The all-new, futuristic St. Lawrence Market unveiled at last

The all-new, futuristic St. Lawrence Market unveiled at last

See into the future: Church and Front Streets, c. 2014

St. Lawrence Market’s historic north building is getting a not-so-historic-looking facelift. Yesterday, David Miller and Councillor Pam McConnell announced that a winning design for the St. Lawrence Market North Building Design Competition has been chosen from the short list of five. By 2014, the building will be transformed into a hulking four-storey structure that will house market space on the ground floor, with courtrooms and administrative offices for Toronto Court Services occupying the upper floors. It will also feature a green roof and parking garage.

The new design, by Adamson Associates Architects and Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, features a glass atrium that will provide a clear view of street life on Front and Jarvis Streets, as well as views of the south market and St. Lawrence Hall to the north. According to press material, the airy space will make indoor shoppers feel like they are in a “fresh outdoor market.” It will probably also make shoppers feel like they’re in the future (which they will be, incidentally).

The current Saturday farmers’ market and Sunday antique market will move to a temporary location at 125 The Esplanade during construction.

(Images: toronto.ca)