North York councillors have agreed to add 14 York University buildings that showcase modern architecture to Toronto's heritage inventory.
They are also recommending city council indicate its intent to designate three buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act.The listing and designation will allow the city to protect York's heritage even as the university moves forward with its development plans.The 14 buildings are Atkinson College, the Behavioural Science Building, the Farquharson Life Sciences Building, Founders College and Residence, McLaughlin College and Tatham Hall, Osgoode Hall Law School, the Petrie Science and Engineering Building, the Ross Building, Scott Library, Steacie Science and Engineering Building, Stedman Lecture Halls, phase 1 of the Tait McKenzie Centre, Vanier College and Residence and Winters College and Residence.Meanwhile, councillors want to designate three properties known as the Abraham Hoover House and the Jacob Stong house and barn.The 14 buildings were constructed during the early years of the university, which was founded 50 years ago.City preservation officer Marilyn Miller, with heritage preservation services, said the buildings represent a distinct architectural style for their time."You won't see buildings designed like that now," she said. "But they do represent their time."Edith Geduld, past-chair of the North York community preservation panel, said her group is delighted with councillors' decision. But Don Valley East Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong, a former York University student, questioned the architectural and historical merit of some of the buildings."Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but some of these buildings, I find them rather unattractive," he said."Some would say thank goodness (their style isn't used today)."