Somewhere above Bloor Street

How much of the apartment did Mr. Johnson, a towering figure in 20th-century architecture, actually design? How should new architecture relate to heritage architecture? The stand-off also raises questions about how far into private homes preservation should be able to reach.— Globe and Mail, January 30, 2021

In 2001, the president of the foundation charged with raising money for the Royal Ontario Museum, where I was director and CEO for ten years, suggested we contact a retired businessman named Noah Torno. Soon after, Noah agreed to lunch with me at the museum’s restaurant, JK ROM. I read the briefing notes and headed upstairs to meet him. It was the start of a particular friendship.

Noah was already seated at the far end of the bistro when I arrived, some ninety years of age and elegantly attired in a blue blazer and ebullient tie. As I settled in, he was...