Historical Tall Wood Toronto - Draft Excerpts

HISTORICAL TALL-WOOD TORONTO MASS TIMBER INSTITUTE

HISTORICAL TALL-WOOD TORONTO MASS TIMBER INSTITUTE

Ross Beardsley Wood Daniel Wong Production Assistance Shan Shukla Sanjana Patel Advisors Ted Kesik Anne Koven Mass Timber Institute John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto

HISTORICAL TALL-WOOD TORONTO MASS TIMBER INSTITUTE

Published in conjunction with the WIP digital index Historical Tall Wood Toronto, by Ross Beardsley Wood which went live in 2021. This publication is made possible by the Mass Timber Institute at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto. Additional support for the publication is provided by______________________________ Edited by Ophelia Lau, ___________________ Designed by Ross Beardsley Wood Printed and boud by_____________________ This publication is typeset in Hansen Grotesque and Suisse Int’l Mono. The paper is______________________________ Published by_____________________________ National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publications ISBN:____________________________________ Elevational and perspectival photographs were taken on 昀椀eld surveys between the years of 2021 and 2023 by Ross Beardsley Wood, (CC BY-SA 4.0) 2023. Orthographic projection drawings were produced by Daniel Wong (CC BY-SA 4.0) 2023. Orthorecti昀椀ed Air Photos were produced by Works and Emergency Services at the City of Toronto. The imagery was accessed through the University of Toronto’s Map and Data Library, © 2018, 2019. Copyright credits for historical imagery are cited on pages x-x. Cover, and back cover: photographic sequence excerpts from the Historical Tall Wood Toronto elevational-orthorectifed building imagery. 6 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

Introduction 9 Index 13 01 Liberty Village 18 02 Queen College Bathurst 34 03 Richmond Street West 54 04 Adelaide Street West 75 05 Spadina Avenue 118 06 King Street West 168 07 Downtown West 216 08 Old Town - St-Lawrence 260 09 Queen Street East 280 10 Distillary District 302 Tabulated Data 260 Methodology 262 Acknowledgements 302 Image Credits TABLE OF CONTENTS 7

8 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

There is much to learn from the versatile and durable warehouse buildings that line the streets of Toronto’s historic manufacturing districts. ‘Historical Tall-Wood Toronto’ is a research project creating an evidentiary database of late 19th and early 20th century vernacular brick and beam buildings that were built using the 昀椀re restrictive speci昀椀- cations of mill-construction. This ongoing research illustrates the trajectories of 42 prime examples of mill-construction and analyzes patterns in their development to create a morphological index. The index provides a platform to re昀氀ect on this resilient typology so that principles can be extracted to inform contemporary means of production. This research builds upon the work of Kenneth Koo at FPInnovations and their 2013 report ‘A Study on Historical Tall- Wood Buildings in Toronto and Vancouver’, which recognised mill-construction as a predecessor to mass timber and identi昀椀ed prime building examples in the two historic city centres. Koo’s report set historical precedence for Ontario’s Tall Wood Building Reference in 2017 and the 2020 National Building Code changes around building taller in wood. As a supplement to Koo’s engineer- ing report, this research examines formal and programmatic qualities of identi昀椀ed buildings through high-resolution ortho-corrected photography, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and archival research by means of historic insurance maps, perspec- tival imagery, and newspaper clippings. This body of evidence stands as an initial line of inquiry into a proven building technology update while also prompting a series of subsequent studies such as inter-typological classi昀椀ca- tion based on comparative studies in mass- ing and siting, evolution of change-of-use practices in relation to 昀椀re separations, and a critical examination of contemporary large- scale additions. INTRODUCTION 9

10 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

Mill Construction De昀椀ned by C.E. Paul, 1916 The term “mill construction” as commonly “Mill-construction does not consist in dis- used is the name given to that type of posing a given quantity of materials so that building construction in which the interior the whole interior of a building becomes a framing and 昀氀oors are of timber, arranged series of wooden cells; being pervaded with in heavy solid masses, and smooth 昀氀at concealed spaces, either directly connected surfaces, so as to expose the lease number each with the other or by cracks through of corners, and to avoid concealed spaces which 昀椀re may freely pass where it cannot be which may not be reaching readily in case of reached by water.” 昀椀re. “It does not consist in an open-timber A broad interpretation of the term includes construction of 昀氀oors and roof resembling the meaning given above and adds the mill-construction, but of light and insuf昀椀cient speci昀椀cation that the building shall be so size in timber, and thin planks, without 昀椀re- constructed that 昀椀re shall pass as slowly as stops or 昀椀re-guards from 昀氀oor to 昀氀oor.” possible from one part of the structure to another. This means that each 昀氀oor should “It does not consist in connecting 昀氀oor with be separeted from all others by incombus- 昀氀oor by combustible wooden stairways tible walls or partitions, and by doors or encased in wood less than two inches thick.” hatchways which will close automatically in case of 昀椀re near them. Stairways, belt “It does not consist in putting in very numer- passages, and elevator shafts are encases, ous divisions or partitions of light wood.” or preferably located in 昀椀reproof towers. Openings in 昀氀oors for passage of belts, etc., “It does not consist in permitting the use of are either avoided or fully protected against varnish upon woodwork over which a 昀椀re will passage of 昀椀re or water. The proper instal- pass rapidly.” lation of an approved automatic sprinkler system is of great importance. Ceilings in “It does not consist in leaving windows rooms where highly in昀氀ammable stocks exposed to adjacent buildings unguarded by are kept or where hazardous processes are 昀椀re-shutters or wired glass.” followed, should be protected by the use of a 昀椀re-retartant material such as plastinging “It does not consist in leaving even the laid on wire lath or expanded metal. The best-constructed building in which dan- ceiling should follow the lines of the timbers gerous occupations are followed without without an airspace between the two automatic sprinklers, and without a complete surfaces. and adequeate equipment of pumps, pipes, - and hydrants.” What Mill Construction is Not “It follows that if plastering is to be put upon a ceilling following the line of the underside In order that all sides of the the question of the 昀氀oor and the timber, it should be plain may be presented, the following abstracts lime-mortar plastering , which is suf昀椀ciently from Report No. V, issued by the Insurance porous to permit seasoning.” Engineering Experiment Station under “All the faults above recited have been com- direction of the Boston Manufacturers mitted in buildings purporting to be of mill Mutual Fire Insurance Co., may aid in elimi- construction, and all form a part of the com- nating erroneous ideas. mon practice in ‘combustible architecture.’” INTRODUCTION 11

INDEX

HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO INDEX 13

01 Liberty Village 67-77 Mowat St 02 Queen College Bathurst 993 Queen St W 559 College St W 03 Richmond Street West 579 Richmond St W 364 Richmond St W 217-225 Richmond St W 04 Adelaide Street West 379 Adelaide St W 366 Adelaide St W 345 Adelaide St W 05 Spadina Avenue 197-205 Spadina Ave 185 Spadina Ave 129 Spadina Ave 14 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO INDEX

559 College St W 49 Bathurst St 331-333 Adelaide St W 312 Adelaide St W 257 Adelaide St W 200 Adelaide St W 116 Spadina Ave 99 Spadina Ave 80-82 Spadina Ave 40 Spadina Ave INDEX 15

06 King Street West 590 King St W 500-522 King St W 489 King St W 469 King St W 07 Down- town West 82 Peter St 30 Duncan St 30 Duncan St 193 Yonge St 08 Old Town St. Law- rence 204-214 King E 3 Church St 44-50 Wellington St E 09 Queen Street East 111 Queen St E 319 Queen St E 10 Distillary District 2 Trinity St 16 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO INDEX

468 King St W 445-455 King St W 425-439 King St W 193 Yonge St70 Bond St 156 Front St W 142-144 Front St W 44-50 Wellington St E70 Richmond St E 319 Queen St E 468 Queen St E INDEX 17

enet 9.0QueStreEast

en et 9.0QueStre East 281

282

111 Queen Street East Queen-Richmond Centre Alt. Building ID Robertson Bros. Confections Area Moss Park Neighbourhood Downtown Yonge East Cross Street(s) Jarvis St, Church St Built 1903 Architect Mark Hall Original Client Robertson Brothers Ltd. Original Use Factory Complex Present Use Of昀椀ce, Retail, Personal Services Heritage Designation Designated (1982) Property Allied Development Status - Past Redevelepment Dermont J. Sweeny Architects Inc. Young + Wright Architects Inc. Building Height 30m Structural Storeys 6 Building Footprint 1,990m2 Floor Area 15,920m2 Floor-Floor Height 4.3m Floorplate 27 x 76 Surface-Volume 0.07 FAR 6.6 Site Coverage 83% Notes -Toronto b.p. 3469, 22 Sept. 1896; 185, 29 March 1900; 1384, 3 July 1903; 2058, 19 Sept. 1905; 14094, 5 March 1909 -Phased construction + amalgomation of buildings -Chocolate Factory turned 283

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QUEEN-RICHMOND CENTRE QUEEN STREET EAST 285

286 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

QUEEN-RICHMOND CENTRE QUEEN STREET EAST 287

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1880 1967 Robertson Bro’s Candy Robertson Brothers Manufacturing contained complex pre- within parcel 87. redevelopment Goad. Insurance Plan of Metro Toronto Planning the City of Toronto, Volume Department, Air Photos. One . 1880, Sheet 30. City of Toronto Archives. Series 12, Folder 1967, Item 28. 1972 Corner of Jarvis St. and Richmond St., looking north west. Toronto Planning 1903 Board, Street Corner Robertson Bro’s expanding Photographs. City of along Queen Street East. Toronto Archives. Fonds 2032, Series 841, Folder Goad. Atlas of the City 22, Item 3. of Toronto, Volume One . 1903, Plate 10. Corner of Jarvis St. and Richmond St., looking west. Toronto Planning Board, Street Corner Photographs. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 2032, Series 841, Folder 1909 22, Item 1. Building and Industrial News, Industrial Development. Hardware and Metal. 1909. Pg. 140. 1924 Robertson Brothers expanding across the city block to Richmond Street. Goad. Atlas of the City of Toronto, Volume One . 1924, Plate 10. Corner of Mutual St. and Queen St., looking south. Toronto Planning Board, Street Corner Photographs. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 2032, Series 841, Folder 1953 53, Item 36. Robertson Brothers complex being maintained as a single development. Metro Toronto Planning Department, Air Photos. City of Toronto Archives. 1981 Series 12, Folder 1953, 107-109 Queen St E. Item 187. Harvey R. Naylor Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1526, File 68, Item 12. 290 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

Fresh life for a dead 'hood: An upscale spa, a hip chef and media ... Willis, Andrew The Globe and Mail (1936-); Sep 18, 2004; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Globe and Mail pg. M1 1982 2000 Intention to Designate “Brick-and-beam buildings “buildings known are dubbed ‘funk space’ municipally as 99-123 and have been very popular Queen Street East and 92- with companies searching 118 Richmond Street East” for hip workplaces that will The Globe and Mail. attract highly sought after September 21, 1982. IT experts.” - Ray Wong pg.10. Elton. Globe and Mail. January 11, 1930. pg.B19. Fresh life for a dead 'hood: An upscale spa, a hip chef and media ... Willis, Andrew The Globe and Mail (1936-); Sep 18, 2004; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Globe and Mail pg. M1 2003 Toronto Architecture & Urban Design Awards Globe and Mail. September 20, 2004. pg.A9. Fresh life for a dead 'hood: An upscale spa, a hip chef and media ... Willis, Andrew The Globe and Mail (1936-); Sep 18, 2004; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Globe and Mail pg. M1 2004 “Now, the old candy 1985 factory and surrounding Rebranding of Robertson buildings host a hip Brothers complex ad agency, an upscale observed as “Queen women’s club and a trendy Richmond Centre”. publishing house.” Classi昀椀ed Ad. The Globe Willis. Globe and Mail. and Mail. November 26, September 18, 2004. 1930. pg.F8. pg.M1. 1991 “Michael Emory has a $6-SF “Of昀椀ce Space knack for converting old For Lease” at Queen buildings into desireable Richmond Centre locations”. City of Toronto Archives. Belford. Globe and Mail. Fonds 1465, Folder 535, August 31, 2004. pg.B10. Item 3. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. QUEEN-RICHMOND CENTRE QUEEN STREET EAST 291 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.

319 Queen Street East Alt. Building ID 145 Berkeley Street Built 1880s Present Use Area Old Town Architect - Heritage Des. Neighbourhood Moss Park Original Client - Property Cross Street Berkeley Street Original Use Of昀椀ce, Commercial, Hall Development 292 HISTORICAL TALL WOOD TORONTO

Of昀椀ce, Retail Building Height 18m Floor-Floor Height 3.6m Listed (2020) Structural Storeys 5 Surface-Volume 0.38 We Charity Building Footprint 180m2 FAR 4.7 - Floor Area 900m2 Site Coverage 94% Floorplate 7m x 27m QUEEN STREET EAST 293

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Notes -Major building rehabilitation and 昀椀fth 昀氀oor addition in late 1980s -Controvercial ownership by We Charity. -Across the street from “Kim’s Convenience” -Identi昀椀ed as St.George’s Hall 319 QUEEN ST E QUEEN STREET EAST 295

1981 Building on corner of Queen Street East and Berkeley Street prior to late 1980s rehabilitation. Harvey R. Naylor Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1526, File 7, Item 75. 296

1880 1928 Building site prior to Advert. The Toronto City construction. Directory. Might Directories Goad. Insurance Plan of the Limited. 1928, vol. 53, City of Toronto, Volume One pg.1749. . 1880, Sheet 32. 1886 “That large four-storey store on corner of Queen 1969 and Berkeley - built in 1883, 319 Queen Street West post contains a store, dentists construction of the adjacent of昀椀ce, and two halls” Moss Park Apartments. Hauge Estate-Exectuors Metro Toronto Planning Sale. The Globe Toronto. Department, Air Photos. City September 7, 1886, pg.5. of Toronto Archives. Series 12, Folder 1969, Item 29. Dental Surgeon M.F. Smith located at the Corner of Queen and Berkeley Streets. Avert. The Toronto Musical Festival Journal. June 1886. pg.6. 1972 Corner Berkeley St. and Queen St., looking south- east Toronto Planning Board, Street Corner Photographs. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 2032, Series 841, Folder 21, Item 33. 1989 319 Queen Street West post building addition / rehabilitation - new storey and skylights observed. Metro Toronto Planning Department, Air Photos. City of Toronto Archives. Series 12, Folder 1989, Item 51g. 1899 Building identi昀椀ed as having a Hall Over. Goad. Insurance Plan of the City of Toronto, Volume One . 1899, Sheet 32. 1993 145 Berkeley home to Swipe, the advertising and design bookstore. Lasker. Design Beat. The Globe and Mail. February 18, 1993, E3. 319 QUEEN ST E QUEEN STREET EAST 297

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468-496 Queen St E Dominion Brewery, now known as Dominion Square, is a brick-and-beam factory complex built in a Dominion Brewery series of phases between the years of 1878 and 1899 for Robert T. Davies. The brewery formed part Alt. Building ID Dominion Square of a collection of early brewing facilities in Toronto Area Trefann Court such as Copland Brewing Co., Cosgrave Brewing & Neighbourhood Regent Park Malting Co., O’Keefe & Co. and others. The complex Cross Street(s) Sumach Street is comprised of a series of bar shaped buildings or wings with moderate 昀氀oor plate depths that originally Built 1878 formed a courtyard with additional out buildings. The Architect - building complex has a range of storeys and heights Original Client Robert T. Davies with the central tower reaching six structural storeys Original Use Factory Complex at 17 metres high. Present Use Of昀椀ce, Retail Heritage Designation Listed (1973) In 1956 the property’s rear was subdivided as Property Owners Allied 90 Sumach Street and a new warehouse space Building Height 17m was constructed, which soon became one of the Structural Storeys 6 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s primary facil- Building Footprint 3200m2 ities in Toronto. By the 1970s the original brewery Floor Area 15,025m2 complex was becoming derelict and was redeveloped Floorplate Mixed through the 1980s into Dominion Square by Sorbara Floor-Floor Height 3.4m Development Group and Easton/Phillips Development Surface-Volume 0.12 Corporation. The extensive whole building redevel- FAR 3.3 opment is an early example of heritage preservation Site Coverage 58% for industrial infrastructure as well as rezoning and rebranding to accommodate of昀椀ce and retail uses. Notes The 1980s redevelopment has proven to be resilient -Original architect unknown with the building operating largely unchanged as -W.R. Strickland designed East Wing (1883) “prestigious downtown of昀椀ce space” (Globe, 1988) -Southwest entrance, dormers, and standing for the past 40 years. steam roo昀椀ng added in 1980s redevelopment QUEEN STREET EAST 299

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1984 Dominion Brewery - view of exterior with altered mansard Harvey R. Naylor Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1526, File 33, Item 30. 302

1880 1956 Schematic layout of the Metro Toronto Planning Dominion Brewery complex Department, Air Photos. City shown as masonry construction. of Toronto Archives. Series 12, Goad. Insurance Plan of the City Folder 1956, Item 188. of Toronto, Volume One . 1880, Sheet 17B. 1889 Artist illustration of Dominion Brewery complex. City of Toronto Archives. Series 1957 1054, Item 93. 5000 sq. ft. of 468 Queen St. E. up for lease. Advert, Toronto Industrial Leaseholds. Toronto Daily Star. December 13, 1957, 28. 1899 Addition of west and east wings to the brewery. Goad. Insurance Plan of the City of Toronto, Volume One . 1899, Sheet 17B. 1981 Pre-rehabilitation state. 1914 Harvey R. Naylor Fonds. City The Dominion Brewing Co. of Toronto Archives. Fonds Toronto, India Pale Ale 1526, File 75, Item 25. E.L. Ruddy Company Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1488, Series 1230, Item 1222. Facade cleaned and repaired. Harvey R. Naylor Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1526, File 33, Item 14. 1934 Queen St E Street Car Tracks. Pearson. Toronto Transit 1988 Commission Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 16, Rehabilitated building Series 71, Item 10215. branded as “Dominion Square”. Advert, The Globe and Mail. September 23, 1988, D7. 1945 Dominion Brewery on the corner of Queen Street East and Sumach St. Alexandra Studio Fonds. City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1257, 1991 Series 1057, Item 520 City of Toronto Archives. Fonds 1465, File 676, Item 16 DOMINION BREWERY QUEEN STREET EAST 303