More BK Opposition

It seems that the Windsor Symphony Orchestra has publicly voiced its opposition to the Burger King relocation to the Top Hat Supper Club's mothballed building. According to the CKLW website:

"The Windsor Symphony Orchestra is asking Windsor to change its tune. The Planning Advisory Committee has approved the relocation of a downtown Burger King drive-thru to the site of the old Top Hat restaurant, right next door to the Armouries. The Symphony is hoping the building will be redeveloped into a concert hall, making the Top Hat property necessary for parking. The WSO is asking the City to delay the issue until the future of the Armouries is decided."

They are stating that if the Burger King is allowed to redevelop the property with a drive-thru, it will severely hamper the WSO's plans for the redevelopment of the old Armories building. A WSO spokesperson was on the radio stating that Windsor shouldn't allow this development as this is one of the first properties that Tunnel travellers see when entering Canada and, apparently, the parking lot being espoused by the WSO would be better than a BK with a drive-thru.

Huh?

So, the WSO would rather bulldoze this building to add a few more acres of asphalt to the downtown than a drive-thru and are pitching it as a lesson in aesthetics? I think both organizations need to rethink their plans and how they would negatively alter the pedestrian scale of our downtown. Lets hope that city council listens to the mounting opposition and defers this matter until a sane conversation about the future of this important piece of real estate can be made - which apparently will not be made by either the WSO or BK.

Will someone please start speaking on behalf of our downtown and its rejuvenation instead of these business' bottom line, please?

Architectural/Urban design Exhibition at AGW

Windsor Blogger Andrew Foot, who has been steadfastly documenting Windsor's architectural heritage and apathy thereof, is holding an exhibition showcasing of Windsor's Modern Era style of architecture. The Modern Era is one of the few styles of architecture in Windsor of which there is still a great stock. As it stand now, the buildings are too young to be considered historic by many, but are just old enough to be considered dated, and tired.

So head on out to the Art Gallery of Windsor this weekend to take in Andrew's exhibition. Friday is the Opening Reception, starting at 7 pm. Meet the artists and learn about Windsor's fabulous architectural heritage. Enjoy jazz performed by the Max Marshall Trio, hors d'oeurves and drinks from the cash bar. Bring the kids for hands-on art workshops and tours of the four shows.