Good to see so many people out this past weekend having a peek at some historic or restricted-access sites. I spend a lot of time looking at the outside of buildings so it's always good to get a chance to look at what's going on inside. We were able to get out to six sites and with Mother Nature cooperating as she did, it proved a hot climb up the staircases of the first two sites. The owner of TCA was on crutches so I'm sure he'll be glad to see the back of those. (After uploading, the pictures seem to have lost their clarity.)
TCA Architects Inc.
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| boardroom fixture |
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| one of the many pieces of art |
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| every office needs a lounge with a view |
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| the floating fireplace; exposed brick and beams |
THE OLD TIP TOP TAILOR-now defunct drug store which is about to undergo renovations
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| methadone dispensary |
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| the infamous alley |
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| now alley, future elevator shaft to adjoin both buildings |
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| it was the alley that led to The Sirloin Cellar's downfall |
ST. PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN
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| harder to run away when the pews have doors that lock |
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| the pipe organ-magnificent sound-insured for 1.2M |
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| pipes at the rear of the church |
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| main doorway |
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| side door |
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| the piped-in radio station must help to keep loitering at bay at the side entrance |
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
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| 1937 Casavant organ |
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| with an aging, dwindling congregation, the church removed the pews and renovated to a multi-function space; a concert was planned for the evening |
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| regimental standard; Ascension is the regimental church of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry |
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| garden form detail I |
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| garden form detail II |
RIDGE ROAD WINERY
This is on the tour as the property has been in farming family hands since mid-1800's and underwent extensive renovations for present-day use.
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| the Riesling won the day as the Cabernet has only just been bottled and found to be harsh; the chocolate sample was worth the visit; we also took home a bottle of the Baco Noir |
ALAPACAS FROM EIGHTH & MUD
Just because. It has very little to do with this year's theme of architecture.
From all accounts ALPACAS seem favourable to raising children. One can harvest wool from an alpaca! What's a child given you, lately?
Where to next?
