The massive changes Toronto has undergone over the past several years are noticeable everywhere, especially in the area surrounding our downtown core of course, where countless new high-rise developments continue to reshape the landscape. The intersection of University and Adelaide, at the western edge of the Financial District, has been dramatically altered by the new 66-storey Shangri-La hotel and condominium, but back on September 7, 2007, all that stood on site was a parking lot and the derelict historic property known as "Bishop's Block".

Looking west at the Shangri-La site from Adelaide and University, September 7, 2007, image by Edward Skira

Jumping forward to the present, the new development has had a profound impact on the intersection. A backdrop of new condominium towers and an obvious increase in traffic help to bolster the big-city vibes seen in the "now" photo versus the "then" photo.

Looking west at the Shangri-La from Adelaide and University, October 1 2014, image by Jack Landau

In another comparison between 2007 and 2014, we examine the Shangri-La's southern frontage and heritage portion on Adelaide Street West. Back in 2007, the view north from Adelaide west of University was marred by surface parking and the slowly-rotting Bishop's Block.

Looking north at the Shangri-La site from Adelaide west of University, September 7, 2007, image by Edward Skira

In 2014, things are much different. Bishop's Block has been carefully disassembled and beautifully rebuilt, and the tower's podium occupies the space where cars once parked. The only vehicle traffic that you can see on the surface of the site today moves through an elegant porte-cochère.

Looking north at the Shangri-La from Adelaide west of University, October 1 2014, image by Jack Landau

We will return next week with another look at the changing face of Toronto!

Related Companies:  Hariri Pontarini Architects