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Ontario Place in docomomoUS

by ERA Architects

Recently ERA’s Michael McClelland collaborated with Ottawa-based architect James Ashby on an article on Toronto’s Ontario Place, for docomomoUS. The article reviews the history of this unusual site, discusses the significance of its iconic design, and reminds us of the opportunity we now have to enrich our understanding of how to approach modernist architecture as part of a cultural heritage...

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ERA Presents at TCLF Second Wave of Modernism III: Leading with Landscape

by ERA Architects

...the conference was divided into relevant topics and themes, including: Making and managing Toronto’s 21st century landscape A history of coupled human and natural systems Toronto’s emerging urban public realm Current work in Toronto Exporting Innovation and failure Jennifer Keesmat & Paul Bedford in conversation. Image Credit: Nina-Marie Lister Opening remarks by ERA principal Michael McClelland, Janet Rosenberg of Janet...

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Michael McClelland at the Getty: Toronto Towers

by ERA Architects

...Stats in Canada.” Accessed January 18th, 2013. http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/jufa/jufa_031.cfm English Heritage. 2009. “Government Review of Policies Relating to the Historic Environment.” Accessed January 15, 2013. http://www.britarch.ac.uk/info/ehreview15.html. Faludi, Eugene. 1963. “Report on Apartment Building Development in East Annex Planning District.” Toronto: E. G. Faludi and Associates, Town Planning Consultants Ltd. Ministry of Culture. 2006. “Heritage Property Evaluation.” Accessed January 15, 2013. http://www.mtc.gov.on.ca/en/publications/Heritage_Tool_Kit_HPE_Eng_large.pdf....

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Cities Alive Podcast – Zoning Out! Pt. 1

by ERA Architects

...zoning works – from once rigid and separated into fixed single uses – to more flexible and mixed. Desire for zoning reform is coming both from above – planning departments and think tanks, and the grass roots – those frustrated their small scale initiatives can’t get off the ground due to out dated land-use laws. One such initiative is Toronto’s...

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ERA is on the move.

ERA Has Moved to 625 Church Street

by ERA Architects

...early 20th centuries, following the extension of Charles Street (formerly Czar Street) westward from Yonge Street in the 1880s. As Yonge Street developed as a commercial strip, cross streets were often developed with row houses. The length of the block along Charles Street West up to the westward addition to 720 Yonge Street is occupied by a row of residential...

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Toronto Zoning Reform to Empower Apartment Neighbourhoods

by admin

...was presented to the Planning and Growth Management Committee, resulting in a motion for the City of Toronto to work with United Way Toronto and CUG+R to develop an initial approach to zoning reform. The new RAC zone supports as-of-right low-impact mixed uses within Apartment Neighbourhoods, such uses as small shops, farmers markets, small-scale institutions, and community services, which are...

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Urban Design Awards

by admin

...each of which have been adapted for specialized uses…. Between and around the buildings are outdoor spaces that offer an equally wide range of public uses…. The site is well connected to its surroundings, making it fully accessible to all Toronto residents. The jury lauds the implementation of this long-term vision and the commitment that was required to see Evergreen...

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A historic laneway coach house

Uncovering the potential of Toronto’s laneways

by ERA Architects

...forms along laneways can also tell us about the history of these spaces and their uses. Coach houses were the primary built form of laneways. They usually had a large service opening, like a garage door, on the laneway side. Historically, coach houses were utilitarian ancillary structures, subordinate but related to a grander principal residence. Simple and defensive, they had...

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People

Illustration as a tool of clarity: Q&A with Daniel Rotsztain 

by Alessandro Tersigni, writer & researcher

...ERA collaborator Brendan Stewart since 2018.   ERA writer-researcher Alessandro Tersigni chatted with Daniel about illustration as a form of visual commentary, conserving heritage uses, and the complexities of Toronto’s suburbs.   Alessandro Tersigni: Why do you think illustration is important at a place like ERA and how will you channel that as Artist-in-Residence?  Daniel Rotsztain: A clear diagram or illustration has...

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The Broadview Hotel: Everything Old is New Again

by ERA Architects

...the building while constructing an addition and ensuring it continued to house street-related commercial uses as a restaurant, cafe, hotel and rooftop terrace. The project supports the collaborative commitment and investment of time, energy, visioning and financial resources of ERA Architects and Streetcar Developments in fostering ‘culturally rich and livable communities’ in the downtown core. Link to project profile: https://www.eraarch.ca/project/the-broadview-hotel/...

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Diverse Recognition for ERA for Achievement in the Realms of Architectural Conservancy and Urban Design

by ERA Architects

...Hotel was built in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture, with ornate exterior terracotta panels, decorative arches, and classical columns. The conservation strategy for the site focused on rehabilitation and restoration, in order to maintain the key architectural features of the building while constructing an addition, ensuring it housed street level commercial uses and remained open to the public. Standards...

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One Spadina Crescent: When All is Finally Revealed…….

by ERA Architects

...Presbyterian Church bought the land and commissioned architects James Smith & John Gemmell to build Knox College. Having been adapted over the years to a number of different uses, the structure survives today as a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, with a heritage designation (designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act on March 17, 1976). Beginning in...

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