Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Flatiron Building in Toronto

Left Photo by
David Henman





Photo right by Kit Logan


Like its New York counterpart, Toronto's Flatiron building was associated with the alcohol business. Built in 1891, more than ten years before its New York sister, the Toronto Flatiron was commissioned by the Goodenham family as a head office for Goodenham and Worts Distillery.

It was built on a triangular site at intersection of Front, Wellington and Church Streets, in an imposting Gothic Romanesque style.

Renovated and designated as a Heritage building in the 1970s, then revitalized again in the 90s, the Flatiron is now the home of highly sought office space.

A feature of great interest is the mural. Painted on the rear of the building by Derek Basant, this intriguing work of trompe d'oeil depicts the Perkins Building, located across the street.

2 comments:

  1. Oh, how I love the beauty, craftmanship, originality and permanence of these building from yesteryear.

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  2. Yes, they really are a delight. All around us too. Watch for more Vancouver ones coming up...

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