First Canadian Place

Gazing up at the gleaming glass and steel of First Canadian Place, have you ever considered its journey? First Canadian Place, dominating the Toronto skyline at King and Bay streets, wasn’t always clad in glass. This towering giant, completed in 1975, originally boasted a shimmering coat of 45,000 white Carrara marble panels. Imagine the elegant facade, reflecting the sunlight and adding a touch of old-world charm to the modern city. First Canadian Place was designed by B+H Architects, with Edward Durell Stone as a consultant. This collaboration resulted in a skyscraper remarkably similar to Stone’s Standard Oil Building in Chicago. The resemblance was uncanny, both in floor plan and the choice of Carrara marble. For a time, First Canadian Place held the prestigious title of the tallest building in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was also the tallest building outside of New York and Chicago. It wasn’t until the completion of the Petronas Towers in 1998 that its reign ended. Even the iconic Bank of Montreal “M-bar” logo, perched atop the building, held a record. It was the highest sign in the world until 1997. However, the beautiful marble cladding of First Canadian Place had a hidden flaw. Like its Chicago counterpart, the marble panels proved susceptible to the elements. In 2007, a dramatic incident unfolded. During a fierce storm, a 310-pound marble slab plummeted from the 60th floor. It landed on the 3rd-floor mezzanine roof, prompting authorities to close surrounding streets. This event marked a turning point in the building’s history. The decision was made to replace the entire marble facade with glass. This massive undertaking, completed in 2012, cost over $100 million. Today, First Canadian Place stands as a testament to adaptation and resilience. Its gleaming glass exterior reflects the vibrant city around it, while its history reminds us that even the most impressive structures can evolve and change.