The Annex is one of Toronto’s most elite and sought after neighbourhood to live in. The Annex Toronto was subdivided in the 1870’s and 1880’s and has a great deal of history behind it. Some of the very first residents of this exquisite neighbourhood were president of Gooderham and Worts Distillery, George Gooderham and Timothy Eaton of the Eatons department store. During the 1920’s, residents of the Annex began to move north to the recently developed fashionable neighbourhoods in Lawrence Park and Forest Hill which marked the end of the Annex’s Golden Era. In 1966, the developed community was threatened due to a proposed Spadina Expressway that would run through the Annex and into downtown Toronto. Fortunately, the powerful lobby group, the Annex Residents Association in part with other activists expressed a strong opposition to the expressway. In 1974 the city made the decision to halt all construction.
The houses in the Annex Toronto were built between 1880 and 1910 and are reminiscent of Victorian, Richardsonian, and Queen Anne architecture. The exterior facades of these historical homes are made up of old-world building material such as terra cotta, rich red brick, and Credit River sandstone. Most of these houses have exquisite detailing and characteristics which make it one of the most unique neighbourhoods in Toronto. Pyramidal roofs, wooden spindled porches, and turrets to recessed grand archways are all historic architectural elements found in the Annex.
Residents of the Annex Toronto enjoy the wonderful shopping district along Bloor Street. This stretch of stores includes many unique clothing boutiques, organic food markets, restaurants, travel agencies, bookstores and a plethora of outdoor cafes. Just south of Bloor and Markham Street, you will find The Mirvish Village shopping district. This vibrant area offers quaint collection of art galleries, one-of-a-kind stores, bookstores, and antique stores.
Conveniently located near the University of Toronto, residents of the Annex often use their Athletic Centre to stay in shape. The Annex is also known for its nightlife. There is a plethora of lounges, restaurants, and nightclubs that come alive at night with people from all around Toronto.
Here are some resources we think you’ll find handy if you’re looking for a home in The Annex:
The Annex, Toronto Infographic
You can also click the drop down menu below to check out the full range of amenities and schools you can find in The Annex Toronto.
For more information on the Annex Toronto neighbourhood – contact Slavens & Associates today at:
435 Eglinton Avenue West
Toronto, ON M5N 1A4
Telephone: 416-483-4337
Fax: 416-483-1663
Toll free: 1-877-560-8923
Email: info@slavensrealestate.com
