Menkes unveils Banksy's artwork at One York

Menkes Development has just welcomed a new art installation as part of its One York building. Those who are widely familiar with the streets of downtown Toronto might recognize the artwork that once graced the exterior of a vacant building previously situated at 90 Harbour Street.

The artwork, referred to as ‘Guard with Balloon Dog,’ was designed in May 2010 by famed British artist Banksy. In 2011, Menkes purchased the site as the location for a new mixed-use project comprising two 66- and 70-storey condominium towers, known as Harbour Plaza, and a 35-storey commercial office building called One York. Menkes strived to not only preserve the artwork but incorporate it into its new project. The Toronto-based developer extracted the limestone panels on which the art was applied and professionally restored the artwork

“We were aware of the presence of ‘Guard with Balloon Dog’ on the building when we began the process of purchasing the 90 Harbour property,” says Jared Menkes, vice-president of the highraise residential division of Menkes. "As soon as we were able to do so, we took steps to protect the piece and were able to preserve and remove the slabs from the building during the demolition process.”

After commissioning a design competition for the artwork’s installation, Menkes selected designer Johnson Chou to protect the artwork and display it in a publicly accessible way. Chou created a companion piece called “Speculum,” a stainless steel structure that reflects the artwork, providing visibility to the art installation for those walking west. On the back of Banksy’s piece is a panel outlining the history of the building.

The art installation is finally complete and has a new home in the PATH network adjoining One York. Alan Menkes, president of the highrise residential division at Menkes, Peter Menkes, president of the commercial division at Menkes, Jared Menkes and Chou were all in attendance to unveil the public art installation at a ceremony on February 14.

‘Guard with Balloon Dog’ was one of seven artworks placed on buildings around Toronto after the release of Banksy's film, “Exit Through the Gift Shop.” The art installation is the last Banksy piece standing in Toronto and now breathes new life into the PATH system, while paying homage to the site’s history.

The restoration of the Banksy, its re-installation, and the fabrication and installation of Speculum, are all part of a $2 million public art package included by Menkes in the Harbour Plaza and One York project.