One of the last Doors Open venues we went to on Saturday was close to home…in Little India on Gerrard Street East. The Riverdale Hub is full of surprises. A century-old, narrow warehouse building has been opened up and stripped to its bones. Heavy wooden beams and rough hardwood floors give the place a nice warmth. Bright accent colours have been introduced on new drywall, making the space modern and old at the same time. Woven carpets define areas in large spaces and soften the feel. Furnishings are recycled bookshelves, hutches, counters and tables. There’s art on the walls.
The Hub is actually two buildings, adjacent to one another and connected inside to become one. The eastern side has raw cinderblock walls, polished concrete floors and shiny, exposed ductwork. The west side is old warehouse… brick and beams.
Out back, a little open space has been converted into a quiet water garden which uses rainwater from the roof. The whole building has been refurbished with “green” energy and efficiency in mind. Solar panels on the roof track the sun, producing lighting. Heat comes from a geothermal system.
There are art gallery spaces upstairs, which also serve for yoga classes. Other large open areas are rentable for community events…wedding receptions, parties, that sort of thing. On the street level, a fair trade cafe will open soon. Yes, there’s wifi, and the café will act as a training ground for newcomers to Canada who want to learn how to work serving tables and managing a small business. Behind the café, tables and computer workstations provide more training space.
So you are beginning to see what THe Riverdale Hub is for… a social centre serving many needs, particularly the needs of women new to Canada. There are toy-filled play areas for children of women sheltering from abuse at home. There are opportunities to become employable, to learn new skills, to practice arts, to meditate, exercise and socialize. It’s a people place. It should be a real asset as the Little India strip reinvents itself. I’m glad we looked in and we feel welcome to drop in any time… especially when the café gets going.