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Good Riddance to Bad Architecture
As part of the TTC’s ongoing plan to modernize the stations along the Bloor-Danforth line, Victoria Park is getting a brand new bus terminal. According to the TTC’s website, it won’t be finished until 2010; until then, the old commuter parking lot at Denton and Victoria Park avenues will serve as a temporary terminal. The modified routes, which will bypass the station and the soon-to-be-demolished terminal as of Sunday, February 15, include 12 Kingston Road, 24 Victoria Park, 67 Pharmacy, and 404 East York Community.
When it’s finished, the terminal—like the rest of the station—will feature the work of acclaimed environmentalist and designer Aniko Meszaros. The theme Meszaros has chosen, which is being called “Roots,” will reflect the diversity of the community through natural imagery. According to the plans, the station will have a green roof, the word “Roots” will be painted in different languages at the north entrance, filigree panels with root patterns will be installed in the bus terminal, and the west concourse will be decorated with interactive tree ring images. While we’re not sure about the new design, we’re happy to say goodbye to the old one: Victoria Park’s bus terminal is a hideous concrete monstrosity that deserves to be bulldozed. Now if only the TTC could get around to demolishing its ugly cousin at Islington Station.