regent park demolition

Demolition reveals the lost life of Regent Park

Demolition continues in Regent Park, with the steady teardown of the Peter Dickinson-designed 605 Whiteside Place, one of five towers the architect contributed to the community in the late 1950s. This building is the second last remaining of the high rise portion of Regent Park, an area which is being razed as the third phase in a massive redevelopment project that's already garnered international recognition.

Although this is just one in a series of these towers to be torn down, the manner in which the demolition has been carried out has revealed a unique view of the multicoloured units that once made up the 14-storey tower. With much of the facade removed from the building, one can examine the grid-like inner design of the structure, which features two-storey apartment units, something that's exceedingly rare in Toronto.

There's a curious tension on display during these last days of 605 Whiteside. On the one hand, there's an intriguing glimpse into the design principles of Canada's preeminent modernist architect. On the other, there's an intimate view of what were once people's homes, residents who lived in social housing development that was flawed in major ways. It's a sight that demands contemplation.

Have a look at the final days of 605 Whiteside Place below.

605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition605 Whiteside Place demolition

Photos by Vik Pahwa


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Here's a preview of what it will be like to ride on new Toronto LRT line

There's a brand-new $26M TTC subway station entrance in a popular Toronto park

Ontario's largest snake grows up to 2 metres and squeezes prey to death

Ontario is home to world's oldest pool of water at a staggering 2 billion years old

Stunning new Toronto park set to open next year

Toronto somehow isn't home to Ontario's jankiest LRT

A Toronto transit project is actually going to finish early for once

People worried about Ontario police's plan to use facial recognition software