The origianl federal building was actually designed in 1930 but did not get started building 1955. It is an Art-Deco style and it cost $5.8 millioin dollars to build. The cornerstone was laid on May 7, 1955 and it was completed in 1959.
Six types of marble were used and some of the original light fixtures and doors are still in place.
The building was vacted in 1989 when the final move was made to Canada Place (see Aug.11 photo). The building was eventually sold to the provincial government.
It is currently undergoing a major $365 million dollar renovation. The plan is to have it completed in 2012 in time for the 100th anniversary of the Legislative Building. Once finished it will house 850 government workers, retail shops and reataurants. There will also be an outdoor skating rink.
I am really looking forward to seeing what it looks like on completion.
Nice to see that they have saved this old building
Wonderful that these old building come back to life again as one would say. do you live close to it. if I wanted to go to Toronto to take pictures I would have to make a special trip.
I agree- I'd rather see architectural beauties like this be rennovated and refurbished rather than torn down. Glad to see someone had the foresight to see how it could be repurposed. The skating rink makes me think of Rockefeller Center in NYC. It's very popular and fun to go to.
