Sheraton stands out like an architectural sore thumb

Re Mid-century Sheraton is modernism worth preserving, Micallef, Jan. 27

I disagree with Shawn Micallef’s diehard reasons for keeping this poor architectural throwback to another era standing.

The Sheraton monolith stands out like an architectural sore thumb. Its atrocious street frontage was designed to repel rather than attract pedestrians. Admitting that the uninhabitable sidewalk in front needs a mere “fix,” is too little too late for a street scape that itself is in need of total renewal. The present building was and still is a poor cousin to its truly beautiful city hall neighbour across the street.

Preserving “mid-century modernism” is no excuse for original bad design. We need to treat the people of this city and its visitors with respect deserving of what is supposed to be a truly modern city.

Steven Fistell, Toronto