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Don Brewery

19R River Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A, Canada

Formally Recognized: 1996/05/21

Don Brewery (Lager Building), southeast elevation, 2004; Ministry of Culture, 2004
Don Brewery, 2004
Don Brewery (Lager Building), southwest elevation, 2004; Ministry of Culture, 2004
Don Brewery, 2004
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Other Name(s)

Lager Brewery
Don Brewery

Links and documents

Construction Date(s)

1876/01/01 to 1877/01/01

Listed on the Canadian Register: 2004/07/07

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

The 3-storey, brick, Lager Brewery building of the former Don Brewery in Toronto was built in 1876-1877 and is recognized for its heritage value by City of Toronto Bylaw 1966-0255.

Heritage Value

The Lager building of the former Don Brewery complex has heritage value as likely the oldest remaining brewery structure in Toronto. It also has value in its association with a prominent 19th century Toronto family, the Davies.
Thomas Davies leased the Don Brewery in 1848 from William and Robert Parks and operated it with his son, Thomas, Jr. Thomas died in 1869, and Thomas, Jr., was joined by his brother Robert in 1871. Robert founded the Dominion Brewery in 1878. Thomas, Jr.,was also a member of Toronto City Council.
The 3-storey, red and buff coloured brick, Lager building was erected in 1876-1877 to the designs of Toronto architects Smith and Gemmell. It was positioned at the rear of the lot, south of the main brewery building, to draw water from the Don River for its brewing and malting business. It was enlarged about 1880 by a west wing. Source: City of Toronto Bylaw 1996-0255 and accompanying research report.

Character-Defining Elements

The heritage value is contained in those elements that relate to its construction as a 19th century industrial structure including:
- round-headed window openings
- red and buff brickwork with detailing including pilasters rising to cornice level, and corbelling
- relationship to the Don River and other elements of the setting that may relate to the brewery function

Recognition

Jurisdiction

Ontario

Recognition Authority

Local Governments (ON)

Recognition Statute

Ontario Heritage Act

Recognition Type

Municipal Heritage Designation (Part IV)

Recognition Date

1996/05/21

Historical Information

Significant Date(s)

n/a

Theme - Category and Type

Function - Category and Type

Current

Historic

Industry
Food and Beverage Manufacturing Facility

Architect / Designer

Smith and Gemmell

Builder

n/a

Additional Information

Location of Supporting Documentation

City of Toronto Preservation Services, Toronto City Hall

Cross-Reference to Collection

Fed/Prov/Terr Identifier

HPON04-8

Status

Published

Related Places

n/a

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