Mirvish+Gehry Proposal Making Headway

In a recent article by the Toronto Star’s Christopher Hume, it is stated that the Mirvish+Gehry tower project received a “definitely maybe” from the City of Toronto.

With three towers reaching 82, 84, and 86 storeys, an art gallery, schools, a bunch of retail space, and talks of a museum, Hume suggests that the proposal’s uniqueness is what’s saving it from being automatically nixed by the City.

“Had Mirvish proposed three more glass-and-steel condo towers like the dozens we already have, council wouldn’t have blinked an eye,” said Hume. Gehry’s designs for the three towers are unbelieveable and unlike anything Toronto has ever built or even seen proposed. When we first heard about the Mirvish+Gehry project, we said it right there and then, that if this project is approved it would change the architectural standards in Toronto forever. The bar would be raised, and we would start to see more and more tall and interesting designs.

The good news is that Councillor Adam Vaughan has suggested that a panel be assembled to examine the details of the Mirvish+Gehry plan (members of the panel will be announced in the new year). The bad news is that Hume doesn’t think the designs will survive the approval process:

“The panel’s most likely conclusion will be that the project be watered down in size and scope, excitement and excellence, to the point where it resembles everything else in the neighbourhood. In that way, no one will have to worry that it might stand out and draw attention to itself and Toronto.”

We’re hoping that Hume is wrong and that the panel surprises everyone by fully supporting the current proposal. But...it felt odd simply writing that sentence. To be honest, we share Hume’s concern and doubt, but our hopes are still high!

The King West neighbourhood is known for its vocal locals, but we think Gehry’s designs have won over many of them! We always see locals fighting condo proposals...perhaps this time we’ll see them fight for one.