Flatiron 2
Once the head office of the Goodenham and Worts Distillery, Toronto's Flatiron building is one of the most photographed in the city. The rear facade is dec...
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Once the head office of the Goodenham and Worts Distillery, Toronto's Flatiron building is one of the most photographed in the city. The rear facade is decorated with a trompe l'oeil painting.
In 1891, the Goodenham family wanted local residents to recognize their success and the success of their distillery business, so they commissioned the family architect, David Roberts, to build them a grander office space. At a cost of $18,000, an unusual Gothic Romanesque structure was built at the intersection of Front, Wellington, and Church Streets on a triangular piece of land.
The five-story red brick building was one of the grandest of its time, with twelve-foot high ceilings, brass fittings, and the very first manually-operated Otis elevator in the city of Toronto. A walk-in vault was constructed to hold the Goodenham riches and a tunnel was dug so that those in charge could travel from the building to the bank across the street (which Goodenham purchased) without having to walk outside with large bags of cash.
What many do not realize is that Toronto's Flatiron actually preceded New York's famous Flatiron Building by more than ten years, though the one in NYC gets much more publicity than Toronto's version.
Read less
In 1891, the Goodenham family wanted local residents to recognize their success and the success of their distillery business, so they commissioned the family architect, David Roberts, to build them a grander office space. At a cost of $18,000, an unusual Gothic Romanesque structure was built at the intersection of Front, Wellington, and Church Streets on a triangular piece of land.
The five-story red brick building was one of the grandest of its time, with twelve-foot high ceilings, brass fittings, and the very first manually-operated Otis elevator in the city of Toronto. A walk-in vault was constructed to hold the Goodenham riches and a tunnel was dug so that those in charge could travel from the building to the bank across the street (which Goodenham purchased) without having to walk outside with large bags of cash.
What many do not realize is that Toronto's Flatiron actually preceded New York's famous Flatiron Building by more than ten years, though the one in NYC gets much more publicity than Toronto's version.
Read less
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robiecagle
September 04, 2019
Beautiful shot! Great history, thanks for letting us know more of this structure and its importance, it gives greater clarity and understanding concerning the photo, and greater appreciation.
JePePhoto
September 05, 2019
Thank you! It is a beautiful building and a fun history. Happy that you enjoyed.
Cookies4U
September 28, 2019
Thanks so much for providing the history of this wonderful building! Love it!
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