Description

Two of downtown Toronto’s most popular places to hang out didn’t start with glossy plans or big budgets. They started with two guys who saw potential in empty land who had the vision, creativity and gumption to do something with it.

In this episode, we talk with Oliver Geddes (RendezViews) and Matt Rubinoff (STACKT Market), two of the people behind Toronto’s most talked-about outdoor spaces. Their projects may look effortless now, but getting there involved a mix of grit, rule-bending, and a lot of negotiating with the city.

We explore the origin stories behind both spaces, delve into the philosophy of placemaking in a city like Toronto, and discuss what it takes to build community spaces that are made for locals and loved by visitors. 

We talk about:

• How STACKT evolved from a cluster of shipping containers into a barrier-free public space and launchpad for small businesses - part incubator, part hangout, and fully rooted in community connection.
• How RendezViews turned an empty parking lot into Toronto’s largest outdoor patio, art park, and gathering space for over half a million people.
• Oliver’s call for city politics to reduce red tape and embrace creative development.
• Around the 16:45-minute mark, Oliver talks about the legendary after-hours hang out, The Matador, in a way that’s funny, heartfelt, and deeply nostalgic for anyone who remembers late-night Toronto.
• Why being “temporary” unlocked more creative freedom, and how that might be the key to innovative city design. 
• When a pop-up space becomes part of people’s lives - from first dates to playoff game memories.
• Why Oliver says a day at STACKT Market was the best day he’d had in Toronto in a long time.
• Why you may catch Elmo twerking at a RendezViews event.

During Quick Bites, Oliver shares his favourite view of the city, the land Matt would love to develop next, and what they’d each do with a $1 Million grant. 

Stick around ‘til the end to hear their love letters to Toronto.

Follow RendezViews at @rendezviewsto and STACKT Market at @stacktmarket

Follow Table 6ix on Instagram at @table6ixpodcast

Table 6ix is brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: www.YourExperienceAwaits.ca.

Follow Table 6ix on Instagram @table6ixpodcast.

Table 6ix brought to you by the Toronto Downtown West BIA. For more information, visit: Table6ixPodcast.com.