First Community Meeting about Mirvish+Gehry

(L-R) David Mirvish and Frank Gehry - photo by Peter J. Thompson/National Post

By Penny Munoz

Toronto native and world-renowned architect Frank Gehry showed his dedication to the Mirvish+Gehry project in a community council meeting recently by stating that the only two heritage buildings in the city worth saving are Old City Hall and Osgoode Hall.

The project, which spans across the north side of King East at John Street would comprise three 80+ storey buildings on a shared six-storey podium. The controversy is that in order for these towers to be built, four designated heritage warehouses and the Princess of Wales Theatre would have to be demolished.

Alluding to previous redevelopment projects that tore down buildings like the old General Hospital, in which the architect himself was born, Gehry said “I don’t know whether we should be designating heritage buildings.” Gehry defended only two historic buildings; Osgoode Hall, which is home to the Law Society and the Ontario Court of Appeal, and Old City Hall, stating, “I think you should preserve [Old] City Hall because I used to go there when I was a kid.”

Councillor Josh Matlow said he was “really surprised and saddened to hear his [Gehry’s] comments,” regarding heritage in the city. “For a man of such a celebrated reputation, his remarks about Toronto’s heritage were nonchalant and dismissive,” Matlow said. “He seemed resigned to allowing most heritage buildings to be demolished.”

However, the project is specifically designed by Mirvish+Gehry to celebrate Toronto’s history. As a dynamic and progressive city, embracing change is essential for the city’s cultural and business vitality. These buildings will provide new residential units, retail spaces and commercial offices. Together with OCAD, the buildings will also foster a learning environment for students. The plans include a 25,000 square foot facility for art studios, seminar rooms, gallery facilities, a public theatre and a lecture hall. As part of the Mirvish legacy, the buildings will also have a 60,000 square foot gallery that will feature contemporary abstract art from the Audrey and David Mirvish collection, which includes works from worldwide artists.

Speaking to the Toronto and East York Community Council, Gehry supported David Mirvish’s proposal to demolish these properties despite City planning staff opposition who recommended that the city reject the demolition permit. Staff opposition stems from the height of the building and fear that it might lead to further traffic and parking congestion. With acclaimed buildings around the world, prominent architect Frank Gehry has not designed anything in his hometown since the redesign of the Art Gallery of Ontario, but are these designs too bold for Toronto’s cityscape? We don’t think so.

Approval of this project would spur a new age of tower design in Toronto, setting the bar higher than ever before. Stay tuned - we’ll be following Mirvish+Gehry for as long as it takes!