This fine example of a Classical Revival building is the next door neighbour of yesterday's building. It was constructed in 1903 as the factory and offices of the Dominion Paper Box Company and it too has now been historically designated so there is little danger of it being demolished and the space used for even more condos downtown. I love all the wonderful details and will show you a close-up of that doorway another day.
This fine building, an example of the Classical Revival style, was constructed in 1901 as the offices and factory of the Toronto Lithographing Company and then was used by various other companies through the years such as Salada Tea. This stretch of King St west of Spadina Ave was a centre of manufacturing and industry in the city but as these companies closed in the late 1900s many of the buildings became used as artist studios and for a time it looked as if they might disappear. But luckily gentrification has taken place and nearly all of them have been beautifully restored and are now historically designated and full of clubs, restaurants and offices.
I just discovered this place on College St which serves all kinds of exotically dressed hot dogs and each variety can be made as a veggie too. I'm going to have to try it out! In the meantime, I like their signage.
Taking part in Signs, Signs. Click here for more signs.
This is the Mt Dennis library which can be found just down the street from yesterday's mural. It has just re-opened after an extensive renovation of the 60 year-old dark brick building that was here before. Designed by architect Bruce Stratton, the building has had windows and skylight punched into it, a totally redesigned interior, and apparently even has an outdoor reading garden. I love the new facade of glass and corten steel - quite an elegant addition to the area!
I spotted this mural on the side of a building housing a centre for seniors services in the Mount Dennis neighbourhood of the city. This mainly working class area has been a busy industrial centre in the west end of the city but much of the industry is now gone - the man in the mural with the camera is a reference to the huge Kodak plant that operated here for 80 years and was a major employer in the area until closing several years ago. The 2 ladies represent volunteers with the Meals-on -Wheels program run out of the senior centre, while the trains of various vintage represent the railway which runs through the area. Much work is being done in this area to help bring it back to its former self.
Taking part in Monday Murals. Click here for more murals.
I am not sure if this style is restricted to Toronto or not but it has become the typical in-fill style here where an older usually smaller home has been replaced or renovated. The style involves a variety of box shapes, a cantilevered roof over the porch, horizontal wood strips, and often cast concrete elements. Some of them work quite well and I'm curious if this style exists just here or is it in your area too?
I'm continuing the flower posts although these gorgeous Irises were at a garden centre and not in someone's yard. I was really taken with the beautiful colour and delicate blooms so I had to take a pic!
