Address: 214 College Street
Architect:
Wickson & Gregg and A.H. Chapman, associated architects
Opened:
1909, September 8
Closed: 1977
Current use:
Koffler Student Centre, University of Toronto
The new Toronto Reference Library opened at the northwest corner
of College and St. George streets on September 8, 1909, and was
the largest of Ontario’s Carnegie libraries. The “enlightened
Beaux-Arts composition” was designed by Wickson & Gregg
and A. H. Chapman, and reflects Chapman’s Paris training and
New York experience. The Best Gift provides this detailed description
of the architecture: “The College Street (front) façade,
with paired ground floor windows set in a smooth grey stone wall,
contrasts with the six bays above, defined by brick pilasters and
modified Corinthian capitals. The bracketed cornice and rounded
pediments facing College Street give way to a plainer façade
on St. George Street, with the subtle change in window proportions
reflecting changed interior functions.”
Major alterations
1930 Addition for a new Circulating Library officially opened, 21
April. Architects: Chapman & Oxley, in association with Wickson
& Gregg.
Heritage status
1973 Listed on Inventory of Heritage Properties, adopted by Toronto
City Council, June 20.
1975 Designation by-law passed by Toronto City Council, under the
Ontario Heritage Act, November 26
|
