064 - Re:Building šļø
London is a city with rich built heritage. Weāve featured plenty of nostalgic scenes in previous lists, from fizzled-out to . While the cityās relationship to built heritage has been contentious at times, many organizations have found ways to capitalize on the history, character, and prime real estate of old structures. Here are some of Londonās most notable urban re-inventions. Donāt call it a comeback; these buildings have been here for years.
š Industrial Spaces
Like most cities, London found its cause for expansion in the industrial revolution, and continued to see growth through the strength of post-war economy. The city is therefore littered with old industrial spacesāfactories, warehouses, etc. Some are still functioning, like the Nova Craft Canoe factory in OEV, but many more have been reinvented. Whether itās The London Roundhouse playing host to three local tech agencies and a business accelerator, or all thatās in the works at 100 Kellogg Lane, itās safe to say weāre as industrious as ever.
š Spiritual Spaces
Although many places of worship were built to last an eternity, the congregations that used to fill them have dwindled or mergedāleaving space for the secular to mix with the sacred in exciting new ways. Check out how El Sistema has taken advantage of the acoustics in Bishop Cronyn Church or enjoy a taste of the divine at The Springs Restaurant in the former Kensal Park Baptist Church.
š Green Spaces
In the Forest City, weād be remiss to exclude spaces where natureās making a comeback. First a governorās manor, then Londonās first fine-dining restaurant, 460 King St. is now the site of Growing Chefs! HQācomplete with vegetable garden plots and heritage trees. Westminster Ponds is also up for a reboot with plans to renovate the remains of a convalescence village for Second World War soldiers into a public environmental education centre.Ā First St. Andrewās United Church is also revamping their heritage property for closer communion with nature. And letās not forget the opportunity we have to get Back to the Riverārecent suggestions to the contrary be damned!
Bonus:Ā The gorgeous art deco facade at 305 Queens Ave. once housed the renownedĀ Elsie Perrin Williams Memorial Library. Now itās been revamped asā¦
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