Looking northeast towards the corner of Victoria St and Lombard St, in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood of Toronto.
Both photos feature the Comstock Building on the corner at 75 Victoria St. This 3-storey structure, completed in the early 1890s, is clad in orange brick with stone elements and was designed by the architectural firm Denison & King. The Victorian-era building features a corner tower, along with intricate carvings and decorative brick details. One of the building’s early tenants was the Globe Savings & Loan Company. A few businesses in the Comstock Building in the vintage photo include Leon’s Restaurant, City Typewriter Company, and Maxie’s Smoke Shop.
Also notice the neighbouring building on the left. The archive photo shows it as home to the Sheldon Pub House; however, when it was constructed in 1907/08, it was originally known as the Strand Hotel.
These two buildings are listed on the city’s heritage register and currently house the House of McGrath restaurant.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- Heritage Toronto
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 75 Victoria St (Comstock Building)
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 81 Victoria St (Strand Hotel)
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 75 Victoria St
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory courtesy of Toronto Public Library
