[cityspace]

...except that they are cladding with materials and a style that will eat your soul. Either tear the building down and start again or work with original design to build upon it. The compromise is just shite here, IMO.

The compromise, as bad or uncoordinated as it may be, is still a warmer palette than the original bare concrete I think. Perhaps the more practical solution for the tower portion would be to leave the concrete untouched BUT replace all the glazing with modern reflective glass in some varied hues such as bronze, dark blue etc...I think it would give a nice stylish effect of minimalist brutalism mixed with colored warmth.

 

[cityspace]

I would have been dead set against painting this brutalist beauty.

But with that horrendous base, it would make the overall appearance better I think.

Beauty?? Looks more like a concrete grain elevator to me.

 

[UtakataNoAnnex]

The compromise, as bad or uncoordinated as it may be, is still a warmer palette than the original bare concrete I think. Perhaps the more practical solution for the tower portion would be to leave the concrete untouched BUT replace all the glazing with modern reflective glass in some varied hues such as bronze, dark blue etc...I think it would give a nice stylish effect of minimalist brutalism mixed with colored warmth.

A warmer palette also exists on the AntiSocial, very few here have expressed it's an improvement. While I can agree colours, even KFC gravy earth tones, are much preferable than grey...but if not done right can look pretty awful. And it's in my opinion, it looks pretty awful here too of what little "warmth" they've added.

 

[christiesplits]

Today.

 

[milkycontent]

Beauty?? Looks more like a concrete grain elevator to me.

the more things change, the more they stay the same...

 

[isaidso]

The tower portion could do with window replacement but further destruction of the building's architectural integrity is a concern. They'll have to choose well.

 

[Bayer]

I might have solved the mystery of the missing street number. In the mall, there is an A-frame sign advertising their apartments, and they only refer to the building as "Charles West". Still 44 Charles on their website, however.

 

[DSCToronto]

I might have solved the mystery of the missing street number. In the mall, there is an A-frame sign advertising their apartments, and they only refer to the building as "Charles West". Still 44 Charles on their website, however.

I think street numbers are rather vital if one expects visitors, Canada Post or Uber! In fact, I think they may actually be obligatory - though this is clearly not enforced!

 

[Northern Light]

LL Bean incoming to the lower level here, in the old LCBO space. 9,500ft2

L.L.Bean to Open New Store at Toronto’s Manulife Centre

L.L.Bean is opening a 9,500 sq. ft. store at Toronto’s Manulife Centre, expanding its Canadian presence in a central retail destination.

retail-insider.com

 

[Bayer]

LL Bean incoming to the lower level here, in the old LCBO space. 9,500ft2

L.L.Bean to Open New Store at Toronto’s Manulife Centre

L.L.Bean is opening a 9,500 sq. ft. store at Toronto’s Manulife Centre, expanding its Canadian presence in a central retail destination.

retail-insider.com

What a great time for another American store to open in Canada.

 

[Northern Light]

LL Bean opens later this week, on Friday, August, 22nd, 2025.

 

[GenerationLee]

Ugh. I've been avoiding this site since last year, to not remind myself of this hot garbage renovation.
It looks like a Riocan special a la Yonge and Eglinton Centre.
Making a tired, but respectable mixed use complex a franken-architecture nightmare. The gold trim windows feel like kitschy - faux Trumpian accents.

 

[isaidso]

LL Bean opens later this week, on Friday, August, 22nd, 2025.

Elbows Up Canada.

 

[innsertnamehere]

Am I the only one who thinks the basement of a secondary retail building is an ... odd retail move for a market-first location for a major retailer?

 

[Bayer]

Ugh. I've been avoiding this site since last year, to not remind myself of this hot garbage renovation.
It looks like a Riocan special a la Yonge and Eglinton Centre.
Making a tired, but respectable mixed use complex a franken-architecture nightmare. The gold trim windows feel like kitschy - faux Trumpian accents.

I think they're done with the landscaping, which is dominated by handrails in an awful colour. Everything looks so cheap and will no doubt deteriorate quickly, and yet I'm fully expecting another application for an above guideline increase.