Walking Tour: King Spadina

For much of the first half of the 20th century, the area around King Spadina echoed with the hum of industry. Garments, lithography, watches and biscuits—just to name a few—were all manufactured in the many brick and beam buildings that define the neighbourhood. But in the 1960s and 70s, the decline of industry had left many of the former factories and warehouses vacant and underutilized. As time passed, the risk of demolition increased as obsolescence and neglect took their toll.  

Something needed to change if we were to preserve this historic neighbourhood.

Join us on a walk as we explore how the loosening of planning rules—as well as the vision and grit of some early adopters—set a new course for this neighbourhood’s future: now one of the fastest growing and most fashionable mixed-use areas in the city.  We’ll see examples of how former industrial buildings have been transformed into new uses, as well as contemporary buildings that take design queues from the existing fabric around them. Along the way, we’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities of repurposing existing structures and the role new buildings can play in preserving our past. Included in this tour are important community landmarks like 401 Richmond, as well as some of the city’s newest additions like the Ace Hotel and the Waterworks Building. 

Logistics

All TSA Walking Tours require prior registration. You can register online anytime prior to the start of the tour. Walk-ins will be accommodated pending tour capacity and exact change is required ($15, HST included). Please note the TSA Membership discount is only available for tickets purchased online.

This tour is 1.5-2 hours long and includes a mix of interior and exterior stops. Your tour guide will be equipped with a microphone and speaker system to ensure you’re able to hear the tour clearly and we’ll find places to sit in the shade whenever possible.

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the tour begins for your tour guide to check you in. We encourage you to go paperless—we can use either your digital ticket or your name for check-in.

Our tours take place rain or shine, so please double check the weather on the day of your tour and dress appropriately. Should inclement weather require tour cancellation, we will reach out in advance of the tour to the email/phone number you shared when registering.

Accessibility

We strive to host inclusive, accessible tours that enable all attendees to fully engage with the experience. Our walking tours take place on mostly flat terrain, such as city sidewalks and paths. To notify us of any accommodations you may need, or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us at tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca.

Thank You!

TSA Walking Tours are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Association of Architects and the passion and dedication of our volunteer Tour Guides.