KESKUS site tour elevates excitement
- ellenvalter
- May 30
- 3 min read
Update # 249
KESKUS site tour draws large crowd of enthusiastic visitors
“I’m so excited!”
Ten-year old Agnes Remerowski was bubbling with enthusiasm as she finished the “hard hat” tour of the KESKUS International Estonian Centre building site on Sunday May 25th with her family. Agnes attends the Toronto Estonian supplementary school and her eyes sparkled as she remarked on how beautiful the building would be. “It’s so much better than I imagined!”
Almost 100 people turned out for the site visit, which enabled them to walk through some of the main spaces of the KESKUS building on Madison Avenue in downtown Toronto.
Donning hard hats, they were led in small groups through the site, including the heritage building that comprises the north end of the structure, the lower level areas and main floor areas.
The newly installed steel beams provide a dramatic focal point as give a sense of the scope of the building. Empty spaces tend to feel much smaller, and so KESKUS translated the measurements of the former Toronto Estonian House grand hall, community (or 'noorte ruum'), and classrooms onto the ground to show how much larger those same spaces will be in KESKUS.
Hearing the reaction from the younger members of the Estonian community was particularly heart-warming. Eva Bradley, 14, loves to read. “I’m looking forward to the new spaces in the building, there will be a lot more room,” she said. She was delighted to learn that there would, indeed, be a library in the building.
Her sister Maila, 9, agrees. “I’m looking forward to exploring, and making new friends!” The sisters both attend the Toronto Estonian supplementary school.
The tour also drew interested members of the local community, such Nancy Macdonald, who lives in the historic Annex neighborhood where KESKUS is located. Nancy is a member of the Annex Residents’ Association. “I think it’s wonderful,“ she said. “I like the idea of the bistro, we need a community space like this.”
Carol Collins, a second generation Torontonian who lives in the downtown area, was equally intrigued. “We love what the building looks like and it’s wonderful you are keeping the heritage house as part of the design,” she remarked. “And we’re very interested in learning about the dining room!”
“It’s great to see it finally coming up,” said Estonian community member Paul Eichenbaum. “All the little details, it’s fascinating. It will be something we’re all proud of.”
“This will be an impressive building for the Estonian diaspora to showcase our culture,” said Toomas Marley.
“This is very exciting for our community,” remarked Kalev Nisbet. “It will be a beautiful place to come.”
“The level of detail in the design, it’s mind-boggling,” remarked Marika Wilbiks, whose daughter Alexandra teaches at the Toronto Estonian supplementary school.
“I see the possibilities for some great events!” said Paul Lillakas.
KESKUS architect Alar Kongats was on hand as well to provide information on the building’s design and construction. “It’s marvelous the number of people who showed up today,” he said. “There is a level of serious interest and fascination with the engineering of the building. There were a lot of smart questions.”
Talvi Maimets summed it up beautifully: “A bright future is within our grasp!”
Photos: Tory Hutchings
Discover the benefits of giving wisely
Please join the growing list of KESKUS capital campaign donors to help bring KESKUS to completion. KESKUS leadership donors are recognized here.
There are many ways to make a contribution to KESKUS.
To donate, click here, or call +1.647.250.7136 or email donations@estoniancentre.ca. Donations may be made as a family gift, or in honour of an individual or family. All donations are issued a tax receipt, in Canada via Estonian Arts Centre, US tax receipts via Myriad USA and Estonian tax receipts via Eesti Rahvuskultuuri Fond. Donations by credit card may be made here.
Legacy gifts made to the Estonian Arts Centre, the charity associated with KESKUS, are creative and tax-effective ways to provide support. These are known as “planned gifts” because with thoughtful planning, we create a win-win situation that benefits both you and our community for generations to come. Find out how to provide a bequest in your will by going to www.estoniancentre.ca/bequest.
For information on making other types of planned gifts, including gifts of appreciated securities or insurance policies, or if you have any other questions, please contact EAC Donations Manager Taimi Hooper via email at donations@estoniancentre.ca or phone +1.647.250.7136.
Let’s keep in touch
Kommentare