In 1907, Riverdale High School opened on Gerrard Street. Soon renamed Riverdale Collegiate Institute, the school was built to service Toronto students east of the Don River. Seen in this photograph shortly after it opened, Riverdale Collegiate was a striking, solid building. The design incorporated classical features, including a front entrance drawing inspiration from ancient Greek forms. Inside was a principal's office, library, auditorium, four classrooms and two science rooms. The school was designed by Charles Hartnoll Bishop (1851-1924) who designed numerous public and high schools in Toronto including Parkdale Collegiate, Harbord Collegiate and Earlscourt Public School.

Numerous additions ensued including one in 1910 that involved the building of an assembly hall and eight classrooms. Following additions in 1914, 1922 and 1924, the north-west wing opened in 1950 containing the auditorium and cafeteria. In 1953-54, a new swimming pool was built along with physical education facilities. In January 1961 another new east wing opened, consisting of 8 classrooms. A new library was constructed in 1974. After much anticipation, the newest school building opened in 1995 at 1094 Gerrard Street East. At that time, the old auditorium was renovated, and the front wall of the original building was retained. Today, Riverdale Collegiate's Alumni Association has more than 1000 alumni living in Toronto and around the world.

Sources:

http://torontofamilyhistory.org/kingandcountry/tdsb/secondary-n-z http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/riverdale/welcome/history/rci_history.htm http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/architects/view/1127

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