Looking northeast along Yonge St towards Shuter St, from north of Queen St, in the Downtown Yonge area of Toronto.
The archive photo features, from right to left, several significant buildings. First is what was originally the Canadian Bank of Commerce, which is marked by its two fluted columns. This building at 197 Yonge St, was constructed in 1905 and designed by architects Darling & Pearson. It closed as a bank branch in 1983 and remained vacant for many years before reopening in 2020 as the entrance hall to Massey Tower.
Next in the vintage photo is the Colonial Tavern, which opened in 1947. A few legendary musicians who performed there include Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Rush. The Colonial Tavern closed in 1987, and the building was demolished.
The next building is the Bank of Toronto, notable for its four fluted columns and hemispherical dome. This structure was built circa 1906 and designed by architect E.J. Lennox. The Toronto Dominion Bank closed this location in 1989, and after renovations, the building served as the offices of what was then known as the Toronto Historical Board from 1992 through 2001. Today the landmark building at 205 Yonge St is home to an asset management company.
Lastly, the six-storey brown-brick structure was built in 1920 for Adams Furniture and designed by William Steel & Sons Co. The building currently houses commercial and office space.
Then and Now
SOURCE
- City of Toronto Heritage Register
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 197 Yonge St
- Heritage Toronto
- Heritage Toronto: Colonial Tavern
- Ontario Heritage Trust
- Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 205 Yonge St
- City of Toronto Heritage Register: 211 Yonge St
- City of Toronto: Sale of City-Owned Property Report for 205 Yonge St dated Oct 2002
- Heritage Toronto
- Photo: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photo: City of Toronto Archives
- City of Toronto: Maps
- Toronto City Directory, courtesy of Toronto Public Library
