January 16, 2008

MORIYAMA & TESHIMA ARCHITECTS

A new main entrance cube (at right) will help transform the Yonge Street façade of the 30-year-old Toronto Reference Library.

Project News

Multi-million dollar revitalization of Toronto Reference Library underway

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The Toronto Public Library has launched a $30 million revitalization project intended to transform its flagship Yonge Street reference library into a facility geared to meet the needs of 21st century patrons.

This is the first significant renovation since the library opened in 1977.

“Public libraries are vital to Toronto’s cultural and economic health,” said Linda Mackenzie, director of research and reference libraries. “The Toronto Reference Library in particular is a cornerstone of city life.”

The building’s original architects, Moriyama & Teshima, are responsible for the redesign. Their mandate was to retain the architectural beauty of the landmark building while creating “a striking and bold” design for the future.

New elements will complement traditional spaces to respond to the range of library uses and users.

The original building was designed by Raymond Moriyama. The redesign is being overseen by his son Ajon.

“It’s been a wonderful process working with a father and son design team,” Mackenzie said. “Ajon has been very respectful of his father’s original design. But he has also really responded to our design brief.

“The redesign is a very effective marriage of past and future.”

The project will be carried out over a five-year period.

The first phase involves construction of an events space to mount large-scale programs, conferences and community events. A $4.7 million contract has been awarded to Ross Clair Contractors Inc.

“They’ve done a little preparatory work on interior hoarding,” Mackenzie said. “They’ll be moving ahead this month with a full-scale construction start. We’re hoping this work will be wrapped up within 16 months.”

Subsequent phases include construction of a new main entrance cube, a redesign of the Yonge Street façade to make the library visually transparent and open to the community, and a complete renovation of the upper floors.

Plans also call for creation of a two-storey special collections centre, a renovated and expanded exhibits gallery and a coffee shop and gift store.

The revitalization project will be funded through a combination of public and private sources. A private sector fundraising campaign is being spearheaded by the Toronto Public Library Foundation.

“This is going to be a phased project,” Mackenzie said. “We will be determining what components go into each phase as we proceed with fundraising, taking into account the operations of the building as well.” The library will remain open during construction.

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