Nestled within the setting of North America’s most well preserved Victorian Industrial Architecture lies The Distillery Historic District – a vibrant new community, in Toronto that captivates visitors from the instant they set foot on its cobblestone pathways made from over 600,000 red bricks imported from Cleveland to adorn the pedestrian walkways of the Distillery. Each visit to The Distillery unveils a sense of wonder at the restored brick structures that characterize this neighbourhood.
The Distillery District is a community offering a mix of living and diverse activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy together seamlessly since its inception has emphasized creativity and fun loving experiences rooted in arts and culture scene thriving with artisans showcasing their craft in theatres and galleries along, with cozy cafes and unique shops creating a vibrant neighbourhood filled with passion, for the local area. The community in the Distillery District shines with a sense of heritage. Draws on its past to create a lively hub in Toronto for residents and visitors alike to enjoy living in and exploring.
History Of Distillery District, Toronto
A whole city neighbourhood sprang up from seeds in the past at the Distillery District where James Wort and William Gooderham kick starter the Gooderham and Wort Distillery back in 1832. During its peak years the Gooderham and Wort distillery gained recognition as the distillery globally. As business boomed in 1859 today’s distillery was. Still stands as an example of well preserved Victorian Industrial Architecture, in North America. Even though The Distillery had a start initially; the impact of World War 1 and Prohibition dealt a blow to the business fortunes. This unfortunate turn of events eventually resulted in the Gooderham and Worts distillery being sold in 1923 to Harry C Hatch who later renamed it as Hiram Walker. Gooderham and Worts Ltd.
Sadly after operating for 153 years the Distillery closed its doors for good in 1990. It didn’t take long for the area to become the choice, for filming movies in Canada with over 1700 films taking advantage of its buildings as scenic backdrops in popular movies like Cinderella Man, Chicago, The Recruit and X men. In 2001,the 13 acre site with, than 40 buildings was turned into a vibrant neighbourhood that includes a mix of workspaces, art galleries, restaurants and shops. The Distillery Historic District showcases a blend of preserving history and architecture while seamlessly integrating features that ultimately enrich the whole community.
Lifestyle
There are 25 stores and boutiques in this area that have a creative touch to them. Offering everything from clothing and unique items to artisanal goods and furniture pieces. Additionally there are 22 art galleries located at The Distillery along with a building showcasing artists’ studios that’re open, for public visits to explore and purchase the newest one of a kind creations made right here in Toronto.
When you’re ready, for a break from all the shopping excitement in the Distillery District and in need of some relaxation time and indulgence in a specialty coffee shop and savory treats, like chocolates and fresh seafood delights among others; food enthusiasts will appreciate the ease of strolling over to the St. Lawrence Market to explore a selection of fresh meats and produce options available there.
Distillery District, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Take a walk along the pathways of The Distillery. Explore Sculpture Park, featuring 10 unique sculptures, by different artists that act as landmarks for pedestrians in the area. After your stroll unwind at one of the patios where charming European style cafes blend harmoniously with the historic streetscape. Experience the atmosphere with music and arts festivals well as a delightful local Farmers’ market adding to the lively street scene. For those who prefer activities there are 17 performing arts companies hosting theatre shows at various venues, throughout the neighbourhood.
Distillery District, Toronto Transit
The bus stops outside your door, at Parliament and Front Street East. You can catch the King and Queen Street streetcars just a short walk away too! The Cherry Street LRT line loops around Cherry Street near The Distillery before heading downtown along King Street while the Lakeshore LRT conveniently links The Distillery with Union Station. When it comes to driving around the area. Well! You’ve got access to Lakeshore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway as well as the DVP and Bayview Extension for those quick getaways, from this lovely neighbourhood!
Distillery District, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
Downtown Toronto’s Distillery District is an historical area, for its well preserved Victorian architecture and thriving arts scene. Its recognized for its mix of business facilities. Also benefits from being close to various educational establishments such as public and private schools serving students from elementary, to high school levels.
- Public Schools: 4
- Catholic Schools: 4
- Private Schools: 3
Public Schools:
- Rose Avenue Junior Public School
- Winchester Junior and Senior Public School
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
- Central Technical School
Catholic Schools:
- St. Paul Catholic School
- St. Joseph’s College School
- Monsignor Fraser College
Private Schools:
- The York School
- Branksome Hall
- Royal St. George’s College
The Distillery District is, in a location for families due to its proximity, to educational institutions which adds to its charm for those looking for a mix of cultural richness and good education options.
Distillery District, Toronto Homes
In this neighbourhood stand six condominium buildings that shape its character backdrop beautifully. The newest ones – Spirits and Clear Spirit –, along with the historic Gooderham pay homage to the area’s past. Sport a modern design of steel and glass towers. Architect Peter Clewes crafted all three buildings. Infused them with a contemporary style. The condo units in the neighbourhood vary in size from about 500 to 1500 feet; however the Gooderham condo boasts some units spanning around 2 000 square feet in size.
Modern apartment designs showcase ceilings standing at 9 feet tall, along with windows and balconies that wrap around the buildings edges beautifully decorated with amenities such as advanced indoor fitness centres complete, with a sauna and media room while also offering outdoor terraces equipped with a swimming pool surrounded by a hot tub and BBQ area for residents to enjoy along with a relaxing lounge space.