Turning Class B Buildings into Class A

I'm thrilled to be moderating the upcoming panel discussion Repurposing Toronto's Aging Commercial Towers, on how historic buildings in the downtown core are being refurbished rather than torn down, or reduced to mere facades. The market has changed. Corporate tenants, especially burgeoning tech companies, are seeking vintage buildings that carry with them a history and legacy.

The latest example is 320 Bay Street, also known as the Canada Permanent Building, a Style Moderne 18-storey tower at the corner of Bay and Adelaide, designed by architect Henry Sproatt in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Menkes Development is working with B+H Architects to repurpose the building into high-end office spaces with all the amenities desired by leading businesses, and without touching the exterior. Many of the building's incredible interior attributes will also remain, including the intricate brass detailing that defines it entryways and elevators, and the Bankers Hall (pictured) on the ground floor.

Hope to see you at the discussion on Wednesday, October 30, starting at 5:30pm, presented by B+H Architects at Bankers Hall, 320 Bay Street, Toronto.

Panelists: Peter Menkes, President of Commercial and Industrial properties, Menke; Peter Heys, Principal – Interior Design, B+H; David Moretti, Senior Vice President and Sales Representative, Colliers; and Jody Becker, Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President, Services, EllisDon.