Toronto Star

Everything about Pier 27 is great, except for one thing – the location. Designed by one of Toronto's finest architects, Peter Clewes, this dramatic complex consists of two 12-storey slabs joined by a three-storey "bridge" that contains condos. If the pictures are any indication, the result will be a civic icon, a genuine landmark, gateway and framer of views. The language of glass and white steel also has a subtle nautical theme, obviously appropriate for the area. The trouble is that it will occupy land that should be dedicated to a public purpose – that means a square, plaza, piazza, a park, whatever. The point is that it should be public. What we're talking about here is the 9-acre site on the edge of Lake Ontario just east of Yonge St. Though there's enough space here for all the players to get what they want, it doesn't seem headed for a happy ending.