It’s a sad SAD day for Toronto architecture as it looks like we’re about to loose another amazing project! The Giraffe condo was a 27 story architectural masterpiece planned for the North West corner of Bloor and Dundas. Different than the typical and predictable trend of rectangular designs that we’re so used to seeing, Giraffe was a breath of fresh air to the Toronto skyline…LITTERALY!

For those unfamiliar with the proposed project (pictured above), allow me to explain it like this…The structure is a lot like Angelina Jolie: Edgy, Beautiful, Unique and Socially Responsible! Not only did the design push the boundaries of style, it also did it keeping sustainable living in mind! The plan at Giraffe was to build the condo based on a Silver Certification by LEED – the nationally recognized standard in sustainable design, construction and operation.

The often-changing-minds at City council voted against the proposed project in December causing the developer, TAS DesignBuild, to appeal the decision in front of The Ontario Municipal Board. On Wednesday the Board voted against the project. Their reasoning is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion…and here’s why! For years, the City has been yapping on how urban sprawl is counterintuitive for its future plans and how increased density (ie build up instead of out) is the way of the future. So now we have a fresh design in a “tired looking” part of town which definitely makes excellent vertical use of old space and they oppose it, claiming it lacks “smart density”

ughhhhh, so let me get this right???

Developer introduces one of the most eye catching designs the City has ever seen. Includes “green” features, something that ranks high up there with current polices. And picks a corner that is within minutes to the subway… yet councillor Gord Perks still thinks it’s not smart!!! Well then what is? Oh, I have an idea…why don’t we charge all purchasers an extra fee for stimulating the economy, creating jobs and revitalizing an area? We’ll call it: “The Toronto Land Transfer Tax”….damn, it’s already been done!

The dramatic look of the building is NOT “too large or inappropriate for the area.” It’s exactly what the area needs. The way I see it is this: Projects like this bring new life into tired areas resulting in a surge of new business and stronger support of the old ones! The same residents who opposed this project are missing out on a HUGE potential…the potential of turning unvisited streets into a captivating neighbourhood.

Now granted, I doubt one building would transform the entire area…but it would definitely attract others to follow! Need proof? Look at the success of Liberty Village and The Distillery District, both areas doing well due to the residents living in it!

Though I haven’t heard officially that the project is cancelled…it doesn’t look good. Not only for the life of Giraffe, but also for the confidence of developers, architects, and builders to push the envelope of design and truly give our City something unique! I feel as if the City made a MAJOR mistake denying this project, and I can only hope that the Giraffe design pokes its head again…In another councillors ward!

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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