The Globe and Mail

The shallow rake and stretched ovoid shape create unexpected drama. The wide treads in emerald-green terrazzo cause some to ponder during their climb, while tardy ones streak by, footfalls clacking off the smooth curvaceous walls. The rich wooden handrail coils upward, snake-like, past hidden cove lighting and on to the second floor, suspended by minimalist spindles punctuated by jaunty red ornaments. Architect Eric Arthur's "grand staircase" at Victoria College's Wymilwood building may just be the sexiest post-war staircase in Toronto. It also may be handed -- along with the rest of the 1952 student union building -- a death sentence in April by an advisory committee asked to determine its future.