Tom the backroads traveller hosts this weekly meme.
September 2020 - Toronto ON
Queen St. West and Bathurst
Built as a Masonic lodge between 1876 and 1878, the Occident Hall, as it was then called, was one of the first buildings designed by architect E. J. Lennox, the man behind such iconic structures as Old City Hall and Casa Loma.
Built as a Masonic lodge between 1876 and 1878, the Occident Hall, as it was then called, was one of the first buildings designed by architect E. J. Lennox, the man behind such iconic structures as Old City Hall and Casa Loma.
Occident and St. George’s Chapters held their meeting in the building. The spacious Blue Room on the top floor, which measured 50’ by 30’ was rented for various functions. This grand hall possessed a massive domed ceiling. Most Masonic Halls in this era contained large halls that they could rent to derive income for the upkeep of the building.
The windows on the second floor are Roman arches, but the yellow-brick trim above them is Gothic. This is an unusual design arrangement.
Distinctive architecture.
ReplyDelete...Jackie, you found a beauty! It's nice to see that they didn't modernize the first floor which is often common.
ReplyDeleteUnusual ... and beautiful. Oh, if you could step inside and share!
ReplyDeleteIris, you are right! I will go inside next time and get some photos.
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