The Rubinoff’s terrazzo storefront entryway is located at 508-510 Queen St W (opposite Portland St) in the Fashion District of Toronto.
At the entrance of what was The Velvet Underground (which closed in October 2025), the remnants of the white and pink terrazzo entryway provide a glimpse into the building’s history. Although only the letters “F’S” are visible today, the exterior once displayed the name “RUBINOFF’S.” Historical records from the Toronto City Directory show that Morris Rubinoff established his dry goods business at 510 Queen St W in 1931. Five years later, he expanded his business to include men’s furnishings in the neighbouring storefront at 508 Queen St W, ultimately specializing exclusively in apparel. When the store closed in the mid-1970s, it operated under the name Rubinoff & Sons, offering a variety of men’s, women’s, and boys’ clothing.
The historic building that once housed The Velvet Underground, alongside other businesses, is known as Crocker’s Block. This architectural gem was constructed in 1874 and designed in the Second Empire style by architect William Stewart. Located at 506-514 Queen St W, Crocker’s Block was added to the city’s heritage register in 1985.
Rubinoff’s Storefront Entryway Photos
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 508-514 Queen St W
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Feb 20, 1874, pg 3
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: Sep 11, 1874, pg 2
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory, courtesy of Toronto Public Library
