Looking northwest towards Maple Leaf Gardens at Carlton St and Church St in Toronto’s Church and Wellesley neighbourhood.
Built in 1931 and known as one of the “cathedrals of hockey,” this landmark was designed by architects Ross & Macdonald with associate architects Mackenzie Waters and Jack Ryrie. It took a record-breaking five months and 12 days to build.
The Gardens was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1931 to 1999. They won 11 of their 13 Stanley Cups there, and their first and last games there were against the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 2004, Loblaw Companies purchased the Toronto gem, and in 2009, renovations began. The roof, rafters and exterior were preserved. This historic building is home to Loblaws on the main level and Toronto Metropolitan University’s (formerly Ryerson University) Mattamy Athletic Centre, which includes a 2,700-seat hockey rink on the upper level.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: Toronto Public Library
