Today we’ll take a short, rainy-day walk across Richmond Street West, roughly from Simcoe Street to John Street. Prior to researching it, I knew in general that this street was of historical significance in terms of Toronto’s old warehouse district. Delving a little deeper I learned a bit of background on some of the buildings along this stretch.
The Graphics Art Building – 73 Richmond Street West
These are live-and-work lofts and suites in an historic building with classic architectural details. Built in 1913, the limestone building features Ionic columns and cornice work. For years it was the headquarters of Saturday Night Magazine, an esteemed publication that featured the writing of many of Canada’s most acclaimed writers including Stephen Leacock, John McCrae, Robertson Davies and Margaret Atwood. The entrance still boasts the original Saturday Night signage.
The CHUM Studios – 250 Richmond Street West
Corner of Richmond Street West and Duncan Street. This historic 4-storey building on Richmond Street West near Duncan Street serves as the headquarters for iHeartRadio Canada, radio stations—CHUM-FM (104.5), CFRB (Newstalk 1010), and CKFM-FM (99.9 Virgin Radio).
The iconic vertical “CHUM” neon sign was moved from its original location at 1331 Yonge Street. Prior to becoming a Bell Media radio hub, the building was a nightclub venue (home to Go-Go’s and Whiskey Saigon in the late 80s and early 90s). The building achieved heritage significance in 2017, located within the King-Spadina Heritage Conservation District.
The building was constructed circa 1909 amid the area’s second wave of industrialization, which emphasized garment and light manufacturing activities.
RendezViews – 229 Richmond Street West
RendezViews is Toronto’s largest outdoor patio and event space, located at 229 Richmond Street West in the Entertainment District. Known for its vibrant, colourful painted picnic tables and massive murals, this former parking lot was transformed into a popular spot for watching sports, live entertainment, and social gatherings.
Reflections Mural – 229 Richmond Street West
Reflections is a massive 45,000-square-foot mural and art experience located at 229 Richmond Street West in Toronto, forming part of the RendezViews patio (see aerial shot above).
This impressive mural was created by artists Clandestinos (which consists of Bruno Smoky and Shalak Attack) in 2021. The mural covers the ground and walls with vibrant, kaleidoscopic colours, telling a story of optimism and community growth.
Tip Top Tailors “Ghost Sign” – 260 Richmond Street West
Located on the west facade of 260 Richmond Street West, east of John Street. Built in 1914/15, this historic World War I-period industrial building is the former warehouse for Tip Top Tailors. Its west-facing ghost sign reads: Home of Tip Top Tailors – Suits & O’Coats Always One Price – To Measure.
Tip Top Tailors was founded in 1909 by David Dunkelman, a Polish-Jewish immigrant. The company moved from this location to 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West in 1929. Today this Richmond Street West site is home to Bell Media.
Gelber Brothers Sign – 217-225 Richmond Street West
Moses and Louis Gelber were two Jewish immigrant brothers, arriving in Toronto in 1896. After each had great success in their ventures, the brothers consolidated their operations at 217-219 Richmond Street West, near Duncan Street. In 1923, they hired well-respected Jewish architect Benjamin Brown to build their warehouse and office building at the current address.
In 2020, the owners of the building (the WTF Group) paid the Traditional Sign Painting Company to revive the faded “Gelber Bros.” sign to its current state.
Behind Bell Media Building – Richmond Street West
These shots were taken on Richmond Street West behind 299 Queen Street West. The building is the official headquarters of Bell Media (CTV Drama Channel, BNN Bloomberg, CTV Comedy Channel, E!, Oxygen True Crime, CTV Life Channel, Much, etc.).
The current five-storey building was originally constructed in 1913 as the headquarters of the Methodist Church of Canada by the architectural firm of Burke, Horwood and White. The Methodists joined with two other denominations to form the United Church of Canada in 1925, for which the building served as the headquarters until 1959. By this time the Ryerson Press, originally the publishing arm of the Methodist Church, had grown to occupy the entire building.
Post-Rain Reflections – Richmond Street West
WeWork Building – 240 Richmond Street West
This building is home to “WeWork”, a six-floor co-working space in Toronto’s Entertainment District. WeWork offers flexible workspaces, including private offices, dedicated desks and meeting rooms, along with related amenities.
From the company’s website:
Across three thoughtfully designed floors, you’ll find private offices, open lounges, and quiet nooks where teams and individuals can focus, meet, and create. Onsite staff, daily cleaning, and high-speed internet keep everything running seamlessly, while phone booths and well-equipped conference rooms make it easy to handle focused calls and client meetings. With bike storage, showers, micro-roasted coffee, and welcoming common areas, this location is built for comfortable workdays and steady energy.
This stretch of Richmond Street West is an interesting part of the downtown. The street is a vital, high-intensity corridor within Toronto’s King-Spadina area, functioning as a nexus for commercial growth and residential density.
I gave always loved Richmond Street. It encompasses Industrial, commercial and residential. So many lovely buildings as it winds its…