Music

Iconic Toronto Sam the Record Man sign may not get resurrected as originally planned

by Nicole Villeneuve

In late 2008, Ryerson University in Toronto began construction on the site that was long inhabited by the flagship store of iconic Canadian music chain Sam the Record Man. The school had acquired the property from the founding Sniderman family after they closed the shore in 2007.

Part of the deal of nearby Ryerson turning the property into a new Student Learning Centre was that they had to preserve the sign; the entire site—including the kitschy sign—was deemed heritage property by the City of Toronto shortly after its closure. But now the Eyeopener reports that Ryerson is reconsidering its initial plan.

“I would rather not use the sign,” Ryerson President Sheldon Levy said.

The cost to restore and mount the sign to the building will cost approximately $250,000 Levy said, and the Ward (27)’s councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam says it may simply be too complicated.

“It may not be physically possible given the size of the sign as well as technology having changed.”

Levy says that just because Ryerson’s new building might be the ideal place for the sign, its life isn’t over just yet. “We are trying to discuss with [city council] a better place to memorialize the Sam’s location.” [via The Eyeopener]