Looks like the last piece of primo real estate left intact from the city’s expropriations to revamp Yonge-Dundas Square may soon be no more.
Seems the former Hakim Optical building at 38-40 Dundas East has become a safety hazard. There were discussions as recently as October about turning the building into a “music-related facility” after a deal was struck to put the old Sam the Record Man neon sign on top of the building next door at 277 Victoria. But a permit to remove sections of the building’s distinctive white facade went up on the site soon after.
Staff for local councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam say the work is “to ensure the building’s safety” and that “long-term plans for the site are still being contemplated,” all of which sounds like code for a date with the wrecking ball in the near future.