whyilovetoronto:

Why I Love Doors Open Toronto

What I Want To See:

Bridgepoint Hospital and Administration Building 

Where: 14 St. Matthews Road

When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: Two words – Don Jail. In the past year the Bridgepoint Hospital has fully restored the historic Don Jail so that it could be incorporated into its facility.  The last time the jail made a Doors Open appearance was before its restoration in which participants got a chance to see the jail. My friend who attended said it was truly a creepy experience. Therefore, you can count me in!

Dineen Building

Where: 140 Yonge Street

When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Why I Want to See It: As I said in my previous post, I just really want to see the building after its restoration. The owner of the building boasts that many of the original fixtures and accessories from the Dineen Hat and Fur Company still remain, which should be very interesting to see and provide a glimpse of the building former use.  

Fox Theatre

Where: 2236 Queen Street East

When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: This is the theatres first appearance at Doors Open. Not only do you get to see this local theatre, but you also get a free bag of popcorn and get to go on a tour of the historic theatre that will celebrate its 100^th birthday this year.

Havergal College

Where: 1451 Avenue Rd.

When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: What is every girls dream? Well for the women in my family it is to be a princess and the all-girls school of Havergal College truly looks like a castle fit for a princess. From its gothic architecture to its vine covered towers and stained glass this building by Chapman and Oxley is truly another one of the firms masterpieces.

Humber College – Cottages

Where: 21 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr. 

When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: As the former site of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital/ Mimico Hospital this former institution is said to have a number of hauntings, which could make this Doors Open tour both creepy and epic. The fact that we get to see the tunnel system is more than enough reason to go to this venue!

MaRS Discovery District

Where: 101 College Street

When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: I was so upset when I missed this building last year that I really hoped it would make another appearance. I am interested to see if this building has successfully managed to combine both historic and modern architecture together. Along with my architectural critiques , I will also be going to MaRS to learn about its history. For example the hospital played a huge role in the discovery of insulin.

Massey Tower Presentation Centre

Where: 197 Yonge Street

When: Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: The building was recently restored and made into a presentation centre for the condominium tower that MOD Development plans to build. Being a big fan of former banks and following the restoration process on the Massey Tower Facebook page I am excited to see the final result.

St. Andrews Church

Where: 73 Simcoe St.

When: Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why I Want to See It: I love churches and it is unfortunate for me to admit this, but I cannot attend Doors Open on Saturday because I have to work. However the building, constructed in 1875  recently underwent a restoration. I say check it out and tell me how it was!

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Where: 115 Bond St.

When: Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Why I Want To See It: Being Orthodox I know the detailing and iconography that goes into Orthodox churches, therefore it would be interesting to see an Orthodox church from the perspective of the Greeks.