Looking northwest towards the former University Theatre as shown in the archive photo at 100 Bloor St W, in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto.
Designed by architect Eric Wilfrid Hounsom, the University Theatre opened its doors in 1949 as one of the first largest post-war movie houses built by Famous Players Limited. In 1986, the theatre closed. The developers of the prime real estate site were tasked with restoring its historic façade. This involved meticulously dismantling each limestone block, numbering them, cleaning, patching, and then rebuilding the facade. The entire restoration process cost $1 million and was completed in 2002.
The facade, located at 10 Bellair St, became part of a condominium and now houses storefront retail spaces. Until 2017, it was occupied by Pottery Barn.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
