Lying just beyond the main lobby of 401 Richmond, the open air interior courtyard is a lush gem in the centre of the building. Large french doors open out onto the courtyard from the main hallway and children from Studio 123 Early Learning Centre can be seen at play throughout the day.
Two small brick structures (one which housed a vault!) were removed to provide space for an inner courtyard complete with cedar benches, a beautiful birch tree, several flower beds, and a sandbox for the children. An open steel spiral staircase makes the courtyard accessible to tenants from all four levels and provides a lovely view of the interior section of the building; including the impressive glass entrance to Studio 123 Early Learning Centre, and the skywalk connecting the north and south sections of 401 Richmond.
The courtyard not only provides a necessary outdoor play space for children from Studio 123, but has also been carefully planted by Property Manager, Mike Moody to offer another green oasis for visitors of all kinds. The courtyard is often used as a gathering space for tenants whether it's a fundraiser barbeque for Studio 123 or the kick off celebrations for Artsweek at 401, the courtyard is a well-utilized common space in the building.
401 Fact: above the courtyard entrace to Studio 123 Early Learning Centre there is a latin phrase Spiritus in nobis qui viget illa facit. If you look on the courtyard stairs you will see the translation: The Spirit living within us fashions all this.
