Doors Open Toronto 2014

Canada Life Building Toronto

Spring is here and the Doors Open season has begun. This year it was just Wai and I that went on this adventure across Toronto. As many of you know, I do love to take in the historical and informative aspects of the buildings that we visit. This year I was more intrigued by the architectural view of these magnificent buildings that represent Toronto's past.

Our first stop was to the Campbell House. This is the oldest surviving building from the Town of York. I was built in1822 for Sir William Campbell. He was a very prominent figure in Canada's legal legacy. The house is filled with furnishings and portraits representative of its time. Our next stop was next door- the Canada Life Building. This towering structure is one of the many known landmarks in the downtown area. One was lead into one of the meeting rooms to view a movie about the history of the building. I was wowed by the 17th floor observation room. The long windows that surround the room beckoned you to take a look outside. My eyes grew wide as I took in the sights of downtown Toronto. The muted coloured ceilings and accents reflected the sunshine. The building from the outside is that of grandeur. With its graduated levels and columned front, it commands a much deserved respect.

We then proceeded to the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. The building houses two performing theatres. The Elgin has a royal feeling to it with its red velvet seats and its golden trimmings, images and accents. The Winter Garden is a sight of enchantment. This theatre located above the Elgin gives the ambiance of a woodland area with its leafy ceiling and garden images painted walls. You almost expect to see wildlife come up to you and welcome you to their make-believe world.

Our next visit was to the Canada Permanent Trust Building was yet another awe inspiring experience. Built in 1928, this building is magnificent in so many ways. The towering ceilings make one feel tiny against the interior's splendor. The archways, with their patterned perimeters, let you know you are in a building of importance. The CIBC Mellon, who now occupies this building, has kept the original vault. One can not help but notice the golden brass bars that once secured the vault years ago. Just when we thought that we could not possibly be stunned by architectural beauty again; we were proven wrong. The Commerce Court North absolutely took our breath away. This was the original Canadian Bank of Commerce building. The high lime green ceilings with golden octagon shapes were not something I expected at all. The chandeliers add to the view that seems larger than life. The spacing of these fixtures along with the windows allow for a flow of light throughout the interior. Though the buildings of the present are unique in their own right, the majestic display seen in these historical buildings that we visited by far surpassed any expectations we had.  

Contributor and Photographer- Melissa Richardson

Canada Permanent Trust Building Toronto

 

Commerce Court North Toronto