No disrespect intended, but typically I'm a big supporter for the preservation of the works and relics of past generations (Gen Y-Z'er here). However, IMHO, that building has far outlasted its relevance. It was designed for a society that no longer exists. This is true of most other office buildings built into the 21st century, but it's probably too small for retrofitting and conversion to mixed-use to be economical or at least financially viable enough to satisfy the firms involved and their investors and shareholders. Its architecture, IMO, is "nothing great" at best, with a bleak appearance given off by its dark brown prefabricated concrete cladding and utilitarian roll-down window coverings that appear to have never been replaced with anything in subjectively better taste since the building was completed in 1971. This is more than a little inappropriate for a fast-growing and rising metropolis looking to make something bigger and better of its greatest natural asset; its waterfront, to provide residents and visitors with "good vibes" to make the best of the nice weather in our warmer months and to create comprehensive mixed-use communities with sufficient supplies of new housing and commercial space for businesses.

The ultimate deciding factor in its total demise however is of course the real estate market. Re-development on the site is already in progress with a 65 storey tower already completed and a 105 storey tower that will contain a luxury hotel well underway. As for the Toronto Star themselves, they've already pulled up stakes to new digs another newly completed mixed-use development called The Well. Between places like that and new urban developments and re-developments that appreciate and enrich their urban environments, there's no comparison.

Last edited by tdotwriter (December 10, 2024 5:31 am)

RadioActive wrote:

I can't speak to the architecture and it's been a very long time since I was at #1 Yonge St., but back in the late 70s, I worked at CKEY, which occupied the top floor of the Star Building. 

All I can say is the view from the newsroom 25 floors up was absolutely stunning. You could see much of the city from the wrap-around area and it was magnificent. In fact, we were one of the first to realize something bad was going on during the now infamous Mississauga train derailment emergency, because we could see the flames from that floor. Of course, at the exact moment, we didn't know what caused it. 

And it's for that reason of nostalgia for my very first paying job in radio, if nothing else, that a part of me is sad to see it go. 

I completely understand. I remember you posted a while ago about seeing the fire from the Mississauga train derailment from up there. That must have been surreal once you learned of the magnitude of the situation. Apparently, it triggered the largest peacetime evacuation in North American history prior to Hurricane Katrina, in a city of about 200,000 people at the time compared to 700,000 to 800,000 today. I figured that the building, especially from the top floor must've had a great view especially back then. The waterfront was mostly undeveloped with the exception of a few early high-rises such as the Westin Harbor Castle. I always enjoy seeing these old promos. Every time an old place is lost, it takes embodied memories with it, just like the old Regent Park and the clock tower at Erin Mills Town Centre. Maybe I was a little insensitive in my reply there. I really wouldn't mind seeing the existing structure re-purposed, re-clad and incorporated in to the new community. It could be done, but the developers obviously feel that a total replacement of the structure is more financially appropriate.

Last edited by tdotwriter (December 10, 2024 8:27 am)

Elevator to the 24th floor.. walk up the stairs to the 25th and the station.  Control room had a super view west and north before the condo's went up.  Smoking room overlooked the islands and the airport... 

It's ironic that the Toronto Star has moved around the corner from 444 Front West where the Globe and Mail had been for decades after taking over the building from the defunct Toronto Telegram, while the Globe has moved next door to the former Toronto Sun building at 333 King East.

Last edited by Hansa (December 10, 2024 10:40 pm)