NOW Magazine
Hidden Toronto: The Foundry buildings
The 100-year-old historic complex that used to be a manufacturing hub railway parts will be reimagined as a new development
By Enzo DiMatteo
What
The Dominion Wheel and Foundries Company site, the largest concentration of heritage buildings in the 40-hectare West Don Lands precinct
Where
Why you should check it out
Urbanist Jane Jacobs coined the concept that new ideas need old buildings. It’s true. Cities where heritage buildings have been preserved actually enjoy higher density, more diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.
In recent years, Toronto has seen many buildings from its industrial past reimagined and repurposed. The Toronto Carpet Factory, 401 Richmond, the former Spadina Hotel and Canadian General Electric building on Wallace Avenue are just a few examples where re-use has inspired artistic and technological innovation.