Bloor Annex BIA

History

The “Annex” name can be traced back to the early 1880’s when merchant and land speculator, Simeon Janes used “Toronto Annexed” for his elite residential developments. The lands had been annexed by the City in order to provide the services needed, such as water, sewers and paved roads. The City of Toronto continued to annex additional properties west to Bathurst Street and the Annex was born.

The Annex homes, mainly built from the 1880’s to early 1900’s are fine examples of a wide array of architectural styles including Victorian, Queen Anne, Edwardian, Georgian, English cottage and Romanesque.

In the 1960’s the City of Toronto planned to build the Spadina Expressway through the neighbourhood. Residents associations gathered together along with many supporters to protest and the Stop Spadina movement grew into a grassroots force. In 1971 the provincial government finally cancelled the plan and the Annex was saved. Walk or bicycle to explore the unique character of these tree lined streets.

On Bloor Street there are several buildings with a deep history. Near Spadina, Timothy Eaton, founder of the Eaton’s department store empire, helped fund the building of Trinity Methodist Church in 1889 at 427 Bloor Street West. Today it is the thriving Trinty-St Paul's Centre and includes the United Church, a performing arts centre with a great variety of classes, home to Tafelmusik, the renowned historical orchestra and provides community based services including Out of the Cold for homelessness.

At the intersection of Brunswick and Bloor presides a grand old building recently restored. Established in 1876, Ye Olde Brunswick House, at 481 Bloor Street West is one of Toronto’s oldest taverns and remains well known today as The Brunswick House or affectionately as the The Bruny.

On the southwest corner of Brunswick and Bloor, you can still see the sign for the Gallanough Block, built from 1912 to 1913 that includes 483 to 499 Bloor Street West.

Across the street, Wiener’s Hardware was established by Hyman Wiener in 1923 at 432 Bloor Street West. It was a family oriented, community based store, as the Wieners lived in the Annex. Hyman's son, Gerry, came to work with his dad and together they built up the business. Hyman retired and in 1965 Gerry joined Home Hardware and Wiener's Home Hardware came into being. In 1968, Gerry's son Marty, the third generation of Wiener, began his career in the family business. Sadly, Gerry passed away in 1991. Marty and his staff carried on and in 1998 expanded the business into the building next door, almost doubling in size. As Marty's children grew up, they continued the Wiener tradition making it four generations in the same location.
Today, Wiener's Home Hardware continues to operate a community based store, offering friendly service from knowledgeable staff, the way Hyman Wiener did over 80 years ago. Drop in and have a look at the historical photos above the doorway.

Paupers Pub, at 539 Bloor Street West, is a beautifully restored building at the corner of Lippincott, near Bathurst Street. It was originally built as a bank in 1914 by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Today it is a three floor pub that has converted the money vault into “the snug” and kept the tellers cage above the bar. One of the Annex’s best views of the Toronto skyline is from the roof top patio.

Near Bathurst Street sits the historic landmark, the Bloor Cinema, at 506 Bloor Street West. Built as a movie theatre in 1905 and having experienced many changes over the years, it has an art deco facade with an interior that has over 800 seats, including a two tier balcony and one large screen with a magnificent curtain. It is one of Toronto’s best loved and last remaining repertory cinemas. It is also home to many film festivals and special film events. Across the street, Lee’s Palace, at 529 Bloor Street West was also originally built as a movie theatre in 1941. Take a look at the back of the building and notice that it still has a rounding-top shape like most theatres of that time. Since 1985 it has been a well known venue for live music concerts. The large colourful cartoon mural was added on in the 1990’s.

In sight of the Spadina subway station and on a stately residential street just one block east is the large and famous Madison Ave Pub and Restaurant. It all started in 1983 in one room at the bottom of 14 Madison Avenue and today is built out of 3 spectacular Victorian homes at 14, 16, and 18 Madison Avenue. There are 6 British style pubs, 4 fireplaces and 5 multilevel patios.

Next door, The Madison Manor, at 20 Madison is a gorgeous restored Victorian mansion with 23 bedrooms furnished in the style of an English country inn with features ranging from fireplaces, balconies and alcove windows.