Over the last decade, Toronto has seen an incredible amount of change. The cityscape is taller than ever, more attention has been paid to public spaces, and the downtown area has shifted toward a younger, more renter-friendly demographic. The ‘new’ Toronto is fantastic, but amongst all of this change we are still incredibly grateful that so many of our favourite old, historic and heritage buildings in the city are still standing and in use today.
Let’s take a look at a few Toronto buildings that you might not know are over a century old, and are still kickin’.
Casa Loma
The Gothic Revival-style house is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city, and it just had its 100th birthday last year. It hasn’t changed a bit, and we love it for that.
The Gothic Revival-style house is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city, and it just had its 100th birthday last year. It hasn’t changed a bit, and we love it for that.
The Gooderham Building
Toronto’s token flatiron building was built in 1892 and was originally the office for the Gooderham & Worts clean. Now, it’s still an office building but with different owners and new tenants.
Toronto’s token flatiron building was built in 1892 and was originally the office for the Gooderham & Worts clean. Now, it’s still an office building but with different owners and new tenants.
Massey Hall
Every Torontonian needs to see a show at Massey Hall! It was built in 1894 and has been used as a meeting spot for music lovers ever since.
Church of the Holy Trinity
This iconic church was built in 1847, and you’d probably know it best as being that little church squeezed beside the Eaton Centre. When the mall was first being built they wanted to demolish the church, but parishioners fought to keep it up and won.
Royal Alexandra Theatre
Since being built in 1907, the Royal Alexandra Theatre has only served one purpose. It is the oldest continuously operating theatre in North America.
Since being built in 1907, the Royal Alexandra Theatre has only served one purpose. It is the oldest continuously operating theatre in North America.
Old City Hall
Toronto’s Old City Hall was completed in 1899, and it served as City Hall until the 1960s. Since then it has been a courthouse for the Ontario Court of Justice but as of December 31st of 2016 the lease it up and the City of Toronto doesn’t want to renew it. It will be interesting to see what happens!
Toronto’s Old City Hall was completed in 1899, and it served as City Hall until the 1960s. Since then it has been a courthouse for the Ontario Court of Justice but as of December 31st of 2016 the lease it up and the City of Toronto doesn’t want to renew it. It will be interesting to see what happens!
St. Michael’s Hospital
St. Mike’s has been around since 1892. It’s always busy, but known for paying great attention and care to their patients.
100 years looks good on you, Toronto!
All photos via the City of Toronto Archives