Distillery District
The Distillery Historic District is a vibrant neighborhood where you can live, work, and play. It is one of Toronto’s most popular destinations and is centered around arts, culture, and entertainment. Artisans, theatres, restaurants, galleries, cafes, and boutique retailers that call this district home share a deep passion for their community. Every year, in November, the Distillery Winter Village transforms the district into a winter wonderland, with a variety of vendors setting up stalls and stunning decorations throughout the neighbourhood.
History
The Distillery District may have the richest history of any neighbourhood in Toronto. In 1832, brothers-in-law James Worts and William Gooderham founded the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. At its peak, Gooderham and Worts was celebrated as the largest distillery in the world. Rapid growth led to the construction of the present-day distillery in 1859, which remains the largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America.
Despite its early success, WWI and the Prohibition severely impacted the business, resulting in the sale of the distillery in 1923 to Harry C. Hatch, who renamed it Hiram Walker – Gooderham and Worts Ltd. The distillery ceased operations in 1990 after 153 years.
In 2001, Cityscape Holdings Inc. purchased The Distillery and later partnered with Dundee Realty Corporation. Their vision was to transform the 13-acre site, with its more than 40 historic buildings, into a destination dedicated to arts, culture, and entertainment. Following extensive restoration, The Distillery reopened in 2003, becoming an instant Toronto landmark. In 2008, the residential component was introduced with the construction of the Pure Spirit Condos and Lofts on Mill Street. Two more towers, Clear Spirit and The Gooderham, were subsequently added, infusing new life and vibrancy into the neighbourhood.
-
Mill Street to the north, Cherry Street to the east, Lakeshore Boulevard E to the south, and Parliament St to the west
-
The Distillery District is home to six condo buildings, with a seventh currently under construction. The three newest are Pure Spirits, Clear Spirit, and Gooderham, which honor the neighbourhood's history in name but stand out with their ultra-contemporary steel and glass designs. These towers were crafted by the award-winning architect Peter Clewes. The contemporary layouts feature 9-foot ceilings, large windows, and wrap-around balconies. Residents enjoy amenities such as state-of-the-art indoor fitness facilities, a sauna, a media room, and outdoor terraces equipped with a swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ, and lounge area.
-
While people around Toronto and tourists love the Distillery Winter Village, many residents dread the holiday time due to the traffic, noise, and chaos around the area. Though, most say its still worth it.