504 Jarvis Street

504 Jarvis Street , Toronto, ON M4Y 2H6

In a city that runs deep with historic structures, one stands above the rest. One speaks not merely to decades, but to centuries. One conjures memories of early greatness and peers forward to the promise of the human endeavor. One simultaneously feels ancient yet also warmly embracing. One elicits the deepest respect of historians. That property stands at 504 Jarvis Street as a bastion of Toronto’s celebrated Distillery District, the realized and enduring vision of original owner George Horace Gooderham and architect David Roberts, Jr. Built in 1891 for Gooderham—grandson of William Gooderham, Sr., co-founder of Gooderham & Worts Distillery—this house is widely considered the finest Canadian example of the Richardsonian Romanesque Revival style, and has been preserved with the finest attention through the centuries, illustrating a level of craftsmanship that our hearts ache to re-create. This ravishing estate has withstood season after season, standing proudly while its peers have fallen under the blades of bulldozers. The striking 8,000 square foot mansion, prominently sited on the city’s famed Jarvis Street, has been host to a variety of businesses and services since Gooderham sold it early in the 20 th Century. Notably, for more than 30 years it provided the ambiance to the beloved Angelini’s Restaurant, and is still owned by Ida Angelini. Most recently it has served as an event space, hosting weddings and parties. The masterful craftsmanship on every wall and cornice is truly mesmerizing, beckoning both owner and guests to spend hours absorbing its every detail, wondering about the bygone artists who infused this home with such indelible flavour. Complementing the array of period finishes are 11-foot ceilings on the main level that enlarge the space even further. A stunning hand- carved staircase seamlessly accents the spectacular stained glass windows. Ornate wall paneling, chandeliers and fireplaces provide yet more charisma. The façade is perhaps more significant than the interior, as the perfection and durability of the red bricking intrigues both architects and masons alike. Since 1975, the property has been protected by the city under the Ontario Heritage Trust, which says “The brick work on the Gooderham Building is exceptional both in terms of the quality of the red bricks and the miniscule thickness of the modern joints.” Its more modern, 150-seat wrap-around patio blends smoothly with the other rooms while presenting ample space for any entertainment desires that may arise. Roberts, Jr., the architect, designed multiple buildings throughout the Distillery District that still stand today, including the famed Flatiron Building, which served as headquarters for Gooderham & Worts. The ideal buyer to assume stewardship of this iconic property may be a commercial owner or investor, as it would function well for a law group, medical practice, art gallery, boutique hotel or restaurant. It offers parking for 15 vehicles. Simply put, this property is not merely a building; it is a museum unto itself that will augment the reputation and brand of its new owner’s business.