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charlene · 06-26-2007, 07:44 PM

the signs have been declared Heritage pieces by the city..

Heritage designation saves signs from Sam's

Other kitschy city sites
So the Sam's sign is a heritage property? Here are some other kitschy or otherwise memorable Toronto landmarks that might fit the same criteria:

• Honest Ed's marquee
• El Mocambo's palm tree
• Ye Olde Brunswick House *
• Tip Top Tailors *
• Zanzibar (jazz club turned strip club)
• Captain John's (boat-restaurant)
• Mars Restaurant (College St.) *

* Building already given heritage designation.

Sources: Star files, City of Toronto inventory of heritage properties
Jun 23, 2007 04:30 AM
Donovan Vincent
City Hall Bureau

The iconic Sam the Record Man sign has been saved from the auction block.

City hall politicians voted yesterday to designate the Yonge St. record store – set to close next Saturday – a heritage building, protecting the famous spinning discs.

The sign was set to be auctioned next Wednesday.

The Ontario Heritage Act doesn't allow signs to be saved for their heritage character, explained area Councillor Kyle Rae, so the city opted to protect the whole property.

The large neon discs, the two "Sam'' signs above and the backlit sign below will also be protected.

Since the closing of Sam's was announced last month, a movement emerged to protect the sign.

Rae, raised in Oakville, didn't understand the fuss at first: "I wasn't convinced in the beginning this was of any heritage significance."

But meeting with the city's Heritage Preservation Services staff, he learned how important Sam's was to many who grew up in Toronto.

"We'll sit down with the owner or future owners as the property is being sold, and we hope to be able to maintain the two discs and `Sam' signs on the rooftop as part of the ongoing history of Yonge St.,'' Rae said. Sam Sniderman's sons, Jason and Bobby, began operating the store as a new business in 2002 after the original store filed for bankruptcy and closed in late 2001.

Jason said that while the city's decision is "flattering'' for the family, maintaining the sign will take care and expense.

The city offers grants to preserve heritage properties.

06-26-2007, 07:44 PM	#3
charlene Moderator Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 16,001	the signs have been declared Heritage pieces by the city.. Heritage designation saves signs from Sam's Other kitschy city sites So the Sam's sign is a heritage property? Here are some other kitschy or otherwise memorable Toronto landmarks that might fit the same criteria: • Honest Ed's marquee • El Mocambo's palm tree • Ye Olde Brunswick House * • Tip Top Tailors * • Zanzibar (jazz club turned strip club) • Captain John's (boat-restaurant) • Mars Restaurant (College St.) * * Building already given heritage designation. Sources: Star files, City of Toronto inventory of heritage properties Jun 23, 2007 04:30 AM Donovan Vincent City Hall Bureau The iconic Sam the Record Man sign has been saved from the auction block. City hall politicians voted yesterday to designate the Yonge St. record store – set to close next Saturday – a heritage building, protecting the famous spinning discs. The sign was set to be auctioned next Wednesday. The Ontario Heritage Act doesn't allow signs to be saved for their heritage character, explained area Councillor Kyle Rae, so the city opted to protect the whole property. The large neon discs, the two "Sam'' signs above and the backlit sign below will also be protected. Since the closing of Sam's was announced last month, a movement emerged to protect the sign. Rae, raised in Oakville, didn't understand the fuss at first: "I wasn't convinced in the beginning this was of any heritage significance." But meeting with the city's Heritage Preservation Services staff, he learned how important Sam's was to many who grew up in Toronto. "We'll sit down with the owner or future owners as the property is being sold, and we hope to be able to maintain the two discs and `Sam' signs on the rooftop as part of the ongoing history of Yonge St.,'' Rae said. Sam Sniderman's sons, Jason and Bobby, began operating the store as a new business in 2002 after the original store filed for bankruptcy and closed in late 2001. Jason said that while the city's decision is "flattering'' for the family, maintaining the sign will take care and expense. The city offers grants to preserve heritage properties.