As the Galleria Mall site undergoes transformation to become Galleria on the Park, one of the largest master-planned communities in Toronto, a 60-foot-tall, dated brick pylon that once displayed the mall’s old signage has been transformed into a public art installation.
Toronto-based artist Thrush Holmes’ mixed-media piece features distinct components including: an illuminated Galleria sign, vibrant neon bars, and Holmes’ signature neon artwork, including a Love me Till I’m Me Again sign and a massive red heart that shines atop the pylon. Splashes of bright green, red, blue and yellow paint add a playful element throughout.
The artwork was commissioned by developer ELAD Canada to animate Toronto’s West End and serve as a temporary centrepiece for the site.
Dupont West has become a vibrant and creative arts scene as it shifts from the city’s industrial past. Dotted with numerous studios, art galleries, and artisanal restaurants and cafés, the redesigned pylon perfectly captures where the area is now.
“This art piece is an homage to the Dupont West neighbourhood,” said Holmes. “I’ve passed by this Galleria pylon countless times, so having the opportunity to contribute to my community’s transformation through art is truly special. From the start, it’s been a very collaborative process with ELAD Canada to bring this creative vision to life.”
ELAD Canada has now moved into Galleria 02, the second phase of the Galleria on the Park master-planned community. Galleria 01, which launched this fall along with the brand-new eight-acre Wallace Emerson Park and the 95,000-square-foot Wallace Emerson Community Centre, saw overwhelming sell-out success.
CORE Architects is designing Galleria 02, with interiors by U31. Galleria 02 echoes the industrial character of Galleria 01, connected by the same heavily-articulated podium with double-storey retail at the ground level.
Residents of Galleria 02 will benefit from family-friendly amenities, including an expansive co-working space that doubles as an event space opening out to a wrap-around outdoor terrace, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. At 24 storeys, Galleria 02 will offer family-sized suites with south-facing views overlooking the downtown skyline, as well as the community’s multi-use public spaces, including the extensive park and community centre, which doubles the size of the current facility.
“The response from the market and our local community to the first phase of our Galleria on the Park master-planned community has been tremendous,” said Rafael Lazer, CEO at ELAD Canada. “On the other hand, this new art piece is a great fit for the neighbourhood, celebrating the site’s transformation and symbolizing Dupont West’s exciting future.”
