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THE HISTORICAL
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Fashion District in Toronto, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
 

Waterworks Building

1932

 
 
Waterworks Building Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025
1. Waterworks Building Marker
Inscription. This historic Art Deco faηade was built as part of the Waterworks Building, an important facility within Toronto's water system. When it opened, the complex housed workshops, offices, and storage for equipment and materials.

Designed by James John Woolnough, with architects S.T.J. Fryer and K.S. Gillies, the complex provided construction work during the Great Depression. In keeping with the Art Deco style, the complex features strong symmetrical shapes with brick, stone, wood, and metal details.

From 1925 to 1932, Woolnough was the City of Toronto's chief architect. He designed many public buildings, including the Horse Palace at the Canadian National Exhibition.

Before 1932, this property was St. Andrew's Market, one of the city's three public markets along with the St. Patrick's Market on Queen Street West and the St. Lawrence Market. The marketplace had food stalls, a police station, a library, and a community hall.

In 2021, the Waterworks Building was restored by MOD Developments and Woodcliffe Landmark Properties and integrated into a commercial, institutional, and residential development.

Designated in 2013 under the Ontario Heritage Act
Winner of the 2022 Heritage Toronto Award for Adaptive Reuse

 
Erected 2023 by Heritage
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco, and the Canada, Toronto Heritage series lists.
 
Location. 43° 38.83′ N, 79° 23.976′ W. Marker is in Toronto, Ontario. It is in the Fashion District. It is on Richmond Street West west of Brant Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 511 Richmond Street W, Toronto ON M5V 1Y4, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Toronto and on the Golden Horseshoe. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Andrew’s Market and Playground (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Phillips Garment Co. Fire (about 240 meters away); John Mulvey House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Balfour Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); David (Bookie) Bookman (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Macdonell Square (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); St. Mary’s Church (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Surviving Gravestones of the Military Burial Ground (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toronto.
 
Waterworks Building marker photos and captions detail (left) image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025
2. Waterworks Building marker photos and captions detail (left)
Waterworks Building marker photos and captions detail (right) image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025
3. Waterworks Building marker photos and captions detail (right)
Waterworks Building Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tim Boyd, November 14, 2025
4. Waterworks Building Marker
Centre of photo
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 19, 2025, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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Jun. 8, 2026