1914 – Winning Design for Masonic Temple, Toronto, Canada

The winning entry in an architectural competition, Knowles was a noted Masonic architect, he designed quite a few large projects for the organisation. This was never constructed due to a change in their financial position and probably the onset of the First World War.

“The exterior is intended to indicate simplicity, dignity and solidity; it is simple and pure in design; classic in treatment and monumental in its mass; its great scale and broad wall surfaces lend dignity; and the massiveness of the columns, its broad blank pavilions and high base combine to give this facade an appearance of strength. Its internal divisions are clearly indicated on the exterior : the great assembly hall occupies the lower or base portion of the structure; while the other Masonic divisions occupy the upper portion; the division being marked by the cornice over the first story; and even without the aid of the two coats of arms flanking the main entrance, the beholder must easily recognize the purpose for which this building is intended.”

The building is entered from the street through three 6 ft. doorways in the centre of the front into a broad entrance hall extending the full width of the building; at either end of which is located a broad, handsome staircase. The floor of this level is lowered 4 ft. below the general first floor level (see sections and first floor plan) in order that additional height and dignity may be given to this entrance hall. On either side of the centre of this hall is a passenger elevator of the overhead electric traction type, which eliminates all elevator machinery in the basement and requires only a small motor room on the roof.

On the centre axis leading directly to the large assembly hall is a broad corridor 12 ft. wide and to the left and right before entering the main room are openings leading to the lounging rooms, coat rooms, toilet rooms, etc., for both men and women. These rooms are large and conveniently arranged to care for large crowds and after crossing the entrance hall no contact whatever is had with the Craft members using the upper floors — the elevators and staircases being arranged for the exclusive use of the members. The two flights of gallery stairs are placed within the assembly room, and one of them extends down to the banquet hall in the basement. Two additional staircases are provided for emergency in the gallery on both north and south sides at the stage end of the room. Tn addition to the main entrances to the assembly room, six additional emergency exits are provided, three to each side, all opening directly to the side driveways. Fixed seats, liberally arranged, provide for 1456 sittings, which with the additional sittings on the platform elevated 3 ft. above the floor level, make the required 1500 seats. This room is 99 ft. long to the back wall of the platform, and is 76 ft. wide and o1 ft. 6 in. high. Ample space is furred off from the side walls to provide for a supply of fresh air and for the exhaust ducts leading to the roof fan house. The treatment of this room is simple and dignified, with an order of pilasters around the walls, and a deeply panelled ceiling. Attention is particularly called to the natural lighting of this room.

On the gallery floor is found space for the smallest lodge room, accommodating 150; also the necessary rooms for the Board of Directors. These latter rooms are easily reached from the main entrance, as they are at the head of the north staircase one flight up.

On the second floor is a lodge room and a chapter room, each accommodating 250. A large toilet room for these two rooms is placed on the mezzanine directly over the ante rooms as shown. Between these rooms on the second floor is a corridor leading directly into the Masonic banquet room. This room is the full width of the building with large windows at either end and a kitchen at the rear. Dotted lines indicate three possible divisions with sliding partitions, each of which may be served through an independent kitchen entrance. A staircase leads down from the kitchen to the rear yard and tradesmen’s entrance. Dumbwaiter, range, vent flues, refrigerators, toilets, etc., are all indicated. The second story mezzanine contains the library on the north side, a large parlor or committee room on the south side, and a storage space in the centre or dark portion.

On the third floor is the large lodge room capable of seating r)00 on one floor; also commodious ante rooms, parlors, committee rooms, etc. The third floor mezzanine is used by the Preceptories and Scottish Rite bodies occupying the top or fourth floor, and here are placed the lockers, wardrobes, and robing rooms, and a private staircase leading to the ante rooms above.

The fourth floor is divided into two main rooms to be used by the Preceptories and Scottish Rite bodies. The larger room has a gallery at the rear extending back over the ante rooms 17 ft. and the full width of the room, and is reached by a broad stairway leading directly from the main room or from the ante rooms as may be desired. The main staircase extends to the roof; and over the front portion of the roof as indicated on the front and side elevations is placed a roof garden for the use of the Craft.
Construction, May 1914

Share!

More!