Lost Queen Street West

[LowPolygon]

I remember how shocked I was when I learned that, up until the late 1920’s, University Avenue stopped at Queen Street. (And that the venerable old Campbell House on the northwest corner had only just been deposited there in 1972.)
Carving that broad avenue through the heart of the city must have been a massive undertaking.

Since then I’ve been fascinated with this particular stretch of ‘lost’ Toronto.

Here is a complete set of photos of the buildings on the south side of Queen Street West between York St, Simcoe St and halfway to Duncan St, circa late 20's:

Aerial looking southeast 1930, to the corner of York St and Queen St. West

Corner of Queen St West and York St.

This is the block directly in the path of the widening and extension of University Ave:

Looking South:

Looking southeast

After demolition

West side of University Ave

Queen St West and Simcoe St

After widening and demolition looking north, 1930's

Looking northwest

 

[Mustapha]

My grandfather always mentioned the clearances to push thru University whenever we were in the that area. I suppose it was a big deal at the time.

He also mentioned the clearances to build the Eaton College street store - how many of his Chinese friends pocketed serious money from being booted from their houses/laundries.

I'll tell you about another 'Lost Neighbourhood' close by your pictures. York Street had a Chinatown for awhile - 1900 to 1930 or so. It moved to Elizabeth Street. I cannot find a single online picture. Time to visit the archives to do some digging, then.

 

[Urban Shocker]

... and the polite conversation between Hahn's Sir Adam Beck Memorial and Allward's Boer War Memorial continues to this day.

 

[Hipster Duck]

This parking lot must be listed as a heritage property by now!

 

[Edward]

Great update. Most of the core is so new today that one forgets that the older building comprising Queen West of University used to also run throughout the core.

 

[Mustapha]

... and the polite conversation between Hahn's Sir Adam Beck Memorial and Allward's Boer War Memorial continues to this day.

Unlike lonely Gumby up the street.

 

[Conrad Black]

I wonder why they didn't go straight through the rail lands to Lakeshore. Would have solved today's problems with York being so busy.

 

[CityPlaceN1]

I'm sure the never envisioned the need for better access to Lakeshore. Cost would have probably been an issue. And all that was down there in those days was industry. Not much need for a grand boulevard.

 

[catcher_of_cats]

I wonder why they didn't go straight through the rail lands to Lakeshore. Would have solved today's problems with York being so busy.

There was no 'Lakeshore' or any other major east-west road south of Front/King. The other side of the railway lands was Toronto Harbour and its associated piers.

 

[Urban Shocker]

Also, the University Avenue extension was aligned to meet York at Front.

 

[Skeezix]

Great set of photos, deepend. Thanks for your research.

 

[Prometheus The Supremo]

they had electric shoes?


http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt251/locusteater01/queenuniversity8.jpg

 

[jaborandi]

I'm somewhat surprised how shabby Queen Street West looked even 75 years ago.

 

[Urban Shocker]

Gosh. The Condom Shack used to sell violins.

 

[Prometheus The Supremo]

Gosh. The Condom Shack used to sell violins.

buy our rosin! it'll make her squeak!