"One thing that impressed me was how venues in the States would often be community hubs with multiple uses. Turner Hall in Milwaukee had a rock climbing gym in one room, a restaurant in another and the main venue was a beautiful old ballroom that’s been around since the 1800s. Developers would turn that place into Shoppers Drug Mart if it was in Toronto."
Absolutely!!!! And Western Canada doesn't even have buildings from the 1800''s - everything is a brutalist space with nothing but a failing bar in an oversaturated market, that is often single purpose (concert hall), and therefore fully underutilized. Not to mention that even that venue is probably only accessible by car and located on or just off of a major freeway.
Loved the whole post though, really appreciate your insights from the tour.
It's always disappointing how Edmonton is so quick to get rid of heritage buildings. The western cities are relatively new in the first place, it's like they have an unconscious desire to erase what little history they do have. Glad you liked the post!
Really great piece, I’d be up for a Part Two with more thoughts on the differences (and maybe some similarities) of touring Canada and the USA.
Yeah, I could probably get even more granular about it. Maybe I will!
"One thing that impressed me was how venues in the States would often be community hubs with multiple uses. Turner Hall in Milwaukee had a rock climbing gym in one room, a restaurant in another and the main venue was a beautiful old ballroom that’s been around since the 1800s. Developers would turn that place into Shoppers Drug Mart if it was in Toronto."
Absolutely!!!! And Western Canada doesn't even have buildings from the 1800''s - everything is a brutalist space with nothing but a failing bar in an oversaturated market, that is often single purpose (concert hall), and therefore fully underutilized. Not to mention that even that venue is probably only accessible by car and located on or just off of a major freeway.
Loved the whole post though, really appreciate your insights from the tour.
It's always disappointing how Edmonton is so quick to get rid of heritage buildings. The western cities are relatively new in the first place, it's like they have an unconscious desire to erase what little history they do have. Glad you liked the post!