This weekend many buildings and places of interest will put a proverbial welcome mat out for Torontonians as part of Doors Open, an annual adventurous two-day event that sees the public allowed to stroll through often private structures. But not all of the buildings or locales ooze excitement. Here are five places one might skip as part of Doors Open.
There are also some really awesome sites to see so be sure to check out the full list here.
BMO Field (170 Princes’ Boulevard)
While it’s one of the newer sports venues in Toronto, the tour of BMO Field might not be on the top of any Open Doors Toronto list. The field, home of Toronto TFC but possibly becoming home to the Toronto Argonauts, added 8,000 seats recently. As shown it still looks a bit like a construction site despite most of the work done. Unfortunately like the soccer team that has called BMO Field home, there isn’t a rich history which would be a drawing card.
National Squash Academy (Downsview Park Sports Centre)
Located in Downsview Park, the National Squash Academy was created in 2010. The site includes the “world’s first all-glass doubles court” but essentially the venue doesn’t sound that jaw-dropping spectacular. Add to that the fact its distance from a bevy of other Doors Open venues downtown and it would make for what seems to be a rather ordinary stop by comparison.
AGATHOM Co. (The Formerly Building)
Located on Gilead Place (near Cherry Street), the building – now used by architectural firm AGATHOM Co. — was built in 1948 and met the needs of then cramped conditions in the city. However, while you can’t judge a book by its cover, the head-scratching exterior of two perpendicular garage doors probably wouldn’t inspire many to enter its premises. The interior has been revamped by the company but the outside isn’t exactly eye-catching.
(Photo by JasonParis via Flickr Creative Commons)
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park (45 Esander Drive)
Situated northwest of Thorncliffe Park, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park’s facade isn’t all that inviting. Constructed in 1986, the site is home to, well, trampolines and party rooms. According to Doors Open site it still maintains an “old-charm interior” with concrete floors and duct work preserved. And while it certainly has its highs and lows in terms of entertainment, this venue’s facade and interior evokes images of a high school gym more than an alluring spot.
DTAH (50 Park Road)
Located around Young and Bloor, DTAH has enhanced a number of areas around the GTA through its design and landscaping vision. Renovated a handful of times since it opened its doors in 1954, the original home of the Ontario Architects Association had its interior re-imagined back in 2009. Visitors will learn about what DTAH has done and plans to do in the future in beautifying Toronto during Doors Open. But on first glance the building could be mistaken for an apartment complex instead of a present-day architectural firm.