ERA Architects

Concrete Toronto Launch – November 1

The Canadian Urban Institute presents monthly roundtable breakfast seminars. On Thursday November 8th, Michael McClelland and Graeme Stewart will be discussing “The Tower Renewal Project: New Ideas for Old Buildings”.

Maple Leaf Gardens – A National Historic Site

Built in 1931, Maple Leaf Gardens is one of Canada’s most iconic buildings. The home of hockey and many historic cultural and political events, the ‘Gardens’ holds a special place in the country’s popular culture.

ERA was privileged to prepare the nomination for Maple Leaf Gardens as a National Historic Site. In June of 2006 the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada met to consider the building’s national significance and recommended its designation. This June we are happy to announce that the Minister of the Environment recently designated Maple Leaf Gardens a National Historic Site.

Stay tuned for information on the plaque unveiling ceremony.

Convocation Hall Centennial

On Thursday, May 31st, Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto celebrated its centennial anniversary. Thursday’s ceremony included the announcement of extensive renovations to the building. Plans call for a renewal of the circular foyer, increased accessibility and replacement of selected seating. These enhancements will include all decorative finishes, historical millwork, lighting installations, and a fresh coat of paint to recapture the interior’s original colour scheme. Phase one of the work will begin this summer with the reburishment of some seats. A fundraising campaign is currently underway for the work with matching commitments from the UTAA and the University.

Tower Renewal

This past Monday Graeme Stewart and Michael McClelland of ERA presented their ideas for the renewal and environmental upgrade of Toronto’s neglected suburban high-rise neighbourhoods to Toronto’s executive council committee. They demonstrated how re-imagining these buildings, along with the unused open space around them, can considerably improve the social, economic and environmental sustainability of our city and region.

Check out the Globe and Mail article on their presentation at:
http://www.era.on.ca/graphics/articles/pdf/article_20.pdf

TORONTO the GOOD

It’s that time of year again for the annual Toronto the Good party presented by ERA Architects, Spacing Magazine, ‘murmur’, and the Toronto Society of Architects! Keep May 15th open in your calendars for another great night of celebration. For details go to http://www.torontothegood.org/

We have good reason to celebrate as ERA has announced the creation of 5 new Associate positions, including Scott Weir, Lindsay Reid, Philip Evans, Andrew Pruss and Robyn Huether.

Joy Oil Gas Station Relocation


This past Saturday, April 14th, the historic Joy Oil Gas Station was relocated to its new home on the south side of Lakeshore Boulevard. Known for their circular towers and chateau style, this 1930’s gas station is the last of its kind. ERA has been assisting the City of Toronto in planning the station’s relocation, restoration, and reuse.

New Projects

ERA is excited to get started on the following new projects:

Casey House Redevelopment with Hariri Pontarini Architects

Bridgepoint Health Site Plan with Stantec Architecture Ltd. and KPMB Architects

West Don Lands Public Realm Development with the Planning Partnership

Green Arts Barns Recieves $3 Million

On January 30, 2007 the Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, Minister of Culture announced that the Government of Ontario will invest $3 million in the Artscape Green Arts Barns to redevelop the historic Wychwood TTC streetcar repair barns, in the St. Clair and Bathurst neighbourhood into a 61,000 sq ft multi-tenant arts and environmental centre run by and for the community.

ERA is pleased to be involved in the development of this project. For more information please visit www.torontoartscape.on.ca

Image courtesy of Joe Lobko Architect Inc.

Concrete Toronto

Coach House Books and ERA Architects are pleased to announce the receipt of a Canadian Council for the Arts Grant for their upcoming publication Concrete Toronto. Dedicated to the plentiful yet often misunderstood concrete structures from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s which define much of Toronto today, this publication re-examines this unique heritage and contemplates concrete’s role in shaping our city. Continue reading…