The Annex

Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood. A place where echoes of Victorian elegance intertwine with the pulse of modern city life. The Annex, annexed to Toronto in 1887 thanks to land speculator Simeon Janes, quickly became a haven for the city’s elite. Imagine the grand mansions rising along streets laid out by the Baldwin family. Picture Timothy Eaton’s impressive home at Spadina and Lowther, a symbol of the Annex’s early prosperity. The Annex wasn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. Smaller homes, east of Bedford Road, housed professionals and, discreetly tucked away, the servants of the grand estates. These “servant’s quarters,” now some of Toronto’s most expensive real estate, whisper tales of a bygone era. The Annex’s architectural landscape is a story in itself. Architect Edward James Lennox, also known for Old City Hall, left his mark here. His unique blend of Romanesque and Queen Anne Revival styles, dubbed “Annex Style,” graces homes like those on Madison Avenue. The Annex tells a story of change. As the wealthiest families migrated further north, the grand houses found new lives. Some became multi-family dwellings, offering refuge to returning veterans and immigrants after World War II. Among them were Hungarian refugees, escaping the 1956 uprising, adding another layer to the Annex’s diverse tapestry. In the 1950s and 60s, a new chapter unfolded as some original homes gave way to modern apartment buildings, most notably the striking designs of Estonian-Canadian architect Uno Prii. His Vincennes and Prince Arthur Towers stand as testaments to mid-century modernism. Today, the Annex continues to evolve. Gentrification is reshaping the area, restoring some rooming houses to single-family homes. Yet, the Annex retains its unique character. A remarkable 70% of residents are renters, a testament to its diverse mix of incomes and backgrounds. This stands in stark contrast to neighbourhoods like Rosedale and Forest Hill, developed around the same time. The Annex is a neighborhood where history isn’t just preserved; it’s lived. It’s a vibrant blend of old and new, a place where the echoes of the past resonate in the present. The Annex. A true Toronto gem.