Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

58

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1939

Physical Description

5 architectural and technical drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 51 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Imperial Optical was founded in 1900 by Mr. Percy Hermant and was the first prescription lens business in the Maritimes. Percy headed the company until his death in 1959, and under his leadership the company eventually grew to be the largest company of its kind in the British Commonwealth. The head office was located in the Hermant Building (named for Percy) at 21 Dundas Square. After Percy's death, the company passed into the hands of his son Sydney, who sold majority control to the Caribbean based Harcourt Carter Optical in 1965. By 1991, Harcourt Carter Optical had assumed total control of Imperial Optical.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, elevations, sections and a roof plan of a two storey building for Imperial Optical at 270 Ontario Street. Building contained a storage facility, a garage, janitor's quarters and an employees' restaurant.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission IX.

Related Material

See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.

See File 49-3-37 for the architectural plans of a proposed storage building for Mr. Percy Hermant at 179 Ontario Street, and for a biography of Mr. Hermant.

See File 49-3-63 for the architectural plans of alterations to the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

92

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1924

Physical Description

25 architectural and technical drawings : 1 blueprint, 24 pencil, some hand col., pastel, some on tracing paper ; 63 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Phillip Berenbaum was the owner of Grace shoe and slippers manufacturers.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a four storey shoe and slipper manufacturing factory for Mr. Phillip Berenbaum at the S.W. corner of Niagara and Portland Streets. Elevations, floor plans, sections, a roof plan and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description and extent are partially based on the item level descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman.

Access Restriction

Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.

Physical Condition

Very poor condition, a conservator should examine these drawings before further handling.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

25

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1949

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : 2 blueprints, 1 pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 19 x 30 cm (folded)

Admin History/Bio

The Imperial Bank of Canada, which was founded in 1875, became one of the primary banking establishments in Canada. The bank underwent several mergers during its history. It merged with the Niagara District Bank in 1875, the Weyburn Security Bank in 1931, and Barclays Bank in 1956. The bank finally merged with the Canadian Bank of Commerce in 1961 to form the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Scope and Content

File contains floor plans for proposed alterations to a branch office of the Imperial Bank of Canada at 21 Dundas Square.

Physical Condition

Some rust on blueprints.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

80

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 57 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings for an additional storey to a warehouse for Ace Properties. Floor plans, sections, detailing and elevation drawings are included.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

73

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1947

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 hand col., pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 55 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans of additions to a factory at 104 King Street East.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

67

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 62 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Samuel Godfrey was the owner of S. Godfrey tailor supplies and trimmings.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a three-storey factory for Mr. Samuel Godfrey on King Street West. Elevations, floor plans, a roof plan, and a section are included.

Subjects

Factories

Related Material

See File 49-5-14 for plans of a house for Mr. Samuel Godfrey designed by Douglas E. Kertland.

Places

King Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

54

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1926

Physical Description

22 architectural drawings : 12 blueprints, 10 pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 55 cm length or smaller and 10 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a six storey apartment building designed in the Art Deco style. Elevations, floor plans and a block plan are included.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission V.

Physical Condition

Tracing paper is torn and fragile.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

82

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1930]

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 44 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Schipper Brothers was a large fur manufacturing company owned by Irving, Frank and Marcus Schipper. The brothers all lived at 84 Beverly Street. After the death of two brothers, the business was sold to Ben Krakower, Bert Shinwell and Syd Schipper. It closed shortly afterwards due to financial difficulty.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey apartment and an attached fur manufacturing factory for Schipper Brothers at 1323-1325 Bay Street. Sections, floor plans and elevation drawings are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-83 for architectural drawings of additions to the factory in 1935.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

88

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1921-1924

Physical Description

44 architectural drawings : 4 blueprints, 40 pencil on tracing paper ; 81 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Dr. Max Kates was a Jewish dentist, his office was located at 218 1/2 Queen Street West. He was married to Lillian Kates, who was the founder of Camp Arowhon. They had two children, Eugene and Shyrle.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building containing stores for Dr. Max Kates at Dundas and Elizabeth Streets. Sections, elevations, detailing, floor plans, a block plan and a roof plan are included. An early perspective drawing shows the building designed as three-storeys instead of the built two-storey structure.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.

Access Restriction

Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Material is fragile.

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

28

Material Format

architectural drawing

textual record

Date

1922-1924

Physical Description

23 architectural and technical drawings :19 pencil, 4 blueprints ; 61 cm length or smaller

1 folder of textual records

Admin History/Bio

The City Dye Works was a cleaning and dying company that was owned and managed by Solomon Zaid and Isaac Siderson. In additions to their cleaning and dying services, the company sponsored a weekly 15 minute radio program each Wednesday on CFCA radio.

Scope and Content

File consists of plans, drawings, building permit receipts, and specifications of a large single storey factory located at 138-146 Claremont Street for the City Dye Works. Elevation views, floor plans, sections, and a drawing of the piping system are included.

Notes

Drawings are in two separate rolls.

Formerly listed as Commission X.

Physical Condition

One of the receipts is torn in half.

Places

Claremont Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

23

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 44 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a single storey factory building for Diamond Cleanser & Soaps, Ltd., located on Van Horne Street. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.

Places

Van Horne Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

97

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[between 1929 and 1930]

Physical Description

ca.100 architectural and technical drawings : blueprints, pencil on linen weave, some hand col. pencil crayon ; 95 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

The Hermant Building, located at 21 Dundas Square, is a designated heritage building that is actually composed of two connected office buildings and an annex. The nine storey western building was designed by architects Bond and Smith in 1913. The six storey Hermant Annex and fourteen storey eastern tower were designed by Benjamin Brown in 1920 and 1930 respectively. The building is named after Percy Hermant and served as the headquarters of his company, Imperial Optical, which for a time was the largest prescription lens business in the British Commonwealth. The buildings were designated as heritage buildings in 1990. The Hermant Building was initially built on Wilton Square - which was later renamed Dundas Square. Benjamin Brown's office was also located in the Hermant building during the 1940s.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of the eastern tower of the Hermant Building. Floor plans, cable plans, sections, elevations, detailing, sketches and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are fragile and torn.

Related Material

See File 49-3-63 for the architectural plans of alterations to the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.

See File 49-3-37 for the architectural plans of a proposed storage building for Mr. Percy Hermant at 179 Ontario Street and for a biography of Mr. Hermant.

See File 49-3-58 for the architectural plans of a factory for Imperial Optical Co. at 270 Ontario Street and for an administrative history of Imperial Optical.

See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

63

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1936

Physical Description

9 architectural and technical drawings : 2 blueprints, 6 pencil on tracing paper, 1 on verso of blueprint ; 51 cm length and 7 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

The Hermant Building, located at 21 Dundas Square is a designated heritage building that is actually composed of two connected office buildings and an annex. The 9 storey western building was designed by architects Bond and Smith in 1913. The 6 storey Hermant Annex and 14 storey eastern tower were designed by Benjamin Brown in 1920 and 1930 respectively. The building is named after Percy Hermant and served as the headquarters of his company, Imperial Optical, which for a time was the largest prescription lens business in the British Commonwealth. The buildings were designated as heritage buildings in 1990.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of an alteration to the ground floor of the Hermant Building at 21 Dundas Square. Elevations, floor plans, a block plan and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.

Notes

Benjamin Brown's office was located in the Hermant Building in the 1940s; at the time he created these architectural plans his office was located on Bay Street.

Related Material

See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.

See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-37 for the architectural plans of a proposed storage building located at 179 Ontario Street and a biography of Percy Hermant.

See File 49-3-58 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at 270 Ontario Street.

See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

37

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1946]

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 40 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Percy Hermant was born in Mogilev, Russia in 1882. In 1897, he immigrated to Canada, arriving in New Brunswick, where he began working as a drygoods peddler. In 1900, he founded the Imperial Optical Company, the first prescription lens business in the Maritimes. This company eventually grew to be the largest company of its kind in the British Commonwealth. The head office was located in the Hermant Building (named for Percy) at 21 Dundas Square. In addition to his successful business, Mr. Hermant served as the director of both the Mount Sinai and Runnymede hospitals. He was also a member of the Toronto Board of Trade and other established societies such as the Primrose, and Empire Clubs.

Mr. Hermant was very active in philanthropy and involved in the funding and establishment of the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA), and in the funding of the Associated Hebrew Universities. Mr. Hermant also established several scholarships at the University of Toronto, including the Percy Hermant Fellowship in Ophthalmology for graduates of Medicine who wish to pursue ophthalmology as a profession. Mr. Hermant died in 1959 and was survived by his wife Dorothy, son Sydney and four grandchildren.

Scope and Content

File consists of two block plans for a storage building at 179 Ontario Street for Percy Hermant.

Notes

Benjamin Brown's office was also located in the Hermant building during the 1940s.

Related Material

See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.

See File 49-3-58 for the architectural plans of a factory for Imperial Optical Co. at 270 Ontario Street and for an administrative history of Imperial Optical.

See File 49-3-63 for the architectural plans of alterations to the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.

Places

Ontario Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

62

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1935]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil ; 38 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, a section and an elevation drawing of a public garage for Mr. M. Rumack at 167-169 Ontario Street.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

89

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1945]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 109 cm length and 7 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of a floor plan for a proposed addition to the Genosha Hotel at King and Mary Streets in Oshawa, Ontario. Additions include a powder room, smoking room and two large beverage rooms for ladies and men respectively.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

55

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, one hand col. pencil crayon ; 45 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, foundations plans, a section and elevation drawings.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

19

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1921

Physical Description

10 architectural drawings : ink on linen weave ; 51 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Nathan Rosenberg was the owner of several ladies' and children's clothing stores in downtown Toronto. Nathan, along with his brother Simon, were the co-owners of the Dainty Dress Company at 317 Adelaide West. He also owned the Exclusive Ladies Garment Company at 221 Richmond Street and was the president of the Exclusive Children's Cloak Company, which was headquartered at 44 York Street.

Scope and Content

File consists of various floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a large three storey clothing store for Mr. Nathan Rosenberg on Dundas Street West. In 1925, Nathan Rosenberg owned Campbell Women's Wear, located at 124 & 130 Dundas St. West. These may be the drawings for this building.

Places

Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

53

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1928

Physical Description

5 architectural drawings : 4 blueprints, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 42 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans.

Physical Condition

Tracing paper is torn and crumbling.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

83

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1935]

Physical Description

5 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 43 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Schipper Brothers was a large fur manufacturing company owned by Irving, Frank and Marcus Schipper. The brothers all lived at 84 Beverly Street. After the death of two brothers, the business was sold to Ben Krakower, Bert Shinwell and Syd Schipper. It closed shortly afterwards due to financial difficulty.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, a block plan, elevation drawings and sections for additions to a factory for Schipper Brothers at 1323-1325 Bay Street.

Related Material

See File 49-3-82 for architectural drawings of the original factory and apartment building at 1323-1325 for Schipper Brothers.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

35

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1924

Physical Description

7 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 41 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of an apartment building located on Beverley St. for Mr. Benjamin Brown (in trust). Floor plans, sections and elevation drawings are included.

Places

Beverley Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

14

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 54 cm length and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of "The Alps" restaurant at 2872 Dundas Street West. Included are two elevation drawings and a floor plan on a single sheet.

Physical Condition

Drawings are fragile and torn.

Places

Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

50

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1933

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 54 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the rear of a confectionery store at 809 Dundas West for Mr. Morris Alter. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XVII.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

26

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1924]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil ; 57 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Sam Lichtman was the owner of a confectionery store at 2343 Dundas West and lived on the second floor above his store.

Scope and Content

File consists of a floor plan, a section and elevation drawings of stores and dwellings for Mr. Sam Lichtman at 2343 Dundas West.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XIX.

Places

Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

100

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1945]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil ; 49 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of a floor plan of Montgomery's Tavern, which was a dining lounge located in the Hermant Building at 21 Dundas Square for Mr. Alex Christy. Benjamin Brown's office was also located in the Hermant building during the 1940s.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XI.

Related Material

See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-106 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Annex.

See File 49-3-63 for the architectural plans of alterations to the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

81

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 81 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of additions to a two storey factory building at 98 Munro for the Silver Products Co. Ltd. Floor plans, sections, detailing, a roof plan and elevations are included.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

18

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1948

Physical Description

4 architectural drawings : 3 pencil on tracing paper, 1 pen ; 55 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Union Bakery was a large Jewish bakery owned by Abraham Stancer. The bakery was previously known as Stancer Brothers.

Scope and Content

File consists of proposed alterations to a two story building for Union Bakery Co. at 779 Dundas St. West. Several floor plans and sections are included.

Related Material

See Photo #1511 for a photo of Abraham Stancer.

Places

Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

77

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1935

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 55 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Henry Adelberg was the president of H. Adelberg Ltd., a cloak manufacturing company.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, a section and detailing of a public garage for Mr. Henry Adelberg at 33 Dundas St. West.

Related Material

See File 49-3-38 for architectural drawings of additions and alterations to store and dwelling for Mr. Henry Adelberg at Queen and Brookfield.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

69

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1929

Physical Description

8 architectural and technical drawings : blueprints ; 76 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

The Empire Clothing Company, co-owned by Mr. William Leibel and Mr. A. M. Schiffer, manufactured men's clothing and sold it wholesale. Leibel and Schiffer were also close neighbors, living only a few houses apart. The headquarters of Empire Clothing was located at 197/199 Spadina Avenue.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a building for the Empire Clothing Company at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Adelaide Street. The building is likely the Balfour Building, which was commissioned by the Empire Clothing Co., Sam Lichtman of Blue Bird Dress, and the Shiffer-Hillman Co. Many of the plans are of a structural nature. Floor plans, footing plans, schedules for placing support columns and detailing are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-94 for plans of additions and alterations to the office headquarters of the Empire Clothing Company at 197/199 Spadina Avenue.

See File 49-2-4 for plans of private garage for Mr. A. M. Schiffer.

See File 49-2-6 for plans of alterations to home of Mr. William Leibel. Elevations and floor plans of an unknown building are on the verso of two of the blueprints.

See File 49-3-105 for plans of the Balfour Building.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

101

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1930

Physical Description

57 architectural and technical drawings : 5 blueprints, 51 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 94 cm length or smaller

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a two storey, store and office building at the northeast corner of College and Spadina for University Investments Limited. Floor plans, elevations, sections, framing plans, detailing and building sketches are included. Also included are technical drawings of structural elements of the building.

Notes

Due to the fragility of some of these drawings, the description and extent are partially based on Speisman's earlier item level descriptions. The drawings are contained in two rolls.

Formerly listed as Commission III and XII.

Speisman's original finding aid notes Nelson and Tanz Furriers, 600 Bay St. as a connection to this commission.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are torn and fragile.

Related Material

See File 49-3-49 for architectural drawings of alterations to stores at Cumberland Hall located at 824 Yonge St. for University Investments Limited.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

1

File

6

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1915]

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col., watercolour, 1 on cardboard backed paper ; 52 x 41 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

The Chevra Tehillim congregation was established in 1887 and held services at various locations until it moved to its permanent home at 69 McCaul Street in 1905. Around 1910, the congregation had the McCaul premises remodeled. The synagogue remained on McCaul Street until 1952, when it merged with Goel Tzedek to form the Beth Tzedek synagogue, currently Canada's largest. The Beth Tzedek synagogue is currently located on Bathurst Street. The McCaul Street premises was demolished in the late 1950s.

Scope and Content

File consists of two colour drawings of a proposed new Ark for the McCaul Street Synagogue. They were drawn by Benjamin Brown as a proposal for redesigning the Ark during the 1910s. According to an interview with Brown in 1973, this ark was his first commission after he opened his office at 600 Bay St.

Notes

It is possible that Item #16 is a design of the Ark for the Beach Hebrew Institute.

Subjects

Torah arks

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

22

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1935]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 53 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans of a three storey rooming house at 1077 College Street.

Physical Condition

Material is fragile.

Places

College Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

24

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1930]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 47 cm length and 4 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Nelson and Tanz Furriers was a fur manufacturing company jointly owned by Abram Nelson and Louis Tanz. The company was headquartered at 167 Richmond St. W. in the 1920s, and moved to 600 Bay Street in the 1930s.

Scope and Content

File consists of one floor plan for the headquarters of Nelson and Tanz Furriers at 600 Bay Street.

Physical Condition

Fragile and badly torn.

Places

Bay Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

1

File

2

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1919-1922

Physical Description

136 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col., watercolour, on linen weave and tracing paper ; 100 x 90 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

The Henry Street Beth Jacob Synagogue was founded by Toronto’s Polish-Jewish Community, as the successor of an older, smaller synagogue on Elm Street. It was the first synagogue in Toronto that was designed by a Jewish architect, Benjamin Brown. Located at 23 and 23 ½ Henry Street, the synagogue was dedicated in 1922, at a cost of $156,000, and could accommodate up to eight hundred worshippers. It was built in Romanesque style and was notable for its stained glass windows and retractable roof that was used on Sukkoth. It also contained a vaulted ceiling capped by a large dome and four smaller ones. The building was eventually sold and converted into a church. It is the current site of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of Beth Jacob Synagogue. Contained within are basement, floor, stairwell and roof plans, load plans, sections, and elevation drawings. Also included are detailing of windows, the Ark, entrances and other structures and objects.

Notes

Most of the drawings are stored in four rolls, the remainder are encased in five sheets of Melinex. Due to the fragility of these drawings, the medium, extent and sizes of them are based on the descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman. It is recommended that a conservator examine these drawings.

Name Access

Beth Jacob Synagogue (Toronto, Ont.)

Subjects

Synagogues

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are frayed and torn.

Places

Henry Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 
• 
• 

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

65

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1930

Physical Description

9 architectural drawings : 8 pencil, 1 hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 49 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey restaurant for Mr. Alexander Good. Elevations, sections, floor plans, a roof plan and a block plan are included.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XIV.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

102

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1929]

Physical Description

11 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 10 pencil ; 64 cm length or smaller - 6 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Built in 1929, the Commodore Building is a large office building that once primarily housed businesses in the garment industry. It was designated a heritage building in 2005.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of the Commodore Building, which is a ten storey building located at 317 Adelaide West. Floor plans of each floor and an elevation of the entrance are included.

Notes

USE CONDITION NOTE: Researchers wishing to access interior drawings must first be granted written permission by the property owner.

Access Restriction

Partially closed. Researchers must receive permission from the OJA director prior to accessing some of the records.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

106

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1920

Physical Description

40 architectural and technical drawings : 3 blueprints, 9 pen on linen weave, 28 pencil on tracing paper ; 88 cm length or smaller

Admin History/Bio

The Hermant Building, located at 21 Dundas Square, is a designated heritage building that is actually composed of two connected office buildings and an annex. The nine storey western building was designed by architects Bond and Smith in 1913. The six storey Hermant Annex and fourteen storey eastern tower were designed by Benjamin Brown in 1920 and 1930 respectively. The building is named after Percy Hermant and served as the headquarters of his company, Imperial Optical, which for a time was the largest prescription lens business in the British Commonwealth. The buildings were designated as heritage buildings in 1990. Benjamin Brown's office was also located in the Hermant building during the 1940s.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural and technical drawings of the Hermant Annex located at 254-256 Victoria Street. Foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, a roof plan, sections, a block plan and a lettering design for a building sign are included. Technical drawings of structural elements of the building as well as schedules for construction of the building are also included.

Physical Condition

Some drawings are fragile and torn.

6/16/2015: Records were sent out for conservation treatments.

Related Material

See File 49-3-97 for the architectural drawings of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-37 for the architectural plans of a proposed storage building for Mr. Percy Hermant at 179 Ontario Street and for a biography of Mr. Hermant.

See File 49-3-58 for the architectural plans of a factory for Imperial Optical Co. at 270 Ontario Street and for an administrative history of Imperial Optical.

See File 49-3-63 for the architectural plans of alterations to the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-100 for architectural drawings of Montgomery's Tavern, located on the ground floor of the Hermant Building.

See File 49-3-93 for the architectural drawings of a factory for Imperial Optical at the S.W. corner of Dundas and Ontario Streets.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

31

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1935

Physical Description

5 architectural drawings : 3 blueprints, 2 pencil on tracing paper ; 72 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a proposed battery and electric service station.

Notes

Formerly listed as Commission XVIII.

Places

Bay Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Walton Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

76

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : blueprint ; 62 cm length and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a garage and service station for Jack Chaban at 628 Annette Street. A section and elevation drawings are included.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Residential building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

2

File

25

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1919-1920

Physical Description

56 architectural drawings : 13 pen on linen weave, 1 blueprint, 42 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 74 cm length or smaller

Admin History/Bio

Mr. Mendel Granatstein was a prominent member of one of the early Jewish families of Toronto. In 1895, he founded M. Granatstein and Sons, Ltd., a junk dealing company, and by the early 20th century, he had become one of the most prosperous Jews in Toronto. Mr. Granatstein was also a community leader, having a hand in the foundation of Beth Jacob Synagogue.

In 1919, Mr. Granatstein commissioned Benjamin Brown and Robert McConnell to design a three storey Classical Georgian style house located at 42 St. George Street. This house also contained a retractable roof used on Sukkoth. In 1947, the house was acquired by the University of Toronto and was used for a variety of purposes until it was demolished in 1999. The Bahen Centre for Information Technology now stands in its place.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of the three storey, six bedroom mansion of Mr. Mendal Granatstein at 42 St. George Street. In addition to the bedrooms, the house contained a sunroom, a study, an enclosed porch, a large living room and a large dining room. Servants' quarters were located in the attic. Floor plans, sections, elevation drawings and drawings of alterations to the porch design are also included.

Notes

Drawings are located in two rolls, one containing the linen weave drawings, which are in good condition and the other containing the remainder, which are in very poor condition. Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions of Steve Speisman.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Many drawings are torn and in poor condition.

Places

Saint George Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

• 

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

16

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1936

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col., watercolour, on verso of blueprints ; 38 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of three high quality drawings of the interior and exterior of "My Valet", a single storey clothing store located at 1492 1/2 Bathurst Street for Mr. C. W. Fountain.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Places

Bathurst Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

17

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca. 1925]

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pastel on verso of blueprint ; 47 cm length and 3 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Mrs. Celia Cherry was the wife of Isadore Cherry, who was the owner of several ladies clothing shops along Dundas and Bloor. Mrs. Cherry died in 1927, aged 39.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of Cherry's clothing store at 1014 Bloor St. West. Contained within are a floor plan and a high quality pastel drawing of the front exterior, on the back of a previously used blueprint.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Places

Bloor Street West (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Residential building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

2

File

13

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

[ca.1925]

Physical Description

2 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 43 cm length or smaller and 3 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File contains architectural drawings of alterations to the rear of the single storey home of Mrs. D. Jaffey. Contained within are a floor plan, an elevation drawing, and a block plan.

Notes

The name that appears on the project is Mrs. D. Jafey.

Places

Richmond Street (Toronto, Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

64

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1935

Physical Description

6 architectural drawings : 3 blueprints, 2 pencil on tracing paper, 1 pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on verso of blueprint ; 56 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to a two storey building located at 123-125 Yonge Street for Arcade Florists Limited, which was owned by George and Ben Yavner. Sections, elevation drawings and floor plans are included.

Notes

One drawing is located on the verso of a discarded blueprint.

Formerly listed as Commission XIII.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

70

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1940

Physical Description

3 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 74 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Link Brass and Copper Co. Ltd. was owned by Mr. K. Link.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a building for Link Brass and Copper Co. Ltd. at 108 River Street. Sections, elevation drawings and floor plans are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-71 for architectural plans of a foundry and forge building for Mr. K. Link at the rear of this building.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

60

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1920

Physical Description

7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 58 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of proposed additions and alterations to a single storey building on Simcoe Street for Mr. H. Goldstein.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

71

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1940

Physical Description

1 architectural drawing : pencil on tracing paper ; 73 cm length and 5 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Link Brass and Copper Co. Ltd. was owned by Mr. K. Link.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of a foundry and forge for Mr. K. Link. A foundation plan, floor plan and elevation drawings are included.

Related Material

See File 40-3-70, for architectural plans of main building at 108 River Street.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

79

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1937

Physical Description

7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 76 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of two attached, two storey buildings for Mr. Bebell at 2014-2016 Yonge Street. The building contained a fur storage vault, several stores and several apartment suites. Floor plans, sections, elevations and a block plan are included.

Related Material

See File 49-3-74 for architectural drawings of a building at Avenue Road and Bernard Avenue for Mr. Bebell.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Commercial building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

3

File

85

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1934-1935

Physical Description

8 architectural drawings : pencil, some hand col., pencil crayon and watercolour on tracing paper ; 72 x 69 cm or smaller

Admin History/Bio

Doctor Leon J. Solway and Doctor Maurice Pollock were two of the earliest Jewish doctors to practice in Toronto.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to the offices of Doctor Leon J. Solway (a cardiologist) and Doctor Maurice Pollock (a general practitioner) at 425 Bloor Street West. Sections, floor plans and elevation drawings are included.

Notes

Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.

Access Restriction

Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Physical Condition

Condition is poor, several drawings are badly torn.

Related Material

See File 49-5-12 for Kaplan and Sprachman's designs of the building.

Source

Archival Descriptions

Part Of

Benjamin Brown fonds

Jewish community building plans and drawings series

Level

File

Fonds

49

Series

1

File

1

Material Format

architectural drawing

Date

1940

Physical Description

12 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 48 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.

Admin History/Bio

Founded in the 1920s, Camp Yungvelt was originally situated on Lake Wilcox. Two years later it moved to Pickering, where it operated until it closed in the 1950s. It was established by the Workmen's Circle, as a Yiddish summer camp for Jewish children. Camp Yungvelt was known for accepting the children of poor immigrants for a small fraction of the regular fee.

Scope and Content

File consists of architectural drawings of several new buildings that were erected at Camp Yungvelt. Floor plans, a foundation plan, and several elevation drawings are included.

Subjects

Camps

Repro Restriction

Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.

Places

Pickering (Ont.)

Source

Archival Descriptions

•