On the agenda at City Hall this week is possible heritage protection for the Silver Dollar Room at Spadina and College after developers put in a proposal to demolish the music venue and its seedy sidekick, Hotel Waverly next door. The plan is being appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for a proposed 22-storey student house and fitness studio, already rejected by the city. If the Silver Dollar Room does gain heritage protection, the building would be protected from any type of demolition. According to the City Planning Division, the 1950s Silver Dollar Room qualifies for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act, stating the venue is "important for its contribution to the growth of the music industry in Canada and the incubation of musical talent in the City of Toronto."
On the other hand, Hotel Waverly isn't recommended for any heritage designation only a "plaque commemorating poet Milton Acorn, a resident from 1970-1977, be permanently displayed on the façade of any new development on the property." The city is set to make their decision later today.
Rejected renderings for 484 Spadina Ave.
· Waving Goodbye to Spadina's Hotel Waverly…Maybe [Curbed Toronto]
· Toronto Rejects Proposal for Hotel Waverly & Silver Dollar Room [Toronto Star]