historic structures. But what’s striking is the effort to retain the old while making way for the new. The Consumers’ Gas buildings will remain, as will the Renaissance Revival Trust and Loan Company building at 25 Toronto Street—though the latter will be “façaded,” a practice that, in my opinion, walks a fine line between preservation and tokenism.
What many people don’t realize is that this approach reflects a broader shift in urban planning. Cities are no longer just about building up; they’re about building with history. Jonathan Tinney, principal at WW+P, puts it well: the tower is meant to be experienced from a distance, allowing the historic public realm to “shine through.” From my perspective, this is a smart move. It acknowledges that a city’s identity isn’t just about its skyline—it’s about the stories you encounter at street level.
The Hidden Gem: Courthouse Square Park
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is its potential to revitalize Courthouse Square Park. Once a firehall and later a parking lot, this space was reimagined in 1997 as a green oasis in the heart of downtown. Marjorie Harris of The Globe and Mail called it “timeless,” and I couldn’t agree more. But here’s the catch: over the years, the park has lost some of its luster. Trees obscure its beauty, and Terroni’s patio is shielded by unsightly fencing.
What this really suggests is that even the best-designed spaces need ongoing care. Tinney’s vision of an “Italian piazza-ish” atmosphere is compelling, but it raises a deeper question: how do we ensure these spaces remain vibrant and accessible? If you take a step back and think about it, the success of Courthouse Square isn’t just about design—it’s about community engagement. Without “eyes” on the park, it risks becoming a forgotten corner of the city.
The Layers of Toronto’s History
What makes Toronto’s story so rich is its layers. Within a stone’s throw of this development, you’ll find the King Edward Hotel, the Excelsior Life Building, and Toronto’s Seventh Post Office. But there’s another layer that often goes unnoticed: the city’s Black history. Albert Jackson, the first Black postman, worked near here, and King Street East was once a hub for Black-owned businesses.
This raises a deeper question: as we build new towers, how do we ensure these stories aren’t lost? In my opinion, urban development should be as much about storytelling as it is about steel and glass. Sharon Hong of ERA Architects puts it beautifully: “There’s yet another layer” waiting to be unearthed. What this really suggests is that every new project is an opportunity to reconnect with the past.
Conclusion: A City in Conversation
As Toronto’s skyline continues to evolve, I’m reminded that cities are never static. They’re living, breathing entities, shaped by the people and stories that inhabit them. The new tower near Toronto Street isn’t just a building—it’s a statement about how we choose to grow. Do we bulldoze the past, or do we weave it into our future?
Personally, I think Toronto is getting it right—mostly. The effort to preserve historic buildings and revitalize public spaces is commendable. But it’s not enough. We need to go further, to actively seek out and celebrate the stories that make this city unique. Because in the end, a city without its history is just a collection of buildings. And Toronto deserves to be so much more than that.
What this really suggests is that the true measure of a city isn’t its height, but its depth. And in that regard, Toronto is just getting started.
