Looking southeast towards the corner of Bloor St W and Balmuto St in the Bay-Cloverhill and Yorkville neighbourhoods of Toronto.
A few businesses in the archive photo’s foreground include the Bank of Nova Scotia, Gold ‘N Gems, and Simon’s Gowns and Wraps. Another notable item is the Uptown Backstage Theatre in the background on the right. In 1969, the Uptown Theatre underwent a significant transformation, becoming a five-screen venue, which made it one of the world’s earliest multiplex cinemas. Two of the Uptown’s theatres were accessed through the Backstage, which was located on Balumto St. The theatre permanently closed in 2003.
The streetscape has changed significantly since then, with a majority of the site of the Uptown Theatre, once occupied, being replaced by a condo; however, Scotiabank remains at the same address.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 764 Yonge St
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
