Looking northeast towards the former University Theatre at 100 Bloor St W, in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto.
The post-war cinema, constructed by Famous Players Limited and designed by architect Eric Wilfrid Hounsom, operated from 1949 until 1986. When developers purchased the prime real estate, they restored the theatre’s historic façade. Each limestone block was carefully dismantled, individually numbered, cleaned, patched, and reassembled. The total restoration cost was $1 million, and the project was completed in 2002.
The building currently accommodates retail storefronts, and until 2017, it was leased to Pottery Barn. As of October 2024, it’s the new location for the British fashion brand Burberry.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 100 Bloor St W
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Street Photo: Google Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
