The Shell Oil Tower
Name: The Shell Oil Tower (aka Bulova Tower)
Address: Canadian National Exhibition
Architects: George Robb
City/Province: Toronto, Ontario
Built: 1955
Materials: steel, glass
The Shell Oil Tower was a seminal event in modern Canadian architecture. Designed by architect George Robb in 1955 when he was only twenty-five, the Tower stood for more than thirty years framed by the Prince's Gates. "Meet me at the Shell Tower" was how we remembered her best, and even today Torontonian's think she is still there. It is for this reason that the Tower should be rebuilt.
The re-construction of the Tower will be a way to right the wrongs of the past. It was a mistake to allow this building that held so many strong memories for so many people to fall. It was wrong of us not to recognise her architectural, and historical importance. It was wrong to allow Molson, a private corporation to tear a building down on public park property.
Re-Construction of the Shell Oil Tower is not as foreign as it might first seem. Re-construction precedents have been set already, for example the FireHall No.8 on College Street, Toronto.
The original architectural plans of the Shell Oil Tower, and the architectural firm, George Robb Architects still exists. And the technology that built it, the first use of welded-steel construction is in use today.
Now we have a chance to do something positive. The Reconstruction of the Shell Oil Tower can be the first sign that the CNE Board of Governors is serious about the health of The Canadian National Exhibition. Rebuild the Tower. Let the Renaissance begin. Please Help Restore the dignity of The Canadian National Exhibition.These buildings and structures are part of the collective memory of Canada.
Let the RECONSTRUCTION begin!
|
Modifications: Demolished, 1986 to make way for Molson Indy car race. |
|
Recommendations: Reconstruction / Historical Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. |
Please Help Restore the dignity of The Canadian National Exhibition.These buildings and structures are part of the collective memory of Canada.The demolition of the Grandstand will lead to the demise of the rest of the vintage 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950, and 1960's buildings that have been part of the Canadian National Exhibition for so long.Instead of tearing down our glorious past, we should re-build our past for the future.
CALL NOW!!
Councillor, Joe Pantalone
councillor_pantalone@city.toronto.on.ca
URBANISM
Urbanism is dedicated to Canadian Modern Architecture & Design, and to the Preservation of Architecture across the Dominion of Canada. Urbanism was launched in mid-1998 in a campaign to save Toronto's CNE Grandstand Stadium from demolition. Urbanism is a resourse for the public to utilise and act if they so choose. These will include demolition alerts, new construction, databases on Modern Architecture, General Canadian Architecture, Architects, Industry, and Canadian Industrial Design.
Copyright 1998-2003, Art and Industry/20th Century Limited
