Toronto, Ontario - CANADA - Skyline - 1962:  In 1962, Toronto's skyline was a more conservative and quieter cityscape, defined by older, shorter buildings like the Royal York Hotel and the Bank of Commerce. A major turning point began that year with the announcement of the Toronto-Dominion Centre, a modernist complex designed by Mies van der Rohe, which became a symbol of the city's emergence as a major center and set the stage for future development. This contrasted with the city's quieter, more conservative look, which was dominated by a collection of banks, hotels, and church steeples before the arrival of new, modern towers.  

Skyline in 1962

-  Dominant features: The skyline was marked by older structures like the Royal York Hotel and the Bank of Commerce (now Commerce Court North), which had previously been the tallest buildings in the British Empire.

-  Overall look: The city was significantly quieter and more conservative than today, with a skyline that was less dense and dominated by a mix of architectural styles, including banks, hotels, and church steeples. 

-  The beginning of change: Toronto-Dominion Centre

-  Announcement: In 1962, the Toronto-Dominion Bank and Cemp announced the development of the Toronto-Dominion Centre. 

-  Architectural significance: The project brought in Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modernist architecture, to lead the design. His work would come to symbolize Toronto's rise as a global city. 

-  Impact: This project marked the beginning of a major shift, with the future Toronto-Dominion Centre becoming a prestigious business address and influencing the city's development for decades to come. 

How the 1962 skyline compares to today

-  The 1962 skyline was the last of a more traditional era before the 1960s and 70s saw significant redevelopment, including the construction of new, taller buildings that began with projects like the TD Centre.

-  In contrast, today's skyline is defined by a large number of skyscrapers, including the CN Tower, and has continued to evolve with a modern architectural boom. 

This Photochromatic postcard, mailed in 1962, is in good condition.  Plastichrome, Colourpicture Publication. Boston 15, Mass. No. P53727.  Published by Royal Specialty Sales.  Toronto, Ontario.