The St Lawrence Market South building is located at 93 Front St E, at Jarvis St (the southwest corner), in the St Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
Once Toronto’s First Permanent City Hall
The Great Fire of Toronto in 1849 destroyed much of the city. It did, however, spare Toronto’s first permanent City Hall. The multi-use municipal building was constructed in 1844 at the cost of $45,000 and designed by Henry Bowyer Lane.
The centre building housed the offices of the Mayor, city officials, council chambers, and the courtroom, while the basement was occupied by Police Station No 1 and holding cells. The wings on each side of the main building were home to various shops. In the rear of the structure were stalls selling fresh goods.
Throughout the mid and late 1800s, alterations were made to the building and façade. In 1899, City Hall moved out when what we know today as Old City Hall at Queen St W and Bay St was completed.
Extensive Renovations
At the turn of the 20th century, the then-municipal building underwent extensive alterations and additions to turn it into a large marketplace. John Wilson Siddall was the architect behind the renovations. A portion of the first City Hall was kept and incorporated into the structure. The cupola, pediment and side sections were removed. A substantial new steel truss roof was added over the entire structure.
Saved from Demolition
In the 1970s, the St Lawrence Market South narrowly escaped demolition thanks to a group of citizens who helped save the historic gem. Heritage status was given in 1973. The structure had undergone renovations which were completed in 1978.
St Lawrence Market Today
Today, St Lawrence Market is a huge draw for both residents of the City and tourists. There are over 100 vendors selling produce, baked goods, meats, fish, dairy products, artisan goods and more.
Visit the St Lawrence Market website for further info on the history, gallery, antique market, hours and tours.
Did You Know?
- When you enter the South Market through the archways on Front St East, you’re walking through the first permanent City Hall entrance. On the façade, it’s the centre front portion that’s outlined with white stone trim.
- The first City Hall structure, done in the Georgian style, is an example of work created by one of the City’s first architects, Henry Bower Lane. Mr Lane also designed Little Trinity Church, St George the Martyr Church, portions of Osgoode Hall and more.
- The St Lawrence Market Complex comprises three main buildings – the South Market, the North Market and St Lawrence Hall.
- Remnants of the old holding cells can be found on the lower level of the South Market.
- Right in Toronto, this landmark is considered one of the world’s greatest markets.
- Toronto’s new City Hall is located at 100 Queen St W and Bay St.
St Lawrence Market South Photos
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 91 Front St E
- Ontario Heritage Trust: 103 Front St E
- Landmarks of Toronto: Volume 1 by J Ross Robertson (1894), pgs 290-292
- St Lawrence Market
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives, Toronto Public Library & Library and Archives Canada
