Doors Open Toronto 2013: Our Top Buildings to Visit Creators, Makers and Innovators #DOT13

Doors Open Toronto is a celebration of the City's built heritage.
Explore Toronto's Buildings May 25-26, 2013
City of Toronto: Doors Open Toronto

Great event #DOT13! MT @mediaintoronto @doors_opento: Don't forget - FREE Great Gulf Speakers Series this weekend "The Future of #Toronto"
— Wo-Built Inc (@wobuilt) May 23, 2013

As every year we are looking forward to Doors Open Toronto, especially as this year there are quite a few Green buildings on the list. The Green Doors Open initiative run by the Canada Green Building Council – Greater Toronto Chapter and the Clean Air Partnership to increase awareness of the benefits of green buildings in our region.

Every year new buildings are added to the already substantial list and it is great to see so many architectural interesting buildings in Toronto. Unfortunately we can only highlight a few.  Our top five picks for this year are all from the Green Building Series, not surprising since our emphasis is green and sustainable  building.

The selected buildings range from new to old, different styles and different green elements, but they all sparked our interest.

• - Daniel Spectrum
• - George Brown College Waterfront Campus
• - Hugh Garner Housing Co-Op
• - Miller Lash House
• - Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Daniel Spectrum
Daniels Spectrum is an exciting new cultural landmark in the heart of the Regent Park Revitalization.
Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects, 2012
Address: 585 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7

George Brown College Waterfront Campus - NEW!
The new Waterfront Campus is a beautiful state-of-the-art facility built specifically for George Brown Health Sciences students.
Architect: Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects, 2012
Address: 51 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 0B6

Hugh Garner Housing Co-Op
The Hugh Garner Green Roof tops a 181-unit, 8 storey residential building in Cabbagetown.
Architect: Klein & Sears, 1981
Address: 550 Ontario St, Toronto, ON M4X 1X3

Miller Lash House - NEW!
The Miller Lash House is a classic design in the craftsman principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement (ACM).
Architect: Edward B. Greene, Buffalo, NY, 1913
Address: 130 Old Kingston Rd, Toronto, ON M1E 3J5

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Newly renovated four-storey, 30,000 square foot office building, is the headquarters for Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
Architect: Levitt Goodman Architects Ltd., 2010
Address: 30 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1K2


We will report back on our site visit in the next posting.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Map: Doors Open Toronto 2013: Architect's Studio Visits - Self Guided Tour- Toronto Society of Architects
Date(s): Saturday May 25 | Time(s): 1 to 5 pm
Length: Self Guided Tour of 11 locations across Toronto
Tour map: Download PDF (1M)
Presented by the Toronto Society of Architects: TOURS | Doors Open Toronto Architectural and Design Studio Tour

You may also like to read the following articles:

wobuilt.com/blog: Doors Open Toronto 2012: Our Picks from #DOT12
May 8, 2012 – Doors Open Toronto is back, this time celebrating 200 years of Toronto City History. There are some amazing buildings to be visited, from ...

wobuilt.com/blog: Doors Open Toronto – Humber College Arboretum
May 31, 2011 – Photos: Doors Open Toronto – Humber Arboretum May 28, 2011 @ wobuilt.

wobuilt.com/blog: Doors Open Toronto 2011 Featuring City in Focus: Architecture + Photography
May 5, 2011 – One of the must-see events in May is Doors Open Toronto. This inspiring urban exploration is our busman's holiday and it's a brilliant occasion ...

wobuilt.com/blog: Our Busman's Holiday: Doors Open Toronto

Doors Open Toronto 2012: Our Picks from #DOT12 Buildings List

Timeline: 1812 - 2012: 13th annual Doors Open Toronto 2012
200 Years of Building Our City
In commemoration of the War of 1812 Bicentennial
Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 2012
More than 135 architecturally, historically, culturally
and socially significant buildings will open their doors for
the weekend and highlight the people who built our city. All for free!
Explore city building and city builders!
Credit: City of Toronto: 2012 Doors Open Toronto

"May the Doors always be open."
- Christopher Hume, Toronto Star, 2011

Doors Open Toronto is back, this time celebrating 200 years of Toronto City History. There are some amazing buildings to be visited, from historical to modern.

Last year we visited the Humber Arboretum Centre for Urban Ecology, an example and showcase how green building systems can work together to form a great space and at the same time show how we can reduce our ecological foot print. We loved our visit there and we highly recommend visiting the Centre.

One of my favourite past-times is looking at buildings and as usual Door Open Toronto is a bit of a Busman’s holiday. With Peapod Life, our integrated indoor garden living space, gathering steam, we are concentrating our visits to the buildings with green designs.

This year’s candidates:

Artscape Wychwood Barns
Architect and year: Unknown, 1913
Subsequent architect(s)/ consultant(s): Joe Lobko at du Toit Architects Ltd./Artscape 2007

This building is close to the office and we have attended a few community events there before. We can highly recommend visiting it.

Corus Quay
Architect and year: Diamond and Schmitt Architects, 2007
Subsequent architect(s)/ consultant(s): The interior of Corus Quay was outfitted by Quadrangle Architects Ltd.

Loved my visit there last year at a networking event. Amazing building with great green design.

Hugh Garner Housing Co-operative and Mountain Equipment Co-op

These buildings have a green roof initiatives which we would like to check out.

Karma Co-operative, Inc. - NEW!

The architectural interest is the 100 year old building the co-operative is being housed in, but as Peapod Life is also a food initiative, we would love to talk to the Karma Food Co-operative about their views and philosophies.

Toronto Botanical Garden

Plants, of course we love plants, but this building is interesting as it renovations in 2005 won it its silver LEED awards.

We will report back on our findings after the Doors Open weekend.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Toronto Real Estate Development: Big Headaches … Little Progress

Architect with Engineering Blueprints Watching Construction
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Construction, Construction Sites, Cranes.

Why the vast majority of major development in the GTA is condo, and new rental housing developments are almost nowhere to be found?

Have you noticed all those cranes in the GTA? The vast majority of the developments are high-rise condos. And no wonder: the fastest way to guarantee cash flow and ROI is to sell off 80% of the building before you ever break ground. What investor wouldn’t like that risk profile?

When it comes to other types of massive developments or redevelopments, the rule of thumb is:

• the first developer goes bankrupt,
• the second developer maybe breaks even,
• the third developer turns a profit.

Let’s break it down:

The first developer believes with economies of scale, know-how, experience, and deep pockets, they can “find the holy grail” where all others have failed. And, motivated by such thinking, inevitably fail. They run out of money (or can no longer stomach sinking tens of millions more than what their projections had planned for, knowing they will never see a return on their investment).

Like any dutiful vulture would, the second developer swoops in, snaps up a half-completed development at pennies on the dollar (thank-you very much) and then jumps two-feet first into the “killer-deal.” Killer is right, as the second developer promptly discovers how deep and deadly the sink-hole the project actually is. After throwing tens of millions more into it than expected, they also either sell off the headache or just barely break even. Either way, they are happy to climb out of the money-pit.

The third developer is the real shark. Smelling so much blood in the water, comes in and gobbles up a bona fide feast: a two-thirds or three-quarters completed development pennies on the dollar. They complete the development and are able to turn a profit (usually, although not without challenges).

So what are the first and second developers thinking? Is this the real reason why the vast majority of major development in the GTA is condo, and new rental housing developments are almost nowhere to be found? Is this why it’s next to impossible to conceive of huge urban beautification and renewal projects? It’s not surprising developers are gun-shy. With so much precedent, who would be crazy enough to be “first guy to take a bullet, this time ‘round?”

More interestingly, is there a solution? Can the “holy grail” of massive developments be found? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: clearly in the past developers have believed they’ve found the solution; and yet, we know they haven’t.

What big progress could be achieved, indeed, if someone could solve this puzzle in the world of real estate development? What amazing urban renewal and re-envisioning designs could see the light of day? For now, we wait for someone to figure out how to hit one out of the park at first bat.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Doors Open Toronto 2011 Featuring City in Focus: Architecture + Photography

Photo-Collage: Doors Open Toronto 2011
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, 2011
Get Advice on Architectural Photography
Credit: City of Toronto: 2011 Doors Open Toronto

"Never underestimate the power of architecture. Though Toronto doesn’t possess the architectural depth of some cities, what we have we love. That has been demonstrated again and again by Doors Open ..."
Christopher Hume Urban Issues, Architecture
thestar.com: Doors Open: When private spaces become public

One of the must-see events in May is Doors Open Toronto. This inspiring urban exploration is our busman's holiday and it's a brilliant occasion to see some of the great architecture and buildings Toronto has to offer.

This year's 12th edition of Doors Open will be held on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 and will focus on photography in order to capture the multifaceted panoramas within Toronto's history.

There are close to 150 buildings to choose from, but the following ones are on the top of our list, either for design or environmental reasons or just personal interest:

AGATHOM Co. - The Formerly Building - NEW!
3 Gilead Place, Toronto, ON M5A 3C8
Event information: A street level art and architecture studio & workshop within an industrial warehouse. Oversized doors open interior to narrow alley setting. Aspects of the original building's wide range of uses are evident throughout the spaces. Even vintage Land-Rovers adorn the rooms. Architects will be present for lively discussions on both days. On display will be a wide range of architectural models, photographs, drawings and illustrations. Children are welcome.

ARIDO/IDC (The Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario ), Toy Factory Lofts - NEW!
43 Hanna Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1X1
Event information: Tour ARIDO and IDC's new home in the Toy Factory Lofts, Liberty Village. Designed by modo, the space features beautiful sightlines, exposed beams, sleek touches of steel and glass as well as furnishings by design icons. Visitors can speak with interior designers who will be on hand to answer questions about the space and view 75 years of interior design photo archives.

Cannon Design - NEW!
200 University Ave 1200, Toronto, ON M5H 3C6
Event information: Cannon Design will mount an exhibit of photography specially curated for Doors Open that explores how architects view the city entitled: “Toronto: City in Focus.” The large scale photographs will be displayed throughout the studio for visitors to view as they experience Cannon Design’s studio space. Models and images of completed projects as well as projects at every stage of design and construction will be displayed.

Central Neighbourhood House - NEW!
349 Ontario St, Toronto, ON M5A 2V8
Event information: Come experience an archival photo exhibit showcasing the first four decades of the 100 year old Central Neighbourhood House, as well as a short documentary that celebrates the campaign theme 100 Years of Neighbours. Historians and local photographers will be on hand to offer insight into the organization’s rich history. A visit to the Rooftop Garden and Playground, as well as tours of the building, will be available.

Corkin Gallery - NEW!
55 Mill St 61 , Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Event information: Guided tours Sunday at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Brigitte Shim, Shim-Sutcliffe Architects will lead two guided tour of both front of house and back of house spaces. Current exhibition at the Corkin Gallery during Doors Open 2011 - "Kertesz in Toronto – Photographs from 1978 to 1981" from April 28 – June 12, 2011.

Distillery Historic District Denaturing Room (Building 47) - NEW!
55 Mill Street 47 , Toronto, ON. M5A 3C4
Event information: For the first time, the Distillery District invites visitors to explore the Denaturing Room and three new displays of industrial heritage artifacts. “Denaturing” explains the process of creating industrial alcohol from pure alcohol. “Coppersmithing” examines the tools and practices adopted by Gooderham & Worts’ own artisans, who turned out everything from ladles and buckets to huge storage tanks. “Maintenance” celebrates the underappreciated carpenters, plumbers and other workers, who kept the distillery functioning for over 150 years.

Empress Building - NEW!
124 Merton St, Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2
Event information: Vivian Reiss is an internationally renowned painter, designer and pioneer in urban farming, who specializes in combining the visual beauty of gardens with their applications on the dining table. She will be on hand to explain how to transform the workplace through landscape, architecture, and art. Visitors can tour the rooftop and courtyard green roof vegetable gardens where 37 varieties of heritage tomatoes are grown as well as organic lettuce.

Humber Arboretum Centre for Urban Ecology
205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, ON M9W 5L7
Event information: Visit the Humber Arboretum & Centre for Urban Ecology -a favorite location for photographers interested in modern architecture and nature alike. This site is where many Humber College photography, landscape, design, and media arts students learn their craft. Accordingly, student and staff work will be on display in the Centre with building and landscape tours scheduled throughout the day.

In addition to the photography programming, Doors Open Toronto is launching a new program initiative called "Ask A Photographer". At select venues throughout the city, expert photographers will be available to offer advice on architectural photography.

2011 Doors Open Toronto will officially launch on Friday, May 27 when the Royal Ontario Museum opens its doors to the public for free from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Oh, and by the way, when you attend the event, be sure to take your camera with you and do not forget to upload your best photos to the Doors Open Ontario 2011 Digital Photo Contest online and to the Doors Open Toronto Photography Contest "City in Focus 2011".

Good luck!

Doors Open Toronto 2011 open data can be downloaded from the City's Open Data web site.
Download a variety of Doors Open Toronto apps for the DOT Adventure 2011.

links:
wobuilt: Our Busman's Holiday: Doors Open Toronto
wobuilt: Explore the George Brown House: Restored and Well-Preserved Residential Heritage
wobuilt: Architecture: Combining New and Old
toronto.ca/open: building a city that thinks like a web
twitter.com: @Doors_OpenTO
twitter.com: #doors_opento
facebook: Doors Open Toronto

Explore the George Brown House: Restored and Well-Preserved Residential Heritage

Screenshot: Doors Open Toronto: George Brown House
186 Beverley Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1L4
Architect and year: William Irving / Edward Hutchings, 1874-76
Credit: toronto.ca

Do you remember the music that introduces the Harlem Globetrotters? Well that tune is called Sweet Georgia Brown and during Doors Open Toronto, I visited his home – one recognized as being the best preserved example of Second Empire homes in Ontario. There is no denying it. Looking at this home and its details, George Brown was a very important part of our history.

Located at the corner of Baldwin Avenue and Beverly Street, near the Italian Consulate and Toronto's China Town, this building has a formidable square footprint with almost 9000 feet of interior space with 16 foot ceilings. The doors to each of the rooms on the main floor are adorned with walnut canopies that include the lion from this Father of Confederation's family crest. All in all, there are 15 fireplaces in the house that spans 3 floors and basement. And the space that used to be the kitchen for this house now is used as a mid- sized board room.

George Brown was a proponent of the anti-slavery movement and was also the owner of the Globe newspaper (now the Globe and Mail). A number of years after Canada's confederation, the senator, father of confederation and paper baron, was shot and wounded in the leg by one of his employees. It was a minor wound but infection set in and he subsequently died from his injury. Hanging on the wall of one of the salons is a line-art drawing of his funeral with thousands of attendees in a throng about his home and the corner of Baldwin and Beverly.

Following Brown's passing, the house was purchased by Duncan Coulson, president of the Bank of Toronto, who renovated the dining room to reflect the current trend of Art Nouveau style. And, at the end of Coulson’s life, the house was purchased by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for office space.

Wrapped on two sides by Victorian gardens and flanked on two sides by a school for children with special needs, the house is a national historical site operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, its library collection of books preserved and maintained by Parks Canada and the rooms on the second and third floors now generate revenue – rented as offices to pay for the house's good repair. Uses for the common areas of the house include weddings and conferences and during Doors Open Toronto, it will receive more than 800 visitors each day.

George Brown's house is an important part of Canadian history and our local heritage. It is wheelchair accessible, open to the public during Doors Open Toronto and should be visited by anybody with an interest in the grand days of Canadian architecture, seeing the home of one of our founding fathers or just to see what life was like in the middle 1800's.

_____________________________________
This article was contributed by Ari Berman, a Management Consultant from Toronto, Canada, with a specialization in operations and process change. He has helped companies spanning aircraft builders to soda drink manufacturers to increase their value - finding and improving important details that never got attended to in past. His work in the construction industry includes overseeing commercial construction projects in retail shopping malls across Canada. He can be reached at 647-235-8181 or via e-mail on ari.berman@cmc-advisor.com.

Our Busman's Holiday: Doors Open Toronto

YouTube: A Doors Open Toronto day in 42 seconds.
Doors Open 2009 presentation with Mayor David Miller.
Be sure to check out Doors Open 2010 on May 29 & 30.
http://toronto.ca/doorsopen
Credit: thecityoftoronto — April 13, 2010

11th annual Doors Open Toronto

Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, 2010
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted

Get into architecture | 150 buildings | FREE
Including: Ask an Architect | Launch of Architecture Walks | Green and Sustainable Projects | Toronto’s Transportation Heritage | University of Toronto | and more...
For "Buildings to visit" - a complete list of participating sites and local maps, contact Doors Open Toronto.
Get your Doors Open Toronto program guide in the Thursday, May 27 issue of the Toronto Star.

Telephone: 3-1-1
E-mail: doorsopen@toronto.ca
Website: www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

We are looking forward to Doors Open Toronto this year.

After our move this week we will need some downtime and what better to do than a busman’s holiday. We are going to visit some of the building on the list of Open Doors Toronto. There are so many to choose from, but the following ones are on the top of our list, either for design or environmental reasons or just personal interest.

[ V ] Artscape Wychwood Barns
[Sunday: Not open]

[ V ] Citytv and OMNI Television, Rogers Studios - NEW!
[Saturday: Not open]

[ V ] Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre

[ V ] Evergreen Brick Works

[ V ] Gardiner Museum
[Saturday: Not open]

[ V ] Humber Arboretum Centre for Urban Ecology - NEW!

[ V ] John St. Roundhouse - Steam Whistle Brewing

[ V ] Regent Park Phase One Walking Tour
[Saturday: Not open]

I can recommend Allan Gardens Conservatory already.

We love design and Open Doors Toronto is a great occasion to see some of the great architecture and buildings Toronto has to offer.

Design is a passion for us and many of Toronto’s Architects are designing innovative and novel buildings. Ultimately, we would like to build these new buildings and as a first step we are now offering to architects and designers a new service. We provide realistic estimates for the projects during the design phase. The aim is to help architects and designers provide complete information to their clients. If you are an architect or a designer we would like to hear from you to see how we can be of service.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.