Looking southeast along Church St from Shuter St in the Garden District of Toronto.
The four-storey building in the foreground of the archive photo was constructed in 1891 for the Athenaeum Club. Designed by architects Denison & King, it showcases Moorish Revival style architecture, which is rare in Toronto. From 1904 to 1967, it served as the Labor Temple.
When the vintage photo was taken, the building was home to Studio 167, a venue that featured live jazz and R&B music and hosted weddings and banquets. The building received heritage designation in 1973, and today, its historic façade has been preserved and integrated into the Jazz Apartments.
There are a few other notable things to mention in the old photo. First, the red and white Volkswagen Bus. Further down the street, notice the red “PAWNBROKERS” sign for the H Williams & Co. store. Additionally, the steeple of the Cathedral Church of St James is visible in the background.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: Athenaeum Club at 167 Church St
- The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Oct 17, 1969, pg 14 (Athenaeum Club at 167 Church St)
- The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: Nov 24, 1970, pg 15 (Athenaeum Club at 167 Church St)
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
