Who created the Distillery, and why?
Nearly 20 years ago, a small group of visionary developers had a dream for Toronto.
They looked at a derelict collection of Victorian Industrial buildings that had been pronounced a national historic site and imagined transforming it. Not into another historic district or pioneer village, but into something exciting and unique. Something the city would be proud of. They wanted to create a place that would excite and inspire the senses, where people could experience new ideas, new foods, new designs, and new ways of living and working.
What was their vision?
Their vision was to combine the romance and relaxing atmosphere of European walking and patio districts with the hip, cool dynamic of an area like New York City’s SoHo or Chelsea, where creative minds get together, and you feel as if anything could happen.
Their dream was to provide a place where creativity would flourish, and passion would be aroused where artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople could rub shoulders and inspire each other. So they began plans to restore the 47 buildings known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery.
When was Goderham&Worts found?
It was founded in 1832. Gooderham & Worts began as a windmill in the wilderness and grew to become the largest Distillery in the world and the most significant corporate taxpayer in Canada.
They harnessed the talent of hundreds of tradespeople and artisans who were skilled in working with 19th-century timber, planks, stone, and brick. They went to great lengths in the restoration process to repurpose original materials and brilliantly blend them with today’s modern materials and green technologies.
The result is nothing short of perfection. As the Toronto Star says: “To enter The Distillery is to step back into an era of horse-drawn carts, windmills and sailing ships. One can only marvel at the authentic exterior restoration that was achieved. But it is when you step inside the buildings that you truly realize the magnitude of what was accomplished.”
What will you find there?
What you will find is a dramatic fusion of old and new. It is an inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st-century design and creativity. The result is an internationally acclaimed village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, theatres, and more.
Why is this place so famous?
The Distillery Historic District opened in 2003, and today it is widely regarded as Canada’s premier arts, culture and entertainment destination. A place with creativity and creative people that can inspire dreams and a place that can help them come true.
Why Toronto’s Distillery District is a national historic site?
Toronto’s Distillery District was designated as a national historic site because the “complex is an outstanding example of Victorian industrial design in terms of integrity, historical association, and aesthetic qualities.”
What did I love about this?
When I went visiting the Distillery, which is a beautiful area from Toronto, I love the fact that they kept these old buildings (and where you can find shops with local handcrafted Canadian artisans, amazing restaurants ).
As I love so much taking pictures, it is so easy to get beautiful images with all the architecture between a Victorian and modern impression.
The atmosphere is friendly, relax, and cozy, even if it was cold this day. So, it was an excellent way to stop and discover some places to eat and to get warm at the same time. It’s like this place isn’t in Toronto; it feels much quieter than other areas. But, you should take time to get there before enjoying some other part of Toronto.
