03-09-2022, 09:06 PM
(03-09-2022, 08:57 PM)dtkvictim Wrote: What incentivizes building towers on top of "heritage" buildings? This, Circa, Q Condos, 21 Weber St, etc.
I get that heritage designations (or the risk of it) makes this the path of least resistance, and I actually prefer it over outright losing the few worthwhile buildings we have. But why are these properties so often chosen for redevelopment? Surely the many parking lots, empty lots, or completely forgettable buildings should be incentivized for redevelopment first?
I don’t really have an answer and I think you raise a good point, but here’s something else to consider: some buildings have a (realistic) choice of being neglected and eventually demolished, or being incorporated into a large new development. Generally, I’d rather the latter.
Although I do agree that some of these projects are unfortunate — personally, I prefer façadism to nothing, but I appreciate even more when something of the inside of the original building remains to be used into the future.