Come along as we get up close and personal with a few of this Canadian city’s most eye-catching. All inspiring and culturally significant buildings and structures. Union Station. We begin our tour of Toronto. Architectural highlights at the city’s landmark hub of transportation. Railway center is going by the name Union Station can be found across North America, but even against steep competition from bigger cities, Toronto stands out as insanely busy with 10s of millions of passengers per year passing through its halls. But despite being so active, it’s far more than just a utilitarian structure. First opened in 1927, it became a National Historic Site of Canada in 1975 and in 1989. Also join the country’s list of protected heritage railway stations. The reason it’s both historically and architecturally significant and considered by many to be the beating heart of the city.
Toronto’s Amazing Cityscape Photo Gallery
Most people pass through or just try to get from A to B, but it’s worth slowing down and looking up to really appreciate the majesty of the structure and its design from its impressive columns to the ceiling of the Great Hall and its massive Windows, Toronto’s Union Station is a sight to behold. The Gooderham building, known more colloquially, is the Flatiron building. This historic structure located at 49 Wellington St East, is easily one of Toronto’s most iconic and photogenic buildings. Perfectly situated so that its backdrop is made up of various skyscrapers, including a certain tower will be discussed later. There is little wonder as to why an image of the Gooderham has become one of the city’s most instantly recognizable Romanesque in style, with a French Gothic archway at the main entrance. The Flatiron was designed and built by the architectural firm of David Roberts, junior with construction running from 1881 to its completion. Next year in 82, though, the building is naturally most striking when seen face on; it’s worth taking a trip around back to see the incredible mural by Canadian artist Derek Michael Bessent. The Gooderham was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1977. The Cathedral Church of Saint James, like Union Station, this Toronto landmark shares its name with numerous similar structures from around the globe, but it’s worth singling out the congregation that calls this impressive structure. Home is the oldest in the city. All the way back to 1797. As for the cathedral itself, it was built in the mid 19th century with construction running from 1850 to 53 though.
The Spire, pinnacles, transepts and finials would not be added for another 20 years. Designed by acclaimed Canadian architect and politician Frederick William Cumberland, who’s responsible for a number of impressive buildings in Toronto, St. James Cathedral is an example of Gothic Revival architecture. The structure is rich in detail with the interior design serving to let in. As much light through its ornate stained glass windows as possible in keeping with the values of the architectural style. When the Spire was added, Saint James became the tallest building in the country, and while it has long since seated that title, it does remain the tallest cathedral Spire in the country.
Ryerson University Student Learning Center, Speaking of celebrated architect Frederick William Cumberland, he, along with collaborator Thomas Rideout junior, actually served as the architect of Ryerson University, though at the time of completion it went by the. Far less illustrious sounding name, the Toronto Normal School. While the structure is definitely worth checking out, the modern architectural attraction of Ryerson University is a relatively recent addition. The Student Learning Center, which was built between 2009 and 2015. Designed by Snohetta and Saddler, Partnership architects, this magnificent structure is governed by a clear philosophy, taking the collective and group minded educational spaces of the ancient Greeks, and updating that ethos for the needs of today’s students.
An architectural marvel, both inside and out that wears its modernity on its sleeve, the Ryerson SLC is truly a must visit Old City Hall. Remember when we said that Saint James Cathedral was once the tallest building in all of Canada? Well, this is the structure that thanks to its impressive and now iconic 340 foot tall clock tower overtook the cathedral in 1899. It would hold the record for 18 years before it was forced to forfeit the Crown in kind, though it may no longer bear that distinction. Old City Hall remains among Toronto’s most identifiable landmarks. The starring attraction of the structure is of course, the beautiful clock which was constructed in England by Gillett and Johnston and shipped over on the clock tower.
You’ll notice 4 gargoyles. These were part of the initial plans but were removed in 1938 as the harsh Toronto weather had taken a significant toll on them. Thankfully, in 2002, bronze replacements were made from molds of the originals and mounted in their place, making the tower feel truly complete again for the first time in about. 65 years designed by architect EJ Lennox in the Richardsonian Romanesque revival style. Old City Hall is the sort of structure that you really need to go up close and personal with to fully appreciate New City Hall out with the old and in with the new. We’d actually prefer to have both of them. Thank you very much. The current City Hall of Toronto this spectacular structure was designed by Finnish architect, Video Ravel and inaugurated in 1965, a modernist building through and through New City Hall has aged incredibly well. Still looking fresh and inspired. Even 50 plus years after its completion.
The building consists of two towering structures of differing heights. The east Tower measures 326 feet, dwarfing its western counterpart by a full 7 storeys or roughly 66 feet, and yet this asymmetrical design doesn’t feel lopsided or off balance with the curve of the buildings visually easing them together at the time of its completion, the building divided critics, with some declaring it to be too futuristic for the city’s aesthetic. Others felt the design was a bit sinister, given that from above it looks like an eye, which is how it got the nickname. The eye of the government. Regardless, there is no denying the structure is unique, so why not go and see it and decide for yourself Castle Oma, meaning Hill house in Spanish. Castle Loma is a breathtaking mansion.
In fact, it’s so formidable that one struggles to believe that it was once a private residence built for wealthy Toronto financiers. Sir Henry Pellatt and designed by the same architect of Old City Hall Castle Loma, took three years to complete. And cost an estimated 3 and a half million Canadian dollars. Of course, that was in the early 1900s today that works out to about $80 million. Thankfully, this opulent structure can now be enjoyed by all since 1937. It served as a museum and has been featured in a number of films. It’s also available for rent after museum hours for weddings and other private events. Though the exterior of this Gothic Revival building would be worth the trip alone, the interior is what makes jaws really drop during construction.
Pellet brought in artists and Craftsmen from Europe, ensuring that no square inch of the building was ordinary. Everywhere you look, you’ll find exquisite detailing and expert craftsmanship. The CN Tower last but certainly not least, we have the most iconic structure in Toronto, if not all of Canada. Once the world’s tallest structure of its kind, the CN Tower only lost that title when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2007, measuring over 1800 feet high, it nonetheless remains. A sight to behold, one that understandably attracts millions of visitors each year and has been called one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built over three years from 1973 to 1976. The CN Tower was designed by John Andrews Architects in partnership with Toronto own WZMH Architects, a feat of engineering in its own time. The CN Tower stands as a proud testament to Canadian design and construction, while the views offered by its various observation decks are without a doubt. Among the most impressive found in any North American city, happy exploring.
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