Sunday, August 14, 2022

Bloor Street United Church (Toronto)

As atheistic as I am I love churches. Last week I walked by Toronto's Bloor Street United Church, as I do on many days of the week, and could not help but notice some industrial action. I snapped a few pictures. As I walked to the Bloor Street side of the church a blue-helmeted workman was standing behind the necessary barrier.

"Is this church being razed?", I asked with some incredulity even if I had seen notifications earlier stating that something bad might happen to this beautiful building.

The gent nodded with the kind of nod used to say "hi" more than to say "yes'". He approached me to make for a more comfortable conversation.

"Part of it is. Part of it will be preserved." He twisted a little to his left and pointed up at about a forty-five degree angle and added, "Those guys up there are pulling down some of the stones."

Somewhat ignorantly I asked what newfangled structure was going to take its place. The helpful worker answered, appearing to be somewhat embarrassed with the information he was about to impart, perhaps because he'd been asked many times the same question:

"A condo building."

Great, another junky-crappy crackerbox condo tower... just what Toronto needs even more of. No doubt the first occupants will quickly complain of poor workmanship ― something not seen in Bloor Street United Church.














Wikipedia entry on Bloor Street United Church.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloor_Street_United_Church

7 comments:

Simon St. Laurent said...

Many thanks to that helpful and pleasant gent. In hindsight I should have offered to buy him a coffee (there is a Second Cup store just metres from the church).

Greg Woods said...

PS... "there is a Second Cup store just metres from the church" ... for now!

Simon St. Laurent said...

That corner is scheduled to go. A real-estate agent told me recently that that project is on hold due to some assessment issues.

Jon said...

Meh, another glass-and-metal box.... But consider the alternative of sprawl and more highways. I guess folks gotta live somewhere.

Simon St. Laurent said...

... and the good news is this tower will be a two-minute walk from the "Spadina" subway station, which is a hub for two lines.

Greg Woods said...

"That corner is scheduled to go. A real-estate agent told me recently that that project is on hold due to some assessment issues."

I was being satirical, but... it figures.

Simon St. Laurent said...

Of course you were. But funny how some things turn into jokes before they're jokes... I need more coffee. To that Second Cup in question....