On Monday, April 27, the York concourse was opened in Union Station in Toronto. In my 26 years as a GO Transit commuter, I don’t recall seeing any major renovations at Union Station. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was impressed with the openness and brightness of the new hall. Instead of rushing off to the office, I walked around almost in awe. To be sure, much work remains and in fact work will be continuing into 2017, but the beginnings of the new concourse are impressive. I walked around Union during lunch to capture the new, the old, and the historic.

A new entrance to the concourse at the northeast corner of York St. and University Ave.
A new entrance to the concourse at the northeast corner of York St. and University Ave. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]

A new pedestrian pathway to the concourse. It use to be the entrance and parking lot to the car rental agencies.
A new pedestrian pathway to the concourse. It use to be the entrance and parking lot to the car rental agencies. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
Construction is on-going in the York Concourse.
Construction on-going in the York Concourse. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
New stairs leading to the platforms.
New stairs leading to the platforms. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
Ticket booths in the York concourse.
Ticket counter in the York concourse. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
The older Bay concourse is still very much in use as it leads directly to the PATH. Nonetheless, the floor tiles are reminiscent of late 1970’s malls.

The older Bay concourse still leads to the heart of the PATH.
The older Bay concourse still leads to the heart of the PATH. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
Union Station above ground retains its Beaux-Arts architecture while it undergoes its facelift.

Leading up to the ticket lobby or "Great Hall."
Leading up to the ticket lobby or “Great Hall.” [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
Age worn steps. Toronto's third Union Station was constructed between 1914 and 1920.
Age worn steps. Toronto’s third Union Station was constructed between 1914 and 1920. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
Union Station's Ticket Lobby informally known as the Great Hall according to wikipedia.
Union Station’s Ticket Lobby informally known as the Great Hall according to wikipedia. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
The colonnade on Front St.
The colonnade on Front St. Francesco Pirilli’s Monument to Multiculturalism in the foreground with the CN Tower (and a sea gull) in the background. the York Concourse. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]
The Monument of Multiculturalism bears witness to the on-going construction.
The Monument of Multiculturalism bears witness to the on-going construction. [Leica M9, Voightlander 35mm f/1.2 ver 1]

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