1911 – Federal Avenue Civic Improvement Scheme, Toronto, Canada

A scheme proposed by John M. Lyle, Consulting Architect to the Civic Improvement Commission for a proposed Federal Avenue and Square for downtown Toronto. Never constructed, it did however influence the positioning of the Land Titles Building of 1915 designed by Charles S. Cobb

“According to the projected scheme, it is proposed to lay out a civic centre between the blocks bounded by Queen Street on the south, Agnes Street on the north. University Avenue on the west, and Terauley Street on the east; the City Hall, Osgoode Hall and the Armories to form part of this scheme. An avenue 100 feet wide is to be cut through from Queen Street to Front Street, thus affording direct access from the new Union Station to Queen Street and thence to University Avenue, and Terauley Streets. Directly at the head of this new avenue would be grouped the proposed public buildings both governmental and CIVIC Two of these buildings are shown flanking a fine plaza 200 feet wide, at the head of which a more important building is shown on the main axis of the proposed new avenue. The idea of this arrangement being that space for great public demonstations would be afforded, and that the buildings facing this plaza could be seen to advantage. The incoming traveller’s first impression of Toronto would be materially enhanced by the splendid vista opening up before him. It is proposed that this Federal Avenue should be preserved for vehicular and pedestrian traffic only, and that no street car lines should be allowed.

The buildings shown grouped about the plaza have been placed on a line with Osgoode Hall. Queen Street is shown widened to a width of 108 feet; Terauley Street is shown widened to a width of 86 feet. Directly behind the Armories, it is proposed to form a military parade ground on the ground on the land bounded by University Avenue, Agnes Street, Chestnut Street and Louisa Street, and on a line eastward with this parade ground is shown an open square or garden. The former could be used as a playground when not in use by the militia; the latter as a breathing spot for the worker, and as a setting to the public buildings directly in front. The commencement of the proposed King Edward Boulevard is shown at the intersection of Queen, Simcoe Streets and University Avenue. This Boulevard is to be 132 feet wide and is to have four street car tracks, two for local and two for rapid transit service. The new Union Station is shown set back 66 feet from the present line of Front Street, giving a width of 146 feet in front of the station. The proposed public building shown to the east of the station is set back on the same line, and on its eastern and western sides is set back 40 feet.

In the property affected by these proposed changes there are only two buildings of importance — namely, the Manning Building on Queen Street, and the Queen’s Hotel on Front Street. Ninety per cent, of the buildings affected are of a very ordinary character, and in the Ward District, and immediately below the Ward ninety-nine per cent, are of the cheapest possible description.

The time would seem to be opportune to make this great improvement, which would give to Toronto a civic centre worthy of its position as one of the leading cities in Canada.”
Construction, June 1911

Share!

More!