One Young (née Mayfair Hotel) | 5 fl | Complete

[westwardloo]

Given that this building is in a very central location in one of the most unique buildings in the entire region (with the wood frame and interesting glass facade) you could open up just about anything that could survive in a prestigious spot like this. A media/bookstore, computer store, music venue, restaurant, clothing store, small grocer...the list is endless. A bank is only going to be useful for people who need this specific bank. To me, it's just wasted space...kind of like the sleep clinic going in on the ground floor of the Garment Street Condo complex. Banks and sleep clinics are needed, but they can also exist without needing to be in these brand new buildings. Such things are only useful for a small amount of people seeking those particularly niche services, rather than anyone who might just be out and strolling down the streets and happen to walk by a cool looking shop and goes in.

Something is better than nothing, I guess.

This is the blight of gentrification/ new building construction. Landlords won't take a risky lease from a unique independent business when they can sign a 5+ year lease from a corporation or a dentist office.  Its unfortunate and i don't know what the solution is. At some point maybe a landlord will care more about creating a unique urban environment? but i don't see that happening. I expect much but drug stores, banks and dentists maybe another tim's at most of the new retail spaces coming online in the next couple years.