Why I Love Doors Open Toronto: The architectural beauty of our city
Doors Open Toronto is by far my favourite event in the city. This year marks the festivals 18th anniversary, which offers free access to 150 buildings across the city. This year Doors Open Toronto is part of the city’s TO Canada with Love program in celebration of Canada 150. There are a few new buildings featured this year as well as new experiences to be enjoyed at usual Doors Open Toronto locations.
Below are the five building on the top of my list this year as well as my top five all-time favourite Doors Open Toronto buildings.
My 2017 Top Five Venues
Arts & Letters Club
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 14 Elm St. (Close to Yonge and Dundas)
Originally opened by the St. George’s Society in 1891, the building is a national historic site designed by Edwards & Webster with alterations by Sproatt and Rolph. Since 1920 it has bee home to the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.
(Courtesy of BlogTO)
Massey Hall
Date(s) + Time(s): Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 178 Victoria St. (Across from CF Toronto Eaton Centre)
The concert venue is probably the most famous in the city and it is about to be shut down for a few years to undergo a massive revitalization and expansion. The highlight for me is not only the history, but the fact explorers will be able to have their 15 seconds of fame as they take centre stage at this historic venue.
(Courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopedia)
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 2701 Queen St. E. (Close to the end of 501 streetcar)
Known as The Palace of Purification, the Doors Open Toronto tour will allow you to see the Pump House and Filter Building as well as enjoy a concert on Saturday.
(Courtesy of TaylorHazell.com)
Toronto School of Art at Kent Sr. Public School
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: (Right across from Dufferin Station)
This century old school was closed by the TDSB in 2012, but has had a number of educational organizations call it home since. Though I doubt its century old interior is still intact, passing by it every day has peaked my curiosity. Not to mention it is going to be redeveloped in the coming years.
(Courtesy of Block.ca)
The Daniel’s Building (One Spadina Crescent)
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1 Spadina Crest. (Right in the middle of Spadina, you can’t miss it)
One Spadina Crest. has an interesting history involving a young Amelia Earhart, an unsolved murder and a lot of eye balls. The building is in the final stages of its restoration and expansion, with the first public preview at Doors Open Toronto.
My Five All-Time Favourite Venues
Canada Life
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 330 University Ave. (Close to University and Queen)
Once the tallest building on University Ave., Canada Life was completed in 1931 with its famed weather beacon added in 1951. The experience allows a tour of the magnificent lobby as well as a rare look at the city from the 17th floor observation room closed to the general public.
(Courtesy of Tribe Magazine)
Commerce Court
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 25 King St. W. (Close to Yonge and King)
Built in 1931 the stunning building illustrates the confidence and power of Canadian banks. It was also the tallest building in the British Empire until 1962 at 34 storeys. Its stunning gold-coffered ceiling and Art Deco style make it a treasured historic site. This year, aside from the regular oohs and aahs, CIBC will lower one of the chandeliers for an up-close look.
Historic Don Jail (Bridgepoint Active Healthcare)
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 1 Bridgepoint Dr. (Close to Broadview and Gerrard)
The William Thomas designed prison was the site of the final hangings in Canada and a grave site in the back, which was found during the building of Bridgepoint Active Healthcare. Today it has been beautifully restored as offices for the health facility next door. The tour will allow patrons to see the jail cells and the eerie rotunda.
Humber Historic Tunnel Tours
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 19 Colonel Samuel Smith Park
As a former Humber student, we didn’t have access to the tunnels. The tunnels were built for the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital and feature super eerie murals by patients as well as rust spots where supposedly patients were chained. I personally had a paranormal experience during my Doors Open Toronto tour four years ago. You’ll not only explore the tunnels, but the cottages where the patients stayed. Make sure to check out Cottage G, which has finally been restored.
Masonic Temple
Date(s) + Time(s): Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 888 Yonge St. (A block north of the Toronto Reference Library)
The six-storey building was once home to the Freemasons. Its real claim to fame was when it became a concert hall hosting David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and more. Bell Media called it home for a time and now it is a corporate office with a truly stunning fitness room and two-storey slide. It does keep its old-style charm with the Masonic meeting room and concert stage, which will come alive again later this year.
