Looking west towards 104 Yonge St, north of King St W in Toronto’s Financial District.
The four-story brownstone building, showcasing elements of the Second Empire style, including a Mansard roof, was completed in 1886 to serve as the headquarters for the Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies. It was constructed for $13,000, based on designs by architects Gordon & Helliwell.
In 1910, the building was leased to Dunfield & Company, a retailer specializing in men’s furnishings, which operated there until the early 1930s. Following this period, the building briefly accommodated another clothing store, followed by a drug store. By 1939, it became the home of Cameron-Jeffries Limited, a men’s wear store that remained in operation until the 1980s, as shown in the archive photo. From 1991 to 2009, the storefront was occupied by Dack’s Shoes.
The Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building was added to the city’s heritage register in 1984. The east façade of this building has been integrated into the commercial complex at the east end of Scotia Plaza. Currently, the storefront houses Pizzaiolo restaurant.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St
- Ontario Heritage Trust: Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St
- The Toronto World Newspaper Archives: May 13, 1886, pg 1 (Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St)
- The Globe Newspaper Archives: February 18, 1910, pg 16 (Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St)
- The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: November 17, 1955, pg 9 (Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St)
- The Globe and Mail Newspaper Archives: December 17, 2009, pg A12 (Upper Canada Bible and Tract Societies Building at 104 Yonge St)
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
