The Shell Oil Tower was the result of a 1954 architectural competition for an observation tower at the Canadian National Exhibition. The practice of holding such competitions enabled new opinions to be heard at an open forum and, as was the case with this winning entry, welcomed the contribution of new ideas. The successful perspective drawing of the Tower, as it was envisioned, clearly illustrates some of the principal ideas which aspired to promote a vibrant and internationally respected city of Toronto. The Tower appears as a beacon in the night, surrounded by urban floodlights and activity. The Tower glimmers from within, emphasizing it openness, freedom of movement, and purpose as a conspicuously important place in the city. The observer views all of this, and the citizens on the observation deck, from the ground. This visual connection between the Tower and the terrain of the city is further strengthened in the drawing by the hands of the clock face at the top of the tower, where one hand is directed upward and the other hand surveys the horizon which is the extent of the city.

These principal ideas came to fruition upon the completion of the Shell Oil Tower in 1955. From the outset, the Tower held a significant presence in the city. At once, it served as a landmark for its citizens and provided those citizens with a fresh outlook on their city and its architecture. The Tower represented the value Toronto placed on innovation, and attempts to celebrate new potential in the city. To that end, the height, transparency, and slenderness of the Shell Tower was achieved through the innovative use of the first welded steel construction in Toronto. While such details are common today, it was this building that introduced the methods of Modernism to the city of Toronto.

Unfortunately the Shell Oil Tower was torn down in 1986. Yet it still holds a place in the history of Toronto as a significant and visionary example of civic architecture.

AWARDS: City of Toronto Urban Design Awards, 1995
Owner: Shell Oil Company
Architect: George Robb Architect