Best of Both Worlds

From Yonge Street, this might just look like another old apartment, but it is a bit more special.

As its name suggests, located on the edge of Lawrence Park, this Tudor Revival apartment is a little bit more than an old “walk-up”.

The Tudor style made one of its first appearances in Britain in the late 1860s and made its way across the Atlantic in the early 1900’s.

The architect, Stephen B. Coon, could have built the entrance to the building directly on the bustling Yonge Street. Instead, the entrance is thoughtfully designed off the main street.

A Tudor style four centered stone arch entrance greets the residents, creating a little gateway to the tranquility of Lawrence Park Ravine, adding a touch of medieval charm. 

The decorative dark wood framing with stucco or masonry infill, creates a distinctive two-toned look. 

A set of stairs to the “secret garden” are incorporated, further raising the building, to take full advantage of the little hill it is located on.

The arch, staircase and ravine together act as a natural sound barrier, dampening unwanted noise. As residents close and open the door, instead of cars (or rather horse galloping in 1920’s), it is the singing and chirping of birds that enters the building.

While Tudor style detached homes are common in the area, Tudor Revival style apartments are much rarer not only in Toronto but around the world.

2875 Yonge Street, Toronto