Waterworks Building (1932) Heritage Property Plaque, 2023
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Resource ID
10416
Access
Open
Address
505 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON
Credit Line
Heritage Toronto
Date of Creation
2023
Historical Themes
Architectural Heritage, Post-war urban development, Public Works
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Rights
Heritage Toronto
Time Period
1900-1953, 1954-1998, 1999-today
Caption
Waterworks Building (1932) Heritage Property Plaque, 2023
Description
This historic Art Deco façade was built as part of the Waterworks Building, an important facility within Toronto’s water system. When it opened, the complex housed workshops, offices, and storage for equipment and materials.
Designed by James John Woolnough, with architects S.T.J. Fryer and K.S. Gillies, the complex provided construction work during the Great Depression. In keeping with the Art Deco style, the complex features strong symmetrical shapes with brick, stone, wood, and metal details.
From 1925 to 1932, Woolnough was the City of Toronto’s chief architect. He designed many public buildings, including the Horse Palace at the Canadian National Exhibition.
Before 1932, this property was St. Andrew’s Market, one of the city’s three public markets along with the St. Patrick’s Market on Queen Street West and the St. Lawrence Market. The marketplace had food stalls, a police station, a library, and a community hall.
In 2021, the Waterworks Building was restored by MOD Developments and Woodcliffe Landmark Properties and integrated into a commercial, institutional, and residential development.
Marker lat / long: 43.647175, -79.399571 (WGS84)