- 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
- 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
- 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
- Jewish community building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 1
- File
- 5
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1920
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : 1 pen on linen weave and 5 pencil ; 54 x 54 cm or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of Benjamin Brown's designs for a proposed synagogue. The designs were likely created before the congregation had purchased land or secured an architect. The congregation did not end up using Benjamin Brown as the architect. Included are floor plans, sections, and a rough sketch of the exterior.
- Subjects
- Synagogues
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are brittle and fragile. One drawing is badly torn.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 9
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1930]
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil, 1 hand col., watercolour, 2 on tracing paper ; 56 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of plans of a four bedroom, two storey duplex for Wells Brothers. Elevation drawings and floor plans are included. It is unknown whether this building was completed.
- Physical Condition
- One drawing on tracing paper is torn.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 39
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1930]
- Physical Description
- 3 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 on tracing paper ; 50 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a ground floor plan, front elevation and a longitudinal section of a proposed three storey apartment building at 4 Spadina Road.
- Places
- Spadina Road (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
- 61
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 39 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans for a proposed two storey hotel located at 276 Spadina Avenue.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 19
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1924]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 39 x 46 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- Mrs. Harry Farber lived at 45 Sullivan Street.
- Scope and Content
- File contains a watercolour drawing of a proposed residence for Mrs. Harry Farber.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1919-[1935]
- Physical Description
- 327 architectural and technical drawings
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural drawings of personal residences that were either designed or renovated for real estate developers, landlords or the occupants themselves. The majority of the buildings were designed for a Jewish clientele, many of whom were prominent citizens, including Louis Gelber and Mendel Granatstein. Brown also created designs for his own personal residence on Castle Frank Crescent, however the home was never completed. Most of the houses he designed or renovated were located in the Annex, Forest Hill, Casa Loma or Hillcrest neighborhoods. Many were designed with elements of Georgian, Craftman, Colonial Revival and/or Tudor architectural styles. They ranged from three storey mansions to small duplexes and single story homes. The vast majority of his commissions were standard three or four bedroom two storey homes.
- The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Plans, sketches, elevations, sections, detailing and technical drawings of the residences are included.
- Subjects
- Dwellings
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- graphic material
- textual record
- Date
- 1919-1949
- Physical Description
- ca. 1000 architectural and technical drawings
- 2 photographs : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm or smaller
- 1 cm of textual records
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of architectural and technical drawings of commercial buildings that Benjamin Brown either designed or altered. Most of Brown’s clients were Jewish owned businesses, several of which were run by prominent members of the community. These businesses included Imperial Optical, Gelber Brothers Woolens, the City Dye Works, Schipper Brothers Furs, and the Empire Clothing Company.
- Architectural plans of apartments, warehouses, theatres, service stations, banks, restaurants, stores, office towers, a bakery and a laundry are included. Several of these buildings are now designated as Toronto heritage buildings. These include the Balfour Building, the Hermant Building (eastern tower), the Hermant Annex, the Commodore Building and the Standard Theatre. Also included are plans of the headquarters of Famous Players Canada, which later became a subsidiary of Cineplex Odeon.
- The majority of the drawings are either blueprints or pencil drawings on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are also in colour. Some are on linen weave or cardboard. Plans, elevations, sections, sketches, detailing, photographs of building exteriors, building specifications, and technical drawings of the buildings are included.
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- 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
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 28
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1924]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 38 x 51 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a high quality colour drawing of three, two storey houses for the New York Dress Company.
- 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
- 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
- 30
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1935]
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : pencil, 1 hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 36 x 58 cm or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Harry Trachter was the owner of a creamery and grocery store at 800 Dundas St. West, where he also resided. In 1934, the building was badly damaged by fire. Mr. Trachter died in 1982.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of stores (one of which was Trachter's Groceteria), an apartment and an office, located on the northwest corner of Dundas St. and Euclid Avenue. The first floor consisted of two stores, and the second floor consisted of a four bedroom dwelling and an office. Floor plans and a sketch of the building exterior are included.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Places
- Dundas Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Euclid Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 41
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1935]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on verso of blueprint ; 58 cm length and 3 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Mr. Simon Ramm was the owner of The New Fashion Shop, a high-end clothing store located at 496 St. Clements Avenue.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of The New Fashion Shop clothing store, located on a single sheet. Included are floor plans and several high quality elevation drawings.
- Notes
- Drawn on the verso of a discarded blueprint.
- Places
- St. Clements Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 56
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1935]
- Physical Description
- 7 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 54 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Famous Players Canada was founded as a Canadian branch of the Famous-Players-Lasky Corporation (the precursor of Paramount Pictures) in 1920, when it merged with the Toronto based Regent Theatres. Over the next two decades, efforts were made by President N. L. Nathanson to wrestle control of Famous Players Canada from Paramount, but he ultimately failed. Famous Players Canada would remain a subsidiary of the American owned Paramount (which was purchased by Viacom in 1994) until 2005, when it was purchased by Cineplex Galaxy for 500 million dollars.
- Scope and Content
- File contains floor plans of two different schemes for a proposed new headquarters of Famous Players Canada. The proposed building was to be three storeys high, containing many offices and a screening room. The plans appear to be in the preliminary stages and contain no addresses on them. It is unknown if these plans were ever implemented. File also contains a floor plan of Famous Players Canada offices on the twelfth floor of the Royal Bank Building.
- 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
- 75
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1919-1924
- Physical Description
- 20 architectural drawings : 7 blueprints, 13 pencil, some on tracing paper ; 45 cm length or smaller and 8 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- The Mavety Theatre was located at 215 Mavety Street, which is near the intersection of Dundas and Keele. In 1919, Joe Nevin created plans to convert the theatre into a cinema. In 1924, Benjamin Brown was commissioned by Mr. R. Thornton to make alterations to the theatre. It is unknown if these plans were implemented. The theatre was the site of several political rallies promoting workers' rights in the 1920s.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to the Mavety Theatre. In addition to Benjamin Brown's drawings, file also includes proposed plans to convert the theatre into a cinema drawn by architect Joe Nevin. Floor plans, sections, detailing and elevation drawings are included.
- Notes
- Due to the poor condition of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions created by Steve Speisman.
- Name Access
- Mavety Theatre
- Thornton, R.
- Access Restriction
- Closed. Records are closed for conservation reasons.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile and badly torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-5-11 for architectural plans designed by Herbert G. Duerr of a theatre on Kingston Road.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Jewish community building plans and drawings series
- Level
- Series
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 1
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [1915]-1940
- Physical Description
- 174 architectural drawings
- Scope and Content
- Series consists of Benjamin Brown’s architectural plans and drawings of significant buildings designed or renovated for Toronto‘s Jewish community, including proposals that were never implemented. Contained within are renovation plans of the Beach Hebrew Institute synagogue, an ark design for the McCaul Street Synagogue, and the complete designs of the Henry Street Synagogue. The last of these projects is of particular significance, because it was the first synagogue in Toronto designed by a Jewish architect and was one of Brown‘s largest commissions. Drawings of the Primrose Club (a Jewish men’s club) and the Brunswick Talmud Torah Day School, as well as plans of Camp Yungvelt (a Jewish summer camp) are also included. Additionally, several preliminary sketches of synagogue facades are contained within.
- The majority of these drawings are on tracing or drafting paper, several of which are in colour, and the remainder are either blueprints or drawn on cardboard. Floor plans, elevations, sections, foundation plans and sketches of building exterior facades and interiors are included. Additionally, there are drawings of windows, doors and synagogue arks.
- Physical Condition
- Several drawings and plans are in poor condition. See file level descriptions for further details.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 99
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1925]
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. watercolour on cardboard ; 42 x 39 cm
- Scope and Content
- File consists of a high quality watercolour elevation drawing of a seven storey building for the Goldberg Brothers and Mr. Hartman. The building is likely the Fashion Building, but Benjamin Brown was not the chosen architect for the project; the contract instead went to Kaplan and Sprachman.
- Notes
- Scope and content note: For many years, Benjamin Brown has been miscredited as the architect of the Fashion building, in part due to his work on other buildings in the area, most notably the Tower, Balfour and Commodore buildings.
- Related Material
- See photo #3307.
- 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
- 4
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 62 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings for the conversion of a three storey building into a hotel at the S.W. corner of Queen and Augusta for Mr. Max Sherman. Floor plans and elevation drawings are included.
- Name Access
- Sherman, Max
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile and somewhat torn.
- Places
- Augusta Avenue (Toronto. Ont.)
- Queen 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
- 40
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca. 1930]
- Physical Description
- 2 architectural drawings : 1 pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on verso of blueprint, 1 pencil on tracing paper ; 63 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of alterations to The Spadina Building for Mr. H. Greisman. Floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.
- Notes
- One drawing is located on the verso of a discarded blueprint of a building for Power Investments Ltd. on 55 Charles St. West.
- Places
- Charles Street West (Toronto, Ont.)
- Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- 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
- 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
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 105
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- graphic material
- Date
- 1929-1930
- Physical Description
- 41 architectural and technical drawings : some pencil, some blueprints ; 81 cm length or smaller and 9 cm diam.
- 1 photograph : b&w ; 38 x 30 cm
- Admin History/Bio
- The Balfour Building is a Toronto landmark and designated heritage building that is located at 119 Spadina Avenue. It was designed by Benjamin Brown and was one of his most important commissions. Built in 1930, the building is twelve storeys high and crowned by a two storey tower. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Toronto. Initially, many Jewish garment businesses were located in the building. It currently houses offices for several graphic design and advertising firms, shops and a post office. The Balfour Building was declared a heritage building by order of City Council in July of 1989.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of the Balfour Building. Floor plans, a roof plan, detailing, sections, elevations, electrical plans and drawings of the entrance are included. Also included is a photograph of the exterior in the early 1930s.
- Notes
- Photograph is mounted on cardboard and encased in Melinex.
- Due to the fragility of this material, the description and extent are partially based on Steven Speisman's item level descriptions.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Related Material
- See photo 3308 for a copy print of the Balour building photograph in this file.
- See File 49-3-34 for alterations to Lazar's restaurant in the Balfour Annex at 125 Spadina and File 49-3-32 for alterations to Balfour Annex stores for Messrs. Shiffer, Hillman and Lichtman.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 11
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934-1935
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper ; 46 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of proposed alterations to the Calanco-Tywon Hotel at 78-80 Centre Avenue. The hotel was a two storey structure located in Chinatown near Dundas and University. Floors plans and elevation drawings are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XXV.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile.
- Places
- Centre Avenue (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
- 52
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1933
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 40 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- The Colonial Theatre was established in 1919 and occupied the main floor of the Franklin Building, across the street from Old Toronto City Hall. It was owned an operated by Henry Franklin. The theatre was later renamed the Bay Theatre and closed in 1965. The building itself was torn down shortly thereafter. The site is currently occupied by the Simpson Building.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of plans of the balcony, gallery, lobby and foyer.
- Physical Condition
- Poor condition, plans badly torn.
- 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
- Residential building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 2
- File
- 23
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1930
- Physical Description
- 58 architectural and technical drawings : 6 blueprints, 51 pencil and 1 pen. some on tracing paper ; 102 cm length or smaller
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a proposed house for Benjamin Brown at 37 Castle Frank Crescent. The house was completed and Brown lived in it from 1931-1932. The plans contain drawings of a two storey, three bedroom home that included servant quarters. Floor plans, lot plans, sections, elevation drawings, interior sketches, detailing and technical drawings of structural elements of the building are included.
- Notes
- An elevation drawing is on the verso of the ground floor plan.
- Formerly listed as Commission XXVIII.
- Repro Restriction
- Copyright is held by the Ontario Jewish Archives. Please contact the archives to obtain permission prior to use.
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are fragile, some are torn.
- 6/16/2015: Records were sent out for conservation treatments.
- Places
- Castle Frank Crescent (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
- 2
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1934]
- Physical Description
- 5 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 4 pencil, 1 on tracing paper ; 48 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Established in 1898, National Trust was a financial institution that managed the assets of trust funds and estates. It was headquartered at 20 King St. E., and merged with Scotiabank in 1997.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, sections and elevation drawings of a two storey building for National Trust at 28 Atlantic Avenue.
- Places
- Atlantic Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- 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
- 91
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1923-1924
- Physical Description
- 65 architectural and technical drawings : 7 blueprints, 58 pencil, some hand col., pencil crayon and watercolour, some on tracing paper ; 86 cm length or smaller
- Admin History/Bio
- The Gelber Brothers, Louis and Moses, were born in what is now Austria in the late nineteenth century. Together they founded the Imperial Clothing Company, which later became Gelber Brothers Woollens. Their head office was located in the Gelber Building at 217-225 Richmond Street West. Although selling woollens was their main business, the brothers had other investments, including ownership of a service station at Simcoe and Richmond and a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue. After the brothers died, the family sold the woollens business and invested in real estate.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural and technical drawings of a large seven storey building at 205 Richmond Street West, commissioned for the Gelber Brothers. It does not appear that the Gelber Brothers ever used the building for their own operations, but rather, leased it out to other garment manufacturers. Elevations, sections, a roof plan, floor plans, a block plan and detailing of the entrance are included. Also included are technical drawings of structural elements of the building as well as schedules for the construction of the building.
- Notes
- Due to the fragility of these drawings, the description is partially based on the item level descriptions compiled by Steve Speisman. Drawings are located in two separate rolls.
- This building was previously erroneously identified as the Gelber Building at 217-225 Richmond Street West.
- Physical Condition
- Some drawings are fragile and torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-90 for the architectural drawings of a woollens warehouse for the Gelber Brothers at 355-359 Adelaide Street West.
- See File 49-2-7 for the architectural drawings of alterations and additions to the house of Mr. Louis Gelber as well as his biography.
- See File 49-3-46 for architectural drawings and plans of a service station for the Gelber Brothers at the corner of Richmond and Simcoe streets.
- See File 49-3-68 for architectural drawings of a public garage at 287 Spadina Avenue for the Gelber Brothers.
- 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
- Reference materials series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 5
- File
- 11
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1936
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : blueprints ; 50 cm length or smaller and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of elevations, detailing, a foundation plan and floor plans.
- Notes
- Building was designed by Herbert G. Duerr.
- Places
- Kingston Road (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 34
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil, 1 hand col. pastel, 2 on verso of blueprints, pencil and hand col. watercolour ; 35 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Lazar Levinson was the owner of two Jewish restaurants in downtown Toronto. The original restaurant, named Lazar’s "Old Spain" restaurant and delicatessen specialized in catering, and was located at 128-130 Queen Street West. In the 1930s, a second restaurant was established in an Annex to the Balfour Building at 125 Spadina Avenue.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to Lazar's restaurant, located in a single storey Annex to the Balfour Building at 125 Spadina Avenue. Floor plans and elevations are included.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile, slightly torn.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-32 for alterations to Balfour Annex stores for Messrs. Shiffer, Hillman and Lichtman.
- See File 49-3-105 for architectural drawings of the Balfour Building and for a description of the building.
- Places
- Spadina Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 47
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1935
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil ; 64 cm length and 5 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of proposed alterations to a three storey hotel for Mr. E. Orlando at 636-638 Danforth Avenue. Floor plans 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
- 12
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 1 architectural drawing : pencil and hand col. pencil crayon on tracing paper ; 44 cm length and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a two storey building that was converted into a hotel, situated at 628-632 Bloor St. West. Floor plans and an elevation drawing are included.
- Notes
- Formerly listed as Commission XXVI.
- Physical Condition
- Material is fragile.
- Places
- Bloor 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
- 13
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- [ca.1930]
- Physical Description
- 9 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 7 pencil on tracing paper, 3 hand col. pastel, 1 on verso of blueprint ; 47 cm length or smaller and 7 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- Owned by Mr. A. Levy, Levy Auto Wreckers was one of Canada's largest auto wreckers during the 1930s. The head office was located at 735/737 Queen Street West and it had a branch office at 464 Queen Street East.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of the head office of Levy Auto Wreckers. Floor plans, elevations, and sketches are included.
- Physical Condition
- Drawings are fragile, one is torn in half.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-27 for plans of a branch office at 464 Queen Street East.
- See File 49-5-10 for plans of stores for Mr. A. Levy on St. Clair Avenue that were designed by E. Telfer Arnoldi.
- Places
- Queen 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
- 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
- 86
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 4 architectural drawings : 1 blueprint, 3 pencil on tracing paper ; 50 cm length or smaller and 4 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of floor plans, a section, and elevation drawings of a six bedroom, two storey hotel for Mr. C. Calarco at 111-113 Elm Street. Plans for a new beverage room are also included.
- Notes
- Floor plans of a house are on the verso of the blueprint.
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 3
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- textual record
- Date
- [ca.1935]
- Physical Description
- 9 architectural drawings : 6 blueprints, 3 pencil ; 44 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
- 1 folder of textual records
- Admin History/Bio
- Joseph and Abraham Lewis were the joint owners of the Dominion Printing Company, whose head office was at 259 Spadina Avenue.
- Scope and Content
- File contains architectural drawings of a two storey residence being converted into a single storey printing facility at 92 McCaul St. for Mr. Joseph Lewis. Several floor plans, sections, and elevation drawings are contained within. Also included is a fourteen page specification booklet detailing the work to be done on the building.
- Name Access
- Lewis, Joseph
- Places
- McCaul Street (Toronto, Ont.)
- Source
- Archival Descriptions
- Part Of
- Benjamin Brown fonds
- Commercial building plans and drawings series
- Level
- File
- Fonds
- 49
- Series
- 3
- File
- 10
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1936-1937
- Physical Description
- 14 architectural drawings : pencil on tracing paper, 3 hand col., pencil crayon ; 62 cm length or smaller and 10 cm diam.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of a six storey apartment building at 10 Moir Ave. for W. J. Lovegrove Limited. Floor plans, elevation views, a section and a block plan are included.
- Physical Condition
- One drawing is torn.
- Places
- Moir Avenue (Toronto, Ont.)
- 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
- 32
- Material Format
- architectural drawing
- Date
- 1934
- Physical Description
- 6 architectural drawings : 2 blueprints, 4 pencil on tracing paper, 1 hand col. pencil crayon ; 73 cm length or smaller and 6 cm diam.
- Admin History/Bio
- The Balfour Building is a Toronto landmark and designated heritage building that is located at 119 Spadina Avenue. It was designed by Benjamin Brown and was one of his most important commissions. Built in 1930, the building is twelve storeys high and is crowned by a two storey tower. It is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Toronto. The Balfour Building was declared a heritage building by order of City Council in July of 1989. It currently houses offices for several graphic design and advertising firms, shops and a post office.
- Scope and Content
- File consists of architectural drawings of additions and alterations to two stores located in a single storey Annex to the Balfour Building, at 125 Spadina Avenue. One of the stores was Shiffer-Hillman Men's Clothing Manufacturing, owned by Elsig Shiffer and Benjamin Hillman. The other store was the Blue Bird Dress Company, owned by Mr. Sam Lichtman. Floor plans, elevations, a block plan, a foundation plan, and a sketch of the storefront are also included.
- Physical Condition
- Material is slightly torn and fragile.
- Related Material
- See File 49-3-34 for alterations to Lazar's restaurant in the Balfour Annex at 125 Spadina.
- See File 49-3-105 for architectural drawings of the Balfour Building itself.
- Places
- Spadina Avenue (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
