Category: New construction

Richmond Street East

April 23, 2025 / Marvin Job / 0 Comments

The sun was actually shining for more than three minutes last weekend, so I set out for another photowalk in the city. It had been a few years since I’d walked along Richmond Street East, so I thought I’d give that street a try with my trusty camera in tow.

Richmond Street East runs from Yonge Street to just east of Parliament Street, where it crosses the Don River and becomes known as Eastern Avenue. As you walk along Richmond Street East, you can tell its had a long history of hard labour and warehouses. In the 20th century, the area saw the rise of large-scale warehouses, factories, and office buildings, many of which replaced earlier low-rise structures.

These days Richmond Street East is definitely – and literally – on the rise: there are condo projects everywhere you look. The street is a vibrant part of Toronto’s downtown core, with a mix of commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces.

Walking from the start of the street at Yonge, and finishing at Parliament, here’s a bit of what I encountered:

The Confederation Life Building, a seven-floor Romanesque Revival office building, is a historic structure in Toronto. Completed in 1892, it was designated a historic property by the City of Toronto under the Ontario Heritage Act on November 26, 1975.

Condos everywhere! Looking upwards from the corner of Richmond Street East and Yonge Street.

This is currently a fully tenanted office building owned by the City of Toronto. In future it may be required for the Toronto Parking Authority.

Toronto EMS Station #40, located at 58 Richmond Street East

This is a housing co-op located at 60 Richmond Street East. It was designed by Teeple Architects and completed in March 2010. This 11-story, 85-unit mixed use building is among the first new housing co-ops to be built in Toronto in recent years. It won the Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Award (2010) and the Canadian Architect Award of Excellence (2007).

Another Wild Wing location meets a sad end. Located at 107 Church Street, northeast corner of Richmond Street East and Church Street.

Dwarfed and surrounded by highrise condos, McVeigh’s Irish Pub looks very out of place. The pub was founded in 1962.

The Canadian Venture Building, 82 Richmond Street East. This company provides outfitted office spaces for daily, weekly, monthly or long-term occupancy.

Mural in Green P parking lot #219, at 99 Richmond Street East

Lots of colour on the Tangerine bikes, 99 Richmond Street East

The George Street Diner, 129 George Street, northeast corner of George Street and Richmond Street East. Comfort food at a classic diner.

At 121 George Street, Alterra’s Celeste Condominiums are currently under construction. That company recently collaborated with J. Hutton, a Toronto-based multimedia artist and musician, who has brought the construction hoarding to life. Inspired by vintage cinematography and live music, his mural “Ballet & Granite”, invites the viewer to appreciate the beauty of movement, the skill of the performers, and the ephemeral nature of artistic expression. It celebrates the universal language of dance and encourages viewers to reflect on the fleeting moments that make up the tapestry of life and art.

354 Richmond Street East is the former home of the Downtown Ford Service Centre. It looks like it’s now slated for condo conversion.

384 Richmond Street East. The City of Toronto has passed a by-law designating this building as being of cultural heritage value or interest. This is the site of a future, massive condo development. The upcoming project will retain facades from the buildings at 263-265 Queen Street East, 90 Ontario Street, 410 Richmond Street, and 384 Richmond Street. All of these buildings are listed on the City of Toronto’s Heritage Registry.

The Turco-Persian Rug Co. at 354 Richmond Street East looks quite out of place amongst all the upcoming condos in the area.

These painted curbs are a nice diversion from the somewhat dreary neighbourhood. The painted curbs, seen in several areas of downtown Toronto, are an initiative of the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto program. The program aims to make streets more vibrant, animate the paths, and showcase the work of diverse Toronto Artists.

The end of Richmond Street East. Beyond this Parliament Street intersection, the one-way Richmond Street East passes over the Don River and becomes Eastern Avenue.

Bloor Street United Church

February 25, 2023 / Marvin Job / 2 Comments

Passing by the Bloor Street United Church at 300 Bloor Street West a couple of weeks ago, I was quite surprised by the renovation/demolition taking place there.

Located in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, the 19th century Neo-gothic structure is undergoing a major interior and exterior restoration and renovation that includes the redesign of 20,000 square feet of community and commercial office spaces. For the time being the congregation is worshipping with St. Matthew’s United Church at 729 St. Clair Avenue West.

The mixed-use project aims to add approximately 40,000 square feet of leaseable space which will support the congregation’s ongoing programs. The completion of the project will carry out the original mission of the church, providing a community space for gathering and worship.

Respecting the heritage building, the commercial and residential program form a podium and a 29-storey-high tower – the Cielo Condos – that is set back from the church. The tower takes cues in geometry and materials from its neighbourhood. The brick fabric of the Annex is reflected along the accordion-like podium of the building and features panels of windows that connect residents to the city and neighbourhood. In contrast to the intricate detailing of the church, the tower’s minimal form and gold detailing complement the existing structure.

A Bit Of History

The church began as a Presbyterian congregation in 1887 to serve the rapidly growing population of then-northern Toronto, with the church building opening in 1890. In 1924, the church voted by a substantial majority to join the United Church. Three years later, a portion of the church was demolished when the city decided to widen Bloor Street.

The church grew in size in the 1940s and 1950s as an influx of immigrants arrived in the area. The congregation was so large that on several occasions, Massey Hall was rented to hold some services. It was decided to renovate the church in 1954. As it was nearing completion, however, a fire broke out and the church was badly damaged, with most of the sanctuary destroyed. Money was quickly raised to rebuild the church; in the interim the congregation met at nearby churches and U of T’s Convocation Hall.

Renovation Pics

Changes on Sherbourne Street

February 9, 2023 / Marvin Job / 1 Comment

Up until a few years ago I would pass through the Sherbourne Street area near Bloor Street East twice per day, on my way to the subway. Not the most uplifting of ‘hoods, the area has traditionally been slightly down at heel. That has all been changing recently. This past weekend I went up Sherbourne Street, not having done so for quite a while, and was shocked by the recent changes on Sherbourne and neighbouring Howard Street.

Apartments and restaurants on Sherbourne Street demolished between Shoppers Drug Mart and Eggsmart restaurant

Howard Street

After years of neglect, the heritage building on the corner of Howard Street and Sherbourne Street finally gets some attention (and a new condo built above it):

**Future Demolition, North Side of Howard Street**
Behind the Eggsmart restaurant on the corner of Sherbourne and Howard Streets

**Future Demolition**
North side of Howard Street, east side of Eggsmart restaurant

Beside the stores on Howard Street, looking over to Sherbourne Street

Looking east down Howard Street. New construction on the left and new condo ahead left (corner of Howard & Parliament Streets)

**Will they stay or go?**
A couple of remaining shops on the north side of Howard Street beside the construction site

**Will they stay or fall to the wrecking ball?**
Remaining shops on the south side of Howard Street

Glen Road

I shot these while heading to the subway via the wonderful little street known as Glen Road. I’ve always loved Glen Road; so much character – to me it has an almost-Brooklyn look and feel. It’s a huge bonus that the once-derelict period houses on the west side of the street were recently renovated and revitalized:

This side of the street was once derelict and abandoned…

Sherbourne Street continues to change and gentrify. Over the last few years several upscale condos have gone up near the corner of Bloor Street East, making the area a little more desirable than it was a couple of years ago.

A Walk Up & Down Avenue Road

November 23, 2022 / Marvin Job / 0 Comments

It was a crisp fall day when I started my Avenue Road photowalk at Bloor Street West. I made my way up Avenue Road, reached Dupont Street, then returned south until I hit University Avenue and Dundas Street West. Here’s a little of what I encountered along the way.

**The Prince Arthur Condo**
38 Avenue Road

**The Prince Arthur Condo, 38 Avenue Road**
I’ve always loved this entryway – so elegant, dramatic

**New Condo Construction: 183 Avenue Road**
Construction on the northeast corner of Avenue Road and Pears Avenue in Yorkville. This is a proposed 10-storey mixed-use condominium building designed by BBB Architects for K P Isberg.

**Hazelton Lanes Residences**
55A Avenue Road

**Galerie de Bellefeuille**
87 Avenue Road

**Future Site of “The Webley”**
121 Avenue Road

**Bike Memorial For Adam Excell**
On the corner of Avenue Road and Davenport Road. Adam Excell was riding his bike on Avenue Road, near Davenport Road on June 13, 2015, when he was struck and killed by a car that did not remain at the scene.

**David Drebin Mural**
On the northwest corner of Avenue Road and Davenport Road. David Drebin is a Toronto-born professional photographer.

**David Drebin Mural & “Super Convenience”**
Northwest corner of Davenport Road and Avenue Road

**The Hare Krishna Temple**
The Hare Krishna Temple is located at 243 Avenue Road. The building is the former home of Avenue Road Church. It was built in 1899 and was originally the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. The building was designed by Toronto architects Gordon & Helliwell.

**The Church of the Messiah**
240 Avenue Road. This Anglican church was founded on March 24, 1891 by members of the Church of the Redeemer further south on Avenue Road. The building, and the rectory next door, were designed by Gordon & Helliwell, the same architects who designed what is now the Hare Krishna Temple across the street.

**Mural Outside Havana Coffee Bar**
233 Davenport Road, southwest corner of Davenport Road and Avenue Road

**Flower Markets**
Avenue Road, south of Davenport

**Giant Ring**
Outside Louro & Sons Jewellers, 104 Avenue Road

**“Mixer”**
These cast bronze figures are entitled “Mixer” by sculptor An Te Liu, a Taiwanese-Canadian artist living and working in Toronto. “Mixer” envisions its installation as a stage inhabited by a pair of cast bronze figures engaged in dialogue with passersby, hotel visitors, and each other. Bold and distinctive in silhouette and richly finished in a lustrous deep gold patina, the sculptural ensemble forms a vivid and iconic tableau establishing the Park Hyatt as a singular destination. As a public artwork, “Mixer” is monumental in scale – visible from afar and instantly recognizable. Open and intimate, the work invites visitors to experience the artwork fully and in the round. People become a critical part of the scenography, which unfolds within the architectural proscenium and extends out into the city.

“Mixer” finds shape and expression in the rich history of Park Hyatt Toronto, merging classical figurative allusions with industrial, artisanal, and organic forms culled from glassware, vessels, and couture. The forms also stem from a reinterpretation of the artistic legacy of Henry Moore, a seminal figure in the history of the modern era in Toronto. “Mixer” captures the allure of social encounters and celebrates imbibing in all the senses. They form a continuity between the illustrious past of Park Hyatt Toronto and its present renaissance as an exemplar of elegance and luxury. An Te Liu’s inspiration for this work comes more specifically from an archival photograph of the Park Hyatt Rooftop Lounge, commonly known as “The Rooftop bar at Park Plaza,” years ago. An Te Liu would visit during his years as a student at the University of Toronto – understanding its’ social significance as a landmark in the city. Park Hyatt Toronto invites visitors to experience the artwork in the round, as this ensemble of works seems like an encounter or conversation. The hotel program inspired this meaningful concept as a place of social convergence, where friends and strangers cross

**Lillian Massey Building**
Building used by University of Toronto, 125 Queen’s Park

**Al Purdy Statue, Queens’ Park**
Al Purdy was a 20th-century Canadian free verse poet. Purdy’s writing career spanned 56 years. His works include 39 books of poetry; a novel; two volumes of memoirs and four books of correspondence, in addition to his posthumous works. He has been called the nation’s “unofficial poet laureate” and “a national poet in a way that you only find occasionally in the life of a culture.”

**Iranian Demonstration**
There was an Iranian demonstration happening that day at Queen’s Park, and this guy was ripping up and down Queen’s Park and University Avenue with his balloons and flag

**U of T’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre**
112 College Street, at University Avenue

**“Happy Lunar New Year”**
Canada Post box at University Avenue and Dundas Street West

**The United Building**
481 University Avenue. On the corner of University Avenue and Edward Street. Converting into luxury condos.

CLICK HERE TO BROWSE ALL THE SHOTS FROM THIS WALK

“Meet Me Under The Clock”

October 31, 2022 / Marvin Job / 3 Comments

While running errands last weekend, I passed through the construction hoarding of the massive conversion/construction project in which the historic St. Charles Tavern building, on Yonge Street above College, is being integrated into a new highrise residence. On the hoarding were historic pictures of the Tavern’s events from years past, accompanied by relevant text. I was suddenly struck by the thought, Hey, this would make for a great blog post… so that’s what I did. Being that it’s currently Halloween also injected a shot of inspiration.

Early Days

Ah, the St. Charles building and clock tower… what a history.

The clock tower, located at 488 Yonge Street above College Street, was built in 1870, and was Toronto Fire Hall No. 3 for many years. I read somewhere that the tower was purpose-built so that the fire department could store the fire hoses in the height of the tower.

Starting in the 1920s the tower/building was turned into retail spaces. Apparently there was everything from bicycle shops and car dealerships to an art gallery, which was damaged by fire during the Second World War. With its new identity as a restaurant/club/lounge, the St. Charles Tavern opened in 1951, serving Chinese-Canadian fare. The old Fire Hall’s surviving brass rail and tower were a central component of its marketing campaign: “Meet me under the clock!”.

The St. Charles’ gay roots start to show… “Call Me Miss-ter”, indeed.

Gay History Begins

By the early 1960s, the St. Charles Tavern became known as a gay bar – and this is where the real interesting history starts! Any Torontonian knowing even a small bit of our city’s gay history has heard about the infamous St. Charles Tavern and what used to transpire there.

For many years the St. Charles Tavern was the starting point for the drag queen promenade. The Halloween drag shows that happened there during the 1960s and 1970s are stuff of legend. Unfortunately, so much violence accompanied it.

At that point in history it was illegal to wear clothes of the opposite sex in public; potential harassment and arrest would frequently follow. The only day of the year that opposite-sex clothing was permitted to be worn in public was Halloween, hence the massive crowds at the St. Charles Tavern on that special night of the year.

But, oh the violence of the time…

The gay-haters lined up by the hundreds (and later, the thousands) to jeer and heckle the drag queens (some deposited from limousines) as they arrived at the St. Charles. Rotten eggs, hatred, taunts and threats of physical violence flew in abundance.

A Toronto Star article from November 1, 1971 reported that an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 onlookers, many of them hostile, had turned out Halloween night to participate in the spectacle that year. Police blocked off the street, and “only admitted and obvious homosexuals were allowed through police lines.”

“Hey, eggs don’t hurt as much as bricks do”
Local police officer

In 1977, Toronto mayor David Crombie ordered police to intervene and provide protection to the gay community accessing the tavern on Halloween. That year, the crowd was estimated at 8,000 strong. As the crowd threw eggs, one police officer remarked to a reporter, “Hey, eggs don’t hurt as much as bricks do”. Local businesses participated in keeping the gay community safe. The Westbury Hotel, across the street from the St. Charles, closed 120 rooms facing Yonge Street to prevent attacks from above.

“On October 31, 1979, despite promises to control and disperse the crowd, police failed to prevent a violent, homophobic mob from gathering on Halloween evening on Yonge Street in front of the St. Charles Tavern. Almost 2,000 people gathered on the street, throwing eggs and chanting “Kill the queers.” The Yonge Street entrance to the bar was actually closed; patrons entered by the back alley door, which was heavily guarded by police. At least 103 people in the mob were arrested, most of whom were charged with breach of the peace. A volunteer gay defence patrol, Operation Jack O’Lantern, spent the evening escorting gays and lesbians through the neighbourhood, and became involved in at least one altercation.”¹

Photos From Back In The Day

As a gay man living happily in the 2020s enjoying the current full rights and privileges I take for granted in our Canadian society, the photos below enrage and disgust me. WHY was this allowed to happen?!! HOW could this happen?!! It’s utterly mind-blowing to me. Had this been any other marginalized racial or religious group, you know damn well this blatant hatred and hostility would never have been allowed to occur. “Kill the queers!!” seemed to be the mantra of the time. Shameful… utterly shameful.

OK, rant finished now… on to the photos.

The haters and gawkers wait for more drag queens to arrive. At least there’s police presence.

Crowds gather outside the St. Charles to jeer and taunt the arriving patrons

And yes, this was the intellectual level of the haters and bashers who cruised Yonge Street. yelling “Kill the queers!!”

A brave drag queen fights back after being pelted head to toe with eggs

At least she’s getting police protection!

The haters wait for the drag queens to arrive

Halloween at the St. Charles Tavern: A Video

Moving On…

In the 1970s, the St. Charles became outdated. The tower was designated a heritage property in 1974, however, and given a restoration treatment in the mid-1990s.

The St. Charles would gradually evolve into less of a draw for the gay community. Compared to the friendlier, gay-owned establishments popping up a few blocks over (i.e. Church & Wellesley), the bar became notorious for petty crimes, drug deals and the sex trade. The Tavern’s notoriety hit its peak after the disappearance and murders of a few patrons — brutal attacks that remain unsolved and from which the bar never fully recovered. It closed in 1987.

The final decades of the St. Charles were unceremonious. Various retail shops filled the ground floor, with dance clubs like Empire and Circus occupying the upper level until the late ’90s. The space would eventually be converted to rental apartments, but the building was emptied in late 2018 when demolition began in earnest for the new highrise that was to come.

Fast Forward…

The St. Charles is now being integrated into a building called Immix, which will be a luxury apartment (rentals) complex.

I took these shots on June 23, 2018. The entirety of the 19th-century Fire Hall tower that once stretched above the St. Charles Tavern will be incorporated into the new structure.

A Few Years Later…

I took these shots on October 14, 2022. The tower looks like it’s being consumed by the high-rise behind it. Completion can’t be far away. I do like the nod to its gay past, though, with the rainbow spire at the top of the clock tower.

What a building, what a history…

References:

Historic photos courtesy of The Arquives (Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archives)
Parts of historic text courtesy of The Toronto Star
¹LGLC (Lesbian and Gay Liberation in Canada) website

Construction In Progress

October 13, 2022 / Marvin Job / 0 Comments

This condo project is named The One, which is a nod to its address at 1 Bloor Street West. When completed, the tower will stand 85 floors high and be the absolute last word in luxury downtown living.

If you’d like to dream a bit and see how the other half lives, check out the developer’s website.

New Condo Construction on Jarvis Street

September 24, 2022 / Marvin Job / 0 Comments

The condos continue to rise on Jarvis Street. I took a walk down Jarvis this afternoon to check out the building progress.

314 Jarvis Street

Future home of JAC condos. The McClear Digital studio used to occupy this building. It was CHUMs first live recording studio (built in 1948). RCA took it over and turned it into a recording studio. Apparently some big names had recorded there over the years: James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, Ringo Starr. The condo developer has paid homage to the area, calling the lane beside the building “McClear Lane”.

I believe this lot was formerly home to one of the Rogers TV studios.

319 Jarvis Street

The condo continues to rise. I pity those poor souls living in the townhouses beside the site.

225 Jarvis Street

The former location of the Grand Hotel, now demolished. The original building was built in 1972 as the headquarters to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s “O” Division detachment. That RCMP detachment relocated to London, Ontario in 1993 and the building was later converted into the 177-suite Grand Hotel & Suites.

203 Jarvis Street

Going up on the northeast corner of Jarvis Street and Shuter Street. The building is being built by Manga Hotels, and will be a shared hotel/rental tower known as “Hyatt Place & The 203 Residences on Jarvis”.

East Bayfront

September 14, 2022 / Marvin Job / 0 Comments

This emerging new Toronto neighbourhood on Lower Jarvis Street is called East Bayfront. The land is currently undergoing a transformation from industrial use to mixed-use as part of Waterfront Toronto’s plans to create a residential and commercial district urban core near the lake. The area is bordered by Parliament Street to the east, Jarvis Street and the Jarvis Slip to the west, and the rail line and Gardiner Expressway to the north.