1913 – Graphic Arts Building, Toronto, Canada

Converted into condominiums in the early 21st century. Described effusively in Construction magazine, whose offices were in the building.

“The building is located at the intersection of Richmond and Sheppard Streets, and stands as a monument to the great commercial activities of Toronto. Designed in a modern English adaptation of the Italian Renaissance, it presents a dignified appearance. The base course is raised so as to provide ample light in the basement and is broken only by the two entrances. Rising above this course are massive engaged columns extending through three stones which support a fitting cornice and balustrade. The columns are tied together at each floor with bands of stone, varied in treatment to suit the needs of each story. A wrought iron balcony is placed at the second floor which gives the necessary touch to what might otherwise prove a monotonous effect. The windows are large so as to furnish the maximum amount of light and are designed so as not to sacrifice either strength or elegance to the general effect. The fourth floor is hidden by the cornice treatment, but so planned as to secure plenty of daylight on all sides.

The two main facades are designed in Indiana and Roman stone of pleasing texture, the light tone of which softens the cold atmosphere usually prevailing in buildings erected of this material. The window sashes are pivoted and brought near to the floor, which in turn are protected by means of the balconies.

One of the charming pieces of detail is the main entrance, which leads through bronze doors into the rotunda. This rotunda is finished in Canadian marbles up to the coffered fibrous plastered ceiling. At the sides are screens glazed with leaded glass of unusual character. The revolving door and other wood work is of mahogany, the stairs leading to the landing opening into the two main divisions are of marble, and the balustrade of bronze. The doors to the right enter the offices of H. Gagnier, Limited, while those on the left give access to Grip, Limited. One passenger elevator, opening into each office, is situated directly inside the entrance lobby and runs to all floors.

The main office of H. Gagnier, Limited, has a Circassian walnut dado five feet six inches in height, above which imitation Caen stone extends to the ceiling. At the entrance corner of the office, which is 45 by 60 feet, is a public space with floor of marble mosaic, dado and counter of Canadian marble. Adjacent to the mam office is the manager’s suite, consisting of his private office and the secretary’s room. Here the Circassion walnut panels are carried to the ceiling and matched so as to lend a varied charm to each one. Accommodations have been made for a large recessed safe and wash basin so as not to break the harmonious treatment of the pilaster and panel effect. The fireplace is faced with Canadian marble and possesses some delicate carving; the celling is of hard plaster finished in ivory tints, and the floor of highly polished black walnut.

To the left of the entrance rotunda are the offices of Grip, Limited, arranged with public space into which the passenger elevator opens and screened by walnut counters and gates. The main office, 48 by 65 feet, has a four-foot dado of Circassian walnut above which is imitation Caen stone. The manager’s room maintains the character of the other office with a high dado and fireplace of Canadian marble.

Both of these offices, which occupy the first floor, open directly into the side entrance hallway, which accommodates also a passenger and freight elevator in addition to the main staircase. The basement is planned as a printing office with solid foundations underneath the large presses in order to prevent vibration. A sidewalk area and hoist for shipping and receiving has been placed on the west side. Part of the basement is separated and contains the tubular boilers, domestic hot water apparatus, foundry for casting type-metal, coal storage, ash carriers, hoist, water sumps, etc. The floor is of maple, the walls and ceiling of cement plaster.

On the second floor are located the library, editorial offices of “Saturday Night,” “Construction,” several other publications, and the composing room. This floor, as well as the other floors above, are finished in mahoganized birch with maple floors, burlap dado, and tinted walls. The thud floor accommodates a circulation department, bindery, and art room; the fourth floor provides for the engraving department, shipping room and stock room: the fifth floor contains two large photographic galleries with skylights so arranged as to be warmed by steam coils and cooled by water sprays.

Ample lavatories ha\e been arranged throughout the building with tiled floors and walls to a height of seven feet. A system of dure stone sinks and tile drainage for conducting acids to the street drain has been installed.

Indirect lighting is used throughout and each floor IS operated by few switches. A complete automatic sprinkler system has been installed in addition to the usual standpipe and hose.

The cost of the building, exclusive of furnishings, was 20 cents per cubic foot.”

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