Jess Foran
Jess Foran's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by Oliver Turner on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Supported a comment by Alex Lo on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Alex Lo
We deserve better architecture in the city. I am tired of generic blue/green-glass towers that all look identical. Please ensure there is unique cladding, and focus on how towers can look very different from each other. In downtown and Yonge- Eglinton all of the buildings look virtually the same. Please do not repeat this lazy thinking when it comes to design - please hire more diverse architects, don't just use the same one for all of the buildings. See design as something that uplifts us and enhances our sense of place. Visitors will be drawn to a district with out of the box design thinking.
We deserve better architecture in the city. I am tired of generic blue/green-glass towers that all look identical. Please ensure there is unique cladding, and focus on how towers can look very different from each other. In downtown and Yonge- Eglinton all of the buildings look virtually the same. Please do not repeat this lazy thinking when it comes to design - please hire more diverse architects, don't just use the same one for all of the buildings. See design as something that uplifts us and enhances our sense of place. Visitors will be drawn to a district with out of the box design thinking.
Supported a comment by Matthew C on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Matthew C
I am concerned that the 50,000 square feet of cultural space is not going to suit the demand in the right ways. It is important to establish a more clear definition of what that means and who it applies to; i.e. Cultural events and exhibition spaces are one thing, but that also is different from the need for maker-spaces or individual studio spaces which the city lacks and is also different from retail spaces open to the public like galleries and venues. Beyond just event spaces, try to think about cultural spaces and need for revenue generating creative industries in the office towers. Don't pool all of the creative uses in the 50,000 sq ft cultural space category as it could limit creative potential for the city and the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. The last thing I want defined is: What is culture? What categories does that entail? Culinary/food is considered culture, the arts are another portion, but so are small artisan shops, as well as non-conventional spots like a barber or tailor. Culture is now expanding its bounds and I wish there to be a more open definition of what cultural experiences could mean. If there are pilot projects in Toronto where we see live music on patios outside and inside cafes and restaurants, perhaps definition and expansion of cultural experience can be explored and intermingled. Maybe cultural space could be creatively maximized in these facets.
I am concerned that the 50,000 square feet of cultural space is not going to suit the demand in the right ways. It is important to establish a more clear definition of what that means and who it applies to; i.e. Cultural events and exhibition spaces are one thing, but that also is different from the need for maker-spaces or individual studio spaces which the city lacks and is also different from retail spaces open to the public like galleries and venues. Beyond just event spaces, try to think about cultural spaces and need for revenue generating creative industries in the office towers. Don't pool all of the creative uses in the 50,000 sq ft cultural space category as it could limit creative potential for the city and the vibrancy of the neighbourhood. The last thing I want defined is: What is culture? What categories does that entail? Culinary/food is considered culture, the arts are another portion, but so are small artisan shops, as well as non-conventional spots like a barber or tailor. Culture is now expanding its bounds and I wish there to be a more open definition of what cultural experiences could mean. If there are pilot projects in Toronto where we see live music on patios outside and inside cafes and restaurants, perhaps definition and expansion of cultural experience can be explored and intermingled. Maybe cultural space could be creatively maximized in these facets.
Supported a comment by Gene B on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Gene B
There are a lot of comments that mention arts and culture, and affordability. I wholeheartedly agree with them. Here is an idea: provide a FREE space to any person or organization willing to set up an event or "happening". Obviously, some organization should manage the space and allocate it according to some criteria: maximum number of days (3, maybe), non-profit nature of the event, and events chosen for their originality, appeal, etc. The managing organization could get the space rent-free in exchange for managing it and making it available at no cost to applicants at least 150 days a year, for ex.
There are a lot of comments that mention arts and culture, and affordability. I wholeheartedly agree with them. Here is an idea: provide a FREE space to any person or organization willing to set up an event or "happening". Obviously, some organization should manage the space and allocate it according to some criteria: maximum number of days (3, maybe), non-profit nature of the event, and events chosen for their originality, appeal, etc. The managing organization could get the space rent-free in exchange for managing it and making it available at no cost to applicants at least 150 days a year, for ex.
Supported a comment by Paul Y on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Paul Y
Agree. Some will be drawn to this development, note that about 1/2 the units will likely be bought by investors. https://storeys.com/toronto-condos-investor-owned/ While this may be great for mortgage lenders, developers and consultants it doesn't guarantee good design or "community building" will be big priorities.
Agree. Some will be drawn to this development, note that about 1/2 the units will likely be bought by investors. https://storeys.com/toronto-condos-investor-owned/ While this may be great for mortgage lenders, developers and consultants it doesn't guarantee good design or "community building" will be big priorities.
Supported a comment by Eli D on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Eli D
It's so true, everything you said. They don't care, they are just here to make a profit and it is likely that all of these comments are going to be ignored how they usually are. And we are the bad guys whose voices are brushed under the table because we "oppose the development". I don't oppose anything, but I am tired of seeing all of these issues about design and culture and affordability being swept under the rug. No developer is able to sit back and say their development has flaws because they realistically are just there in the interim following orders. We're just thinking several boxy blue/green glass towers with an ok spandrel, nothing too out of the box, nothing too progressive.. okay, yep boss, whatever you say... and the trend repeats itself. Canary wharf, Hudson yards, south core they all follow the same principle of being a corporate and soulless lacklustre downtown. What is staggering is that even after designing all of these districts, there is countless criticism that Cadillac Fairview or Adamson never learn from. Multiple articles, videos and comments on websites are proof that people tend to stay away from these kinds of developments. Countless people have asked about arts, quality and forward-thinking design, but nope, the renderings are bland as usual. It's tasteless and we'll just have to sit back and watch the developer go with what they know, resisting the urge to challenge the binary and create a memorable district known by the world.
It's so true, everything you said. They don't care, they are just here to make a profit and it is likely that all of these comments are going to be ignored how they usually are. And we are the bad guys whose voices are brushed under the table because we "oppose the development". I don't oppose anything, but I am tired of seeing all of these issues about design and culture and affordability being swept under the rug. No developer is able to sit back and say their development has flaws because they realistically are just there in the interim following orders. We're just thinking several boxy blue/green glass towers with an ok spandrel, nothing too out of the box, nothing too progressive.. okay, yep boss, whatever you say... and the trend repeats itself. Canary wharf, Hudson yards, south core they all follow the same principle of being a corporate and soulless lacklustre downtown. What is staggering is that even after designing all of these districts, there is countless criticism that Cadillac Fairview or Adamson never learn from. Multiple articles, videos and comments on websites are proof that people tend to stay away from these kinds of developments. Countless people have asked about arts, quality and forward-thinking design, but nope, the renderings are bland as usual. It's tasteless and we'll just have to sit back and watch the developer go with what they know, resisting the urge to challenge the binary and create a memorable district known by the world.
Supported a comment by Paul Y on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 8 months ago
Paul Y
800 comments on Parks? Trees? Culture? Maybe . . . as a way to market this plan. It is not endorsed by our elected representatives or City planning staff. It will go forward as a Ministerial Zoning Order (see staff report - top of pg 2). LINK: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-168262.pdf The province is giving the developer a massive re-zoning and we/the City are left out. The consultants and developer are here short-term. We can take up valuable time asking about public space, affrdble housing, parks, trees and culture however, without the City planning process there are no agreements and no reasons I can see why a developer (partnered with the Premier) would spend on these extras. Cadillac Fairview (owned by the Teachers Pension Fund btw) will maximize profit for share holders regardless of what we add to this list of opinions. We have no power. And yes we have a huge affordability crisis in Toronto but from my experience living here since mid 80's simply building more condos has never resulted in affordability. Public funding (from development charges etc.) and/or development agreements have. Where I live, a family shelter was integrated into a condo because the Councillor and staff worked with the developer and made it a condition for approval. Will this developer funded consulting team figure out how to ensure the developer provides what the City planners and Elected reps would have demanded? Don't think so. Look at who has the power.
800 comments on Parks? Trees? Culture? Maybe . . . as a way to market this plan. It is not endorsed by our elected representatives or City planning staff. It will go forward as a Ministerial Zoning Order (see staff report - top of pg 2). LINK: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2021/ph/bgrd/backgroundfile-168262.pdf The province is giving the developer a massive re-zoning and we/the City are left out. The consultants and developer are here short-term. We can take up valuable time asking about public space, affrdble housing, parks, trees and culture however, without the City planning process there are no agreements and no reasons I can see why a developer (partnered with the Premier) would spend on these extras. Cadillac Fairview (owned by the Teachers Pension Fund btw) will maximize profit for share holders regardless of what we add to this list of opinions. We have no power. And yes we have a huge affordability crisis in Toronto but from my experience living here since mid 80's simply building more condos has never resulted in affordability. Public funding (from development charges etc.) and/or development agreements have. Where I live, a family shelter was integrated into a condo because the Councillor and staff worked with the developer and made it a condition for approval. Will this developer funded consulting team figure out how to ensure the developer provides what the City planners and Elected reps would have demanded? Don't think so. Look at who has the power.
Supported a comment by Mimi Bernardo on
Engage East Harbour
1 year, 9 months ago
Mimi Bernardo
Perhaps less "office" space as the pandemic has highlighted that office space is really no longer as necessary as pre-pandemic times. Perhaps more retail, Community recreation (i.e. YMCA), affordable housing, a Museum focused on Toronto artifacts, another film studio, off leash dog park, Art studios/galleries, cafes, restaurants, etc
Perhaps less "office" space as the pandemic has highlighted that office space is really no longer as necessary as pre-pandemic times. Perhaps more retail, Community recreation (i.e. YMCA), affordable housing, a Museum focused on Toronto artifacts, another film studio, off leash dog park, Art studios/galleries, cafes, restaurants, etc
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 9 months ago
Toronto's art and culture scene contributed 11.3 billion dollars in GDP in 2019, that is greater than the GDP combined in Ontario's energy, agriculture, forestry and mining sectors in Ontario. Finally be the employment centre that is a home for the creative industries, many developers in Toronto are pushing art hubs out of their existing spaces to make a profit. Recently, 70 artists in the distillery district are being displaced - these galleries are why people visit the distillery in the first place. Give our community meaningful change, not just a few thousand square feet of cultural space, we should be valued just as much as commerce.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 9 months ago
Community Services & Facilities
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 9 months ago
Generally interested in the project
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 9 months ago
Interested in living here
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
When walking around streets of Europe past 5pm, one can not help but feel the spirit of the neighbourhood come to life when seeing families roam the streets and squares, wondering into cute shops or simply sitting on 'the Spanish steps.' East Harbour needs this European flare to it, to recenter how busy urban centres in North American can slow down and how streets can be built for *people*
I would love to see ample seating areas, otherworldly concept stores, and prioritising unique experiences that aren't normally found in Toronto. I think tattoo parlours and cultural establishments should be seen just as important as bakeries and coffee shops.
I want it to be people friendly with string lighting, vendors, late night food market places and a place of POP-ups. Pop-up stores allow the ability to try new concepts out, test ideas and create an ever-changing ecosystem for experiences.
Experiences and people contribute to a city's identity and global competitiveness. 30 million tourists don't come to Toronto because they want to sit in a bank tower and check out 'economic development'.
Visitors want to be a part of the city's soul, neighbourhoods are part of that. We need to think of this new commercial district as a neighbourhood, where Christmas markets can coexist alongside rush-hour crowds of workers. In thinking about how we 'build back better' after the pandemic, we HAVE to think CULTURE not commerce.
Experiences in a city matter.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
Community Services & Facilities
Commented on Engage East Harbour
1 year, 10 months ago
Generally interested in the project
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
I am worried considering Adamson's portfolio that we will see a lot of the same kinds of buildings like we have seen in Canary Wharf and Hudson yards where all of the buildings are glass but slightly different in shape. Please ensure that are international design competitions for the buildings — If all of the buildings are typical what we have seen in the past, and if they all 'blend in' to downtown, it will not speak to the longevity of this site in coming decades. consider design as heritage, something that will speak to future generations and something that is of high importance.
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Built Form & Sustainability
Followed Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Commented on Engage East Harbour
2 years ago
Interested in using the services in the area
Parks, restaurants, cafes and a grocery store will all attract people to the area and inject life and local energy into the new development. Do not repeat city place, where uninteresting, chain stores and fast food did not create a culture people wanted to stay in (initially they all headed north to Queen/King).