‘Walk’ on Market St. may be named for Paul Oberman Steward of architecture

Dennis Hanagan –

Awalkway on Market St. between Front St. and The Esplanade may  be named Paul Oberman Walk in honour of the late Toronto developer and architect. His work included renovating  Market St. heritage properties. He died in a plane crash in March 2011 at age 54.

In February, community council unanimously agreed to the naming requested by Councillor Pam McConnell. City council will vote on the naming in April. A dedication ceremony could take place later in the month.

Oberman’s name would be on honourary signs, perhaps mounted to the facades of the heritage buildings he helped preserve. Oberman founded Woodcliffe Landmark Properties in 1996. He believed heritage buildings could be restored and still be economically viable, says Woodcliffe’s website.

His Market St. development included the renovation and retrofitting of three heritage buildings.

Oberman’s projects have received numerous awards including the Governor General’s architecture award. He was recognized by Heritage Canada “for outstanding stewardship of Canada’s architectural heritage,” McConnell said in her request to community council. Oberman acquired the Gooderham Flatiron Building in 2005 to preserve it as a landmark.