Canadian commercial real estate company Cadillac Fairview (CF) has announced a $77 million revitalization of the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. 

The project will see a $60 million refurbishment of its iconic galleria skylight roof. According to CF’s announcement: “The existing glass will be replaced with the latest materials and technologies to improve energy efficiency while maintaining its classic design aesthetic.”

News of this endeavor came just days after the passing of famed Canadian architect and the shopping center’s designer, Eberhard Zeidler. The refurbishment will be led by eponymous firm Zeidler Architecture Inc. and Read Jones Christoffersen consulting engineers, with construction overseen by EllisDon Corporation. The project will be carried out in two phases, starting with the south end of the mall in mid-January 2022, followed by work on the north end beginning in March 2023. 

“As the original architects of the galleria, we’re honored to play a continuing role in one of the city’s most iconic buildings,” said David Collins, Partner at Zeidler Architecture Inc. “This revitalization will ensure the skylight roof is fit-for-purpose and sustainable in the long term, all while retaining its original architectural splendor.” 

The remaining $17 million will be directed towards improving shoppers’ movement and accessibility, along with the addition of three new staircases in the South Court and Urban Eatery, improvements to elevators, and the installation of a larger cab in an existing elevator to better accommodate strollers and mobility scooters. 

“The galleria’s original design was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Italy and has served as a distinguishing feature of the mall since the center’s opening in 1977,” said Wayne Barwise, Executive Vice President, Development, Cadillac Fairview. “As custodians of this unique architectural element, our priority is to ensure the integrity of its design as we significantly enhance its functional performance.”  

Since 2010, CF has invested more than $1.6 billion in CF Toronto Eaton Centre, which includes the redevelopment of the Queen Street pedestrian bridge, the purchase of the Hudson Bay Centre block and 401 Bay Street, and the creation of the BMO Urban Campus opening in 2022, to name a few.