Station K Sold to a Developer
By Lucas on Nov 13, 2012
Anyone paying attention to the Toronto Star's NewInHomes.com knows that we are covering the story of “Station K” pretty intensely. The Federal Government was looking to sell the post office due to its developed irrelevance. Doesn't sound much different than any of the other land sales we hear about around the Greater Toronto Area - but this one has a twist.
The issue with Station K isn't the post office, but where it’s located. Station K was built in 1936, and sits at the corner of Yonge St. and Montgomery Rd. What is of importance, is that the site is the former home of Montgomery’s Tavern, which was the official meeting place for members of the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, lead by William Lyon Mackenzie. Basically, Station K is not designated a heritage site because the land holds the historical significance, not the building.
News broke last Friday that the Federal Government sold the site to a developer, Rockport Group. Their plans for the site are unknown, but Rockport Group has demonstrated that they are willing to work with locals to develop something suitable for the site.
“We know it’s a special site. I’ve been reading the press, I know there are a number of constituencies that think the building is important and I agree … but I want consult with the community, the planners and try to come up with a plan that works for everybody,” said Jack Winberg, CEO of the Rockport Group, to the Toronto Star.
“We’d like to be able to do what we can to preserve the front of the building, the true heritage part of the building. Maybe the back will go and we’ll put a condo of some kind behind it,” Winberg added.
Will the locals and councillor Josh Matlow be willing to work with the developer? Let’s hope so. The history of development and approvals in the city shows that those who work with developers, offering constructive criticism, are usually much more successful in getting what they want.
We have asked this question in the past: What do the locals want at the Station K site? We know they “don’t want a condo,” but they haven’t offered any new ideas for the site. Now is their opportunity to speak up, and help their neighbourhood grow in the healthiest manner possible.
