The winning design for the revamped Nathan Phillips Square includes a permanent stage, an outdoor cafe overlooking the square and gardens on the concrete upper levels.

Plant Architect and Shore Tilbe Irwin of Toronto beat out three other competitors in the $40-million facelift project, which was announced Thursday night.

"(Visitors) are going to see a revitalized Nathan Phillips Square that is really opened up to create a theatre for the enjoyment of urban life," the firm's Andrew Frontini told CTV's Desmond Brown moments after the decision was announced.

"We're really framing the space with new landscape elements, new paving and treatment at Queen Street and really a total reworking of the elevated walkways, bringing much nice material and actually bringing a garden onto that level."

A permanent stage, complete with a canopy, will eliminate the need to erect makeshift stages each time a concert or event is held at the landmark on City Hall's front yard.

Features of the design include:

  • A two-level restaurant in the southwest corner with a seasonal outdoor patio;
  • A new public pavilion at the southwest corner and a food concession;
  • A new glass pavilion at Queen and Bay streets with a tourist information kiosk and elevator;
  • A seasonal disappearing water fountain feature in the centre of the square;
  • Redesigned landscaping along the square's edges and more planted trees; and
  • Gardens along the upper levels.

Nathan Phillips Square is a tourist hotspot and draws about 1.5 million people each year.

The new look updates the original design by the late Finnish architect Viljo Revell, which was unveiled to the public in 1965. Little changes have been made to the square since then.

Frontini said his company is bringing "some of that romance and optimism back."

The committee that chose Thursday's winner said all four competing firms provided "fresh approaches," but they felt the green design by Plant Architect best captured what they were looking for.

"The team has imaginatively re-invented elements of the Square, enhanced the experience of the public realm and integrated exemplary new sustainable design approaches," said Eric Haldenby, chairman of the competition jury.

"In reaching our decision, we noted how the winning submission respects and restores the beauty and dignity of architect Viljo Revell's vision, while preserving and enhancing its unique heritage qualities."

Mayor David Miller was on-hand to congratulate the winner.

The city has committed $16 million for the project and they are hoping to raise the additional $24 million from the private sector.

If all goes to plan, construction will begin in early 2008.

With a report from CTV's Desmond Brown