Ontario Construction News staff writer
Toronto’s Eaton Centre is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation.
Cadillac Fairview says the $60 million project will transform the mall’s galleria skylight roof.
EllisDon Corporation will oversee construction, working with Zeidler Architecture Inc. and Read Jones Christoffersen consulting engineers. Work will be completed in two phases, starting with the south end of the mall (Queen Street to Centre Court) this month and work on the north end commencing in March 2023.
“As the original architects of the galleria, we’re honoured to play a continuing role in one of the city’s most iconic buildings. This revitalization will ensure the skylight roof is fit-for-purpose and sustainable in the long term, all while retaining its original architectural splendor,” said David Collins, Partner at Zeidler Architecture Inc. Existing glass panels will be replaced with new materials and technologies designed to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the classic design aesthetic.
The project is the latest endeavour in an ongoing evolution of the mall.
“At Cadillac Fairview we are proud to continually invest in our properties to deliver a world-class shopping experience,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice-president, development, Cadillac Fairview.
“Galleria’s original design was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Italy and has served as a distinguishing feature of the mall since the centre’s opening in 1977. As custodians of this unique architectural element our priority is to ensure the integrity of its design as we significantly enhance its functional performance.”
The Eaton Centre is the largest urban shopping centre in North America, and the “Flight Stop” art installation, which depicts sixty Canada geese mid-flight serves as a visual identity for the centre. It will be temporarily and carefully removed by an art restoration company for professional maintenance and placed in safe storage until re-installation.
CF will also be investing $17 million to add three new staircases in the south court and Urban Eatery, improve elevators, and install a larger cab in an existing elevator.
Since 2010 Cadillac Fairview has invested more than $1.6 billion in the facility, including the redevelopment of the Queen Street pedestrian bridge, the purchase of the Hudson Bay Centre block and 401 Bay Street; the buyback of the Sears space and its redevelopment to accommodate Nordstrom, as well as the creation of the BMO Urban Campus opening in 2022.
