L Tower

The L Tower (also known as the Libeskind Tower) is a residential skyscraper in Toronto, Ontario, Canada designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The project, which broke ground in mid-October 2009, saw many delays. One cause for delay was a stop-work order caused by safety concerns about the crane at the top of the building. The crane was also an eyesore for many residents.[4][5][6] Despite the cranes (which were removed by May 2016 and September 2018 respectively), the building still won the eighth place Emporis Skyscraper Award in 2017.[7][8]

The L Tower
General information
StatusComplete
TypeResidential
Location8 The Esplanade
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates43°38′47″N 79°22′35″W
Estimated completionTopping out: Fall 2013
Completion: Winter 2014
Opening: Summer 2015
CostCAD $ 235 million[1]
Height
Roof205 metres (673 ft)[2]
Technical details
Floor count58
Design and construction
ArchitectDaniel Libeskind
DeveloperCastlepoint Realty Partners Ltd.
References
[3]

In the 2000s, the Sony Centre (then known as the Hummingbird Centre) was expected to be demolished and the land sold; however, Hummingbird Centre CEO Dan Brambilla convinced the city to preserve the site and approve the condo development.[5]

Developers

The building is being developed by three builders: Cityzen and Castlepoint Numa of Toronto, and Fernbrook Homes of Concord, Ontario.[1]

Sony Plaza and public art

The Sony Plaza is an open space elevated above the intersection of Yonge and Front streets. It is being designed by Claude Cormier and Associates.[9][10]

Canadian artist Harley Valentine is creating a triptych of sculptures to be installed in the Sony Plaza. Called Dream Ballet in hommage to the National Ballet of Canada's four-decade residence at the site, the three sculptures depict abstracted ballet dancers in various dynamic positions.[11][12][13]

Honor

In 2017, the L Tower was awarded an Emporis Skyscraper Award in the number 8 spot in the category of best new skyscraper.[8]

Controversy

In June 2015, Ontario's Ministry of Labour began investigating the L Tower's work site due to complaints about its partially assembled crane. A stop-work order was issued, and engineering reports were ordered to confirm the crane was structurally sound before continuing work; due at the end of July, these reports were not provided. The crane's operator resigned after he felt his concerns that the crane could collapse were being ignored by the construction manager, and the business manager of IUOE Local 793 stated: "We don’t believe we should be rolling the dice on a custom-made lifting device over the heads of the good people of Toronto."[1]

In February 2018, former members of a number of condominium boards—including L Tower—were accused of misusing funds, resulting in litigation. Two members of the L Tower's condominium board resigned as a result.[14]

See also

References
  1. Robinson, Michael (22 November 2015). "Safety concerns over crane holding up completion of L Tower". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 23 December 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  2. "Canada". The Skyscraper Center.
  3. L Tower at Emporis
  4. Reddekopp, Lorenda (12 September 2018). "'Why's the stupid crane up there?': L Tower construction delays finally coming to an end". CBC News. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  5. Knelman, Martin (26 October 2009). "Partnership saves a city landmark and adds a new one". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  6. Warnica, Richard (6 November 2015). "Delays pile up at Toronto's iconic L Tower condo despite six years of construction". National Post. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  7. Hauen, Jack; Jones, Alexandra; Marotta, Sefanie (11 September 2018). "Crane atop the L Tower is finally removed". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  8. Dmitrieva, Katia (30 November 2017). "Libeskind Tower in Toronto Nabs Award, Even With Crane Left Atop". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  9. "Sony Centre for the Performing Arts". Claude Cormier.
  10. Knelman, Martin (3 October 2015). "Born-again plaza to enhance Sony Centre: Knelman". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 27 October 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  11. "Dream Ballet". HV Studio. Archived from the original on 6 April 2013.
  12. Rockingham, Graham (3 December 2016). "Hamiltonian's Dream Ballet statues to transform the heart of Toronto". The Hamilton Spectator. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  13. Govani, Shinan (6 August 2016). "Meet Harley Valentine, the man behind a new Toronto jewel". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  14. Lancaster, John (23 February 2018). "Condo owners find out they're on the hook for $750K, sue former board members for $800K". CBC News. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
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