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Today is a travel day, so I don’t have a whole lot to say. But BlogTO did just publish a story about our Junction placemaking sign: “This intersection is set to become Toronto’s next best photo-op.” I am also happy to report that the sign’s timer has now been installed, which means that, starting today, it will get illuminated each night from sunset to 11PM. (We’re required to shut it off at this time because, you know.)
So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive. And I truly hope that this installation will become a symbol for the Junction neighborhood. This was our sole purpose for pursuing it. It would also be ironic if something that was so difficult to get approval for ends up being loved by city. Perhaps it’s a lesson that stubbornness can be a good thing when you believe in something.
Today was a fantastic day for the development manic meter. This was finally installed at Junction House:
Today is a travel day, so I don’t have a whole lot to say. But BlogTO did just publish a story about our Junction placemaking sign: “This intersection is set to become Toronto’s next best photo-op.” I am also happy to report that the sign’s timer has now been installed, which means that, starting today, it will get illuminated each night from sunset to 11PM. (We’re required to shut it off at this time because, you know.)
So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive. And I truly hope that this installation will become a symbol for the Junction neighborhood. This was our sole purpose for pursuing it. It would also be ironic if something that was so difficult to get approval for ends up being loved by city. Perhaps it’s a lesson that stubbornness can be a good thing when you believe in something.
Today was a fantastic day for the development manic meter. This was finally installed at Junction House:
I'll be honest and say that I had never heard of it before we bought tickets. Even though technically, it is the longest running fashion week in the city because of Toronto Fashion Week getting briefly cancelled in 2016, when its corporate sponsor pulled out. I also had no idea that Peter Freed, of Freed Developments, ended up purchasing the TFW brand later that year. I have been told he talks about it on this episode of Toronto Under Construction, but I haven't had a chance to listen to it just yet.
Getting back to FAT (the acronym is deliberate), it was a cool event. There were of course various runway shows throughout the day and evening, but there were also a few art installations and a retail area for local designers (see below). Tricon Residential and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc were major sponsors, and were giving out popcorn and beer. And in general, the crowd was dressed in ways that made me feel both old and stuffy. It was a lot of fun.
It was also in a warehouse in the Junction. Well, technically I think the neighborhood is called Harwood. But if you're even remotely close to the Junction nowadays, it is vital that you just assimilate. That's how this stuff works. As soon as a neighborhood has a successful brand, its boundaries get invariably stretched in every way possible. I suppose this is the Darwinian world of urban neighborhoods. There is always a chance that you may not make it and you might just get absorbed by a neighboring faction.
I would also add that a lot of creative uses in need of space -- whether it's a fashion show or a DJ event -- seem to be gravitating towards this northern part of the Junction. If you see an event location that says "undisclosed warehouse", chances are it will be here. This is, of course, another naturally occurring urban phenomenon. It is the whole "new ideas require old buildings" thing, which really just means that new ideas require cheaper rents. And generally, it is a good positive leading indicator for an area.
Having said all this, I do think there's a lot of room for Toronto to step up its commitment to fashion and the arts. This is not a world that I live in, and I am not criticizing the good work of Fashion Art Toronto or Toronto Fashion Week. I just think that for a global city of our size and influence, we should be much better. I saw some of this city's ambition, talent, and diversity in a warehouse in the Junction this past weekend. It's just too bad that it's not on stage for the rest of the world to see.
If you happen to find yourself in the area, check it out at 2720 Dundas Street West. And if you'd like to know a little bit about how this placemaking art came to be, click here.
I'll be honest and say that I had never heard of it before we bought tickets. Even though technically, it is the longest running fashion week in the city because of Toronto Fashion Week getting briefly cancelled in 2016, when its corporate sponsor pulled out. I also had no idea that Peter Freed, of Freed Developments, ended up purchasing the TFW brand later that year. I have been told he talks about it on this episode of Toronto Under Construction, but I haven't had a chance to listen to it just yet.
Getting back to FAT (the acronym is deliberate), it was a cool event. There were of course various runway shows throughout the day and evening, but there were also a few art installations and a retail area for local designers (see below). Tricon Residential and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc were major sponsors, and were giving out popcorn and beer. And in general, the crowd was dressed in ways that made me feel both old and stuffy. It was a lot of fun.
It was also in a warehouse in the Junction. Well, technically I think the neighborhood is called Harwood. But if you're even remotely close to the Junction nowadays, it is vital that you just assimilate. That's how this stuff works. As soon as a neighborhood has a successful brand, its boundaries get invariably stretched in every way possible. I suppose this is the Darwinian world of urban neighborhoods. There is always a chance that you may not make it and you might just get absorbed by a neighboring faction.
I would also add that a lot of creative uses in need of space -- whether it's a fashion show or a DJ event -- seem to be gravitating towards this northern part of the Junction. If you see an event location that says "undisclosed warehouse", chances are it will be here. This is, of course, another naturally occurring urban phenomenon. It is the whole "new ideas require old buildings" thing, which really just means that new ideas require cheaper rents. And generally, it is a good positive leading indicator for an area.
Having said all this, I do think there's a lot of room for Toronto to step up its commitment to fashion and the arts. This is not a world that I live in, and I am not criticizing the good work of Fashion Art Toronto or Toronto Fashion Week. I just think that for a global city of our size and influence, we should be much better. I saw some of this city's ambition, talent, and diversity in a warehouse in the Junction this past weekend. It's just too bad that it's not on stage for the rest of the world to see.
If you happen to find yourself in the area, check it out at 2720 Dundas Street West. And if you'd like to know a little bit about how this placemaking art came to be, click here.
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