Masonic Temple future up in air as studio closes

[aytononline]

Masonic Temple future up in air as studio closes
From the Toronto Star

Reporter Josh Rubin
November 02, 2012
Bellmedia is closing its Masonic Temple production studio, leaving the future of the historic Yonge St. building up in the air.
The Yonge and Davenport building, which has hosted concerts by artists as varied as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones in its 95-year history, has been the home of MTV Canada since 2006.
The closing is a result of MTV Canada’s move to Bellmedia’s studio at 299 Queen St. W, at the end of November.
“No decision has been made on the future of the building,” said Bellmedia spokesman Scott Henderson.
Henderson said 11 full-time employees and 16 contract workers lost their jobs as a result of the move, while 60 other MTV Canada employees will move to the channel’s new home. Several other Bellmedia channels also operate out of the Queen W. building, including BNN, CP24 and MuchMusic.
“The eliminated positions are duplicate production positions,” Henderson said.
The building began its life as a Masonic temple in 1917 and has frequently been used as a concert hall. It was bought by CTV in 1998 and turned into a TV studio for Open Mike With Mike Bullard.
The CTV purchase came after an outcry over plans to tear the building down and use the site for condominiums. During the controversy, the building was designated as a historic property under the Ontario Heritage Act.
That designation makes it harder for any potential buyer to tear it down, but it could still be converted into condos, perhaps by keeping at least part of the existing facade, suggested veteran real estate consultant Barry Lyon. On the plus side is the site’s prime location, Lyon suggested.
“It’s a terrific corner. You’re close to Yorkville. You’ve got the subway,” said Lyon.
On the other hand, the site is hemmed in on both sides by other buildings.
But it’s got plenty of potential even with its existing structure, mused Lyon.
“It sure would make a nice museum, wouldn’t it?”

[InMontreal]

What's the link between the production set moving and the over-the-air channels section ?