Comments: illicit and old building

Ohhh! That is so beautiful!!

Posted by Emi at March 24, 2006 09:34 AM

Yes thats one of the buildings in Toronto that i stop to look at quite often when passing by. Its one of the earliest banks in the city actually (though its early in the day and I can't come think of the bank name and architect info). If you go inside the marble banking floor is still there and you can check out the huge safe. It even has the old school elevator working going straight up to the dome which was just used for storage last I checked. The building was the home to the toronto architectural preservation board (or some office to that effect, I forget the actual name) I'm not sure what the plans are for hte building now but I hope they continue to preserve it nicely. I'll look at my book shelf later and try to find the actual story of this one. I'm quite fond of this little precious ostentatious building. I hope they never turn it into a nightclub.

Posted by Rajio at March 24, 2006 09:39 AM

This is the Bank of Toronto building designed by famous architect E. J. Lennox. Built in 1905-6 it is considered one of Toronto's finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture. After being unused for many years the Toronto Historical Board restored the building and it became their head office in June 1993. Since amalgamation, the Board became part of another department (??) and the building has been vacant for the last few years.

Posted by Henry at March 24, 2006 09:47 AM

Aah, I just remembered! I'm pretty sure its the bank of Toronto by EJ Lenox. 1905(give or take. i'm always a little fuzy on the dates)

Posted by Rajio at March 24, 2006 09:47 AM

There is a plaque there if you look closely behind the pillars on the front wall (or used to be) which says what it was. I CANNOT for the life of me remember what it says. . .[blush] but I love that building too. It is SO cool. I hope somebody does something good with it and doesn't tear it down. . .it's probably protected as a historical building. . .

Posted by A thinker at March 24, 2006 09:49 AM

It's the secret headquarters of an even more secret organization.

To tell you more would require that I kill you. ;)

Posted by Chris at March 24, 2006 10:00 AM

DIdn't it used to be a Bank of Montreal for years? I seem to remember it being a bank when I first moved to Toronto.

Posted by neil at March 24, 2006 10:29 AM

Beautiful colors!!!
Nice, it looks almost surreal. Perspective is great too.

Posted by VelviaPix, feeling of color at March 24, 2006 10:38 AM

This was (is?) the headquarters of Argus Corp and Conrad Black. Built in 1850's as a post office, then a Gov't tax office, then a bank then Argus Corp.

Wonder what is next for it.

Lovely building and photo.

Hugh

Posted by Hugh Crymble at March 24, 2006 10:48 AM

Wow that sky is beautiful, im drooling over it! Please put the picture on flickr so I can fav. it right away! The building is allright ;)

Posted by Hitesh Sawlani (hitkaiser) at March 24, 2006 11:18 AM

Neil: Yes, it used to be a BMO I believe. The building has been vacant for years now. They're trying to sell it, but as I remember the selling price is more than insane. So much so that only someone who could tear it down would make any money or have it worth it. I hope it's protected because it's quite the building.

Great capture of it! Did you use a UV filter?

Posted by Hugh at March 24, 2006 11:20 AM

nice picture, I really like the light and how the shadows impact the columns.

Did you use a polarizer?

Posted by jerome at March 24, 2006 11:32 AM

Are you certain that is the old post office? I believe the post office that became a bank and eventually ended up as the headquarters for the notorious Conrad Black is on Toronto Street.

Posted by Stephen at March 24, 2006 11:40 AM

There were discussions that hopefully Apple Computers Canada would take over this building, or the one next to it, and renovate it to become there Canadian flag ship. But no. Just an regular type retail store within the Eaton Centre.
Cheers
PS Love your work Sam. :0)

Posted by ColBalt at March 24, 2006 11:41 AM

This is not the Argus Corp building on Toronto Street. This is what the first commentators said: the former home of the Toronto Historical Board or whatever its called. It wasn't a Bank of Montreal. The Bank of Montreal is at the corner of Queen and Yonge.

Posted by pageblank at March 24, 2006 12:03 PM

The color is excellent, mixed with a very interesting subject and great lines. The woman's red coat adds pop to this - very cool!

Posted by Abe at March 24, 2006 12:36 PM

What is the actual address on Yonge Street?

One of my 'fav' daily visits to your Website. Love it. Keep up the good work.

Dan.

Posted by Dan Salmon at March 24, 2006 12:47 PM

Now that's an easy way to find out about a building that you're unsure of. Way to go. Today's post is more like a page in a "Toronto History" book or something. I get a great photo and an education on the photo. I like what you did with the color in this one.

Posted by Nate at March 24, 2006 12:49 PM

Found the following information on this building:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/205_Yonge_Street

Dan.

Posted by Dan Salmon at March 24, 2006 12:54 PM

Wonderful photo...I'm ashamed to say I didn't even know this building existed despite living in Toronto all my life. I need to explore more!

Posted by Dave MacIntyre at March 24, 2006 01:07 PM

Wasn't the old Colonial Tavern located right beside it?

Posted by Jim at March 24, 2006 01:13 PM

Isnt this the building opposite Baton Rouge....personally i always dreamed of buying it and turning into a design studio... it reminds me of the Ghostbusters Building... and would look pretty damn cool with a ghostbusters sign outside it ;) lol

Posted by Dan at March 24, 2006 01:17 PM

Immediately south of this, there is another equally impressive bank building, long vacant as well! One was a TD and the other a CIBC (I think) The are seperated by an underutilized parkette. As I walk by, I keep envisioning how nice it would be if the two buidings were joined by an impressive atrium instead of this park. park. Oh, and I remember going by this bank on the way home from school, just after it had been robbed (1963/64?)

Posted by Fergus Flattery at March 24, 2006 02:02 PM

Great composition.

I love the sky, and how the top portion of the shot could be mistaken for an InfraRed shot

Posted by JD at March 24, 2006 03:30 PM

I love this one! I love the wide of the lens and the way, I think, you have corrected the perspective and the colour of the sky...

Posted by Kaveh at March 24, 2006 03:39 PM

Great detail and texture. Could you please add to the mouseover any effects you added to the photos? I'd love to learn from you.

-Jerry

Posted by Jerry Aulenbach at March 24, 2006 03:43 PM

Great image! I love this impressive sky.

Posted by Wolfgang at March 24, 2006 03:51 PM

Everytime I see shots of yours like this, that itch of mine comes on for a WIDE ANGLE lens!! Arghgh!!! That 10-22 Canon EFS is calling to be so loudly!

Oh, and nice shot! :)

Posted by James at March 24, 2006 05:09 PM

I did not know the story but this surely is a great pic !!!!

Posted by Ana Russo at March 24, 2006 05:37 PM

My apologies. Here's the building I was thinking of at 10 Toronto Street. Some resemblance at least. Perhaps it deserves a photo.

http://canada.archiseek.com/ontario/toronto/10_toronto_street_lge.html

Posted by hugh Crymble at March 24, 2006 07:46 PM

It was a Bank of Montreal branch

Posted by Farley at March 24, 2006 09:11 PM

I've often walked past this building, and I love it. It's one of the most interesting buildings in the downtown core.

Posted by Rob at March 24, 2006 09:59 PM

Beautifully done! The lens is so wide but it is rendered here without distortion. Those lines on the columns are nice and vertical.

Posted by MikesRightBrain at March 24, 2006 10:14 PM

wow. beautiful columns. nice photo, too!

Posted by ciao!ciuck at March 25, 2006 09:13 PM

Nice shot with perfect straight lines. Pretty rare thing these days.
- Martin

Posted by What The Heck Journal at March 27, 2006 01:33 PM

great photo..beautiful building!

Posted by philip at April 14, 2006 01:08 AM

Good jab i have a short video clip of this building !

Posted by Bahman at April 20, 2006 10:00 PM

Gute Arbeit hier! Gute Inhalte.

Posted by fussball deutschland at March 4, 2009 08:42 AM

i really like how theres couples there makes it cute , pictures great by the way =]

Posted by fanfan at January 5, 2010 11:25 PM
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