Table 6ix
Discover the heartbeat of downtown Toronto and pull up a chair at Table 6ix.
Join hosts Laurie Weir and Dana Duncanson for insightful conversations with the leaders, visionaries, and intriguing personalities who are shaping and transforming Toronto’s dynamic landscape. From the latest trends and experiences to personal stories and important topics, Table 6ix explores what makes Toronto thrive. Tune in and enjoy this love letter to Toronto.
Follow us on Instagram: @Table6ixPodcast
Table 6ix
Preserving Culture: The Story of 401 Richmond from Founder Margie Zeidler
In this episode, we’re uncovering one of Toronto’s coolest hidden gems: 401 Richmond. Hosts Laurie Weir and Dana Duncanson are here to delve into the story of this iconic building at the corner of Richmond and Spadina with the visionary behind it all, Founder Margie Zeidler
Margie took an old lithography factory and turned it into a bustling cultural and commercial hub that’s home to over 150 tenants—from art galleries and fashion designers to non-profits and tech companies.
In this captivating episode, you’ll hear:
- The fascinating history and transformation of 401 Richmond
- How urban activist Jane Jacobs inspired Margie’s vision
- The unique architecture and labyrinth of hallways within 350 ft. long structure
- Hilarious and heartwarming stories of some truly eclectic tenants (like the guy who sold furniture and frozen salmon!)
- An early tenant, lawyer Michael Cochrane, proudly coined “village in a box” to describe 401 Richmond’s supportive, diverse community
- Iconic Toronto landmarks designed by her famed architect father, the late Eb Zeidler (including Ontario Place, Eaton Centre, Queen’s Quay Terminal, Hospital for Sick Children, and the Princess Margaret Hospital)
Margie’s unwavering dedication to offering affordable work spaces for artists and entrepreneurs has made a profound impact on Toronto’s cultural landscape and acted as an important incubator for young, emerging talent. She’ll share the ups, downs, and everything in between from her 30-year journey.
So join us for a lively chat with Margie Zeidler that’ll leave you feeling inspired and ready to explore the vibrant arts scene in downtown Toronto!
To learn more about 401 Richmond, click here.
For a look back at the history of the 401 Richmond building and early tenants, see here.
For more information about urban activist Jane Jacobs and a list of her publications, works and interviews, see here.
Martin Prosperity Institute Report: From the Ground Up: Growing Toronto’s Cultural Sector.
Stuart Brand’s book How Buildings Learn.
Village in a Box? Workplace of the Future by Michael Cochrane (Workplace News, 1998).
401 Richmond, Toronto: A Hub and Model of Sustainability. A case study prepared by Dorian Pai of Carleton University.
A look at Eb Zeidler’s impressive architecture career.
Follow Table 6ix on Instagram @table6ixpodcast.
Table 6ix brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: Table6ixPodcast.com.
