Toronto General Hospital is among the oldest hospitals in Toronto. It dates back to the early 1800s when a hospital, funded in part by the Loyal and Patriotic Society was built in the area of King, John, Peter and Adelaide Streets. York General Hospital opened in 1829 and operated for more than twenty years, but when land there became too valuable it was moved to a more remote part of the city.

The new hospital was located in the area bound by Sumach, Gerrard, Sackville and Spruce streets. The location was highly disputed at the time, due to its presence near the Don River that was known to be responsible for fever and plague. It was designed by Scottish architect William Hay and built of white brick with decorative stonework in the 15th century domestic style, resembling a hospital in Scotland. Opening in the mid 1850s, the building stood four storeys with five towers. The central tower stood 100 feet and had a commanding view of Lake Ontario. Inside, the hospital had space for 250 patients, a staff of eight and four consulting medical doctors.

Toronto General Hospital closed for renovations for a year in 1867. It had numerous subsequent additions, but by the early 1900s, a new location was earmarked. The new Toronto General Hospital opened at College and University streets in 1913. Soon after, the old building was abandoned. It was torn down in the 1920s. An historical plaque at the site commemorates this important landmark. The hospital is seen here, sometime around 1907 to 1908, covered in ivy.

Sources:

http://www.archive.org/details/torontogeneralho00torouoft

http://www.archive.org/stream/togeneralhosp00claruoft#page/n183/mode/2u

http://www.ourroots.ca/page.aspx?id=896137&qryID=063aac50-813c-4e27-a7ee- 21ebbe4e971e

Many thanks to both Gary Switzer of MOD Developments and Maya Bilbao for putting together the photos and research.