Cabbagetown: What Happened at Aberdeen and Parliament?

December 25th, 2008 // filed under: Cabbagetown

I am a creature of habit. I get up very early, exercise, respond to emails and head to Johnnie Jet Fuel’s for a (you’ll get it the way I make it!) Latte’.

The early morning music can be a bit too stimulating so I often find myself standing outside and watching the new construction at the south-west corner of Aberdeen and Parliament. Most mornings I end up shaking my head. Sorry, but I don’t get it!

In an area full of Victorian peaked roofs and gables, what is that “Square Bunker” doing there? We have an active Cabbagetown Preservation Association and an Old Cabbagetown BIA, not to mention that Cabbagetown is protected by the Toronto Historical Association. Were they not on their watch? Were they asleep at the switch?

Granted, I do not claim to have the have the eye of Toronto Star Columnist Christopher Hume but the only thing that I see that fits with the Community aesthetic is some dark red brick.

What worries me is that some sources have told me that the buildings to the south are owned by the same person and once a precedent has been set we may see more.

Please feel free to comment below. I promise to keep an open mind, so …convince me, please!

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 25th, 2008 at 2:06 pm and is filed under Cabbagetown. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

mookie said at January 5th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I agree with some of what you’ve said, but honestly, I have to say this is actually pro-active infill development. It may not work strictly within the architectural styles of the area, but it definitely could be a lot worse. It has a good grade-related relationship and isn’t completely out of context. The main issues is really with the detailing of the roof, which could’ve been peaked to reflect the buildings around it.
Richard Silver said at January 6th, 2009 at 12:33 am
The same owner apparently owns the buildings to the south. Picture that building tripled in size…
And not one sloped roof or gable anymore…
Jake said at January 19th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Hi, I don’t think I really think I really agree with the Starbucks going in. I think the new building is better than the rundown mess that was there before. However I want to know when the units will be finished… does anyone know?
Richard Silver said at January 20th, 2009 at 2:44 am
It seems as if work has stopped there completely for the last couple of months. Architecturally, I think something like the north corner would have been more in keeping…as for Stabucks…do we need another Coffee shop on Parliament Street??

Richard Silver

Start Searching Now

Featured Neighbourhood