CF Toronto Eaton Centre will begin revitalizing its skylight galleria roof this month with a $60-million upgrade to boost energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
New materials and technologies will replace the existing glass yet retain the classic design aesthetic the roof is known for.
“The 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,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice president, development, Cadillac Fairview. “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 shopping centre’s “Flight Stop” art installation, which depicts sixty Canada geese mid-flight and has come to serve as a visual identity for the centre, will be temporarily and carefully removed by an art restoration company for professional maintenance and placed in safe storage until re-installation.
The refurbishment will involve original galleria architects Zeidler Architecture Inc., with Read Jones Christoffersen as consulting engineers and construction overseen by EllisDon Corporation.
The project will be carried out in two phases, starting with the south end of the mall (Queen Street to Centre Court) in mid-January 2022 and work on the north end commencing in March 2023.
CF will also be investing $17 million to improve shoppers’ movement and accessibility with the addition of three new staircases in the South Court and Urban Eatery, improvements to elevators, and the installation of a larger cab in an existing elevator to better accommodate strollers and mobility scooters. The enhancements will facilitate convenient connections, while creating a more welcoming environment throughout the property.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre galleria roof. Image courtesy of Zeidler Architecture Inc.
Since 2010, Cadillac Fairview has invested more than $1.6 billion in its flagship retail centre, 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.
