WELCOME TO THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

HISTORY

In the first half of the 20th century, the original name of the neighbourhood was the Garment District and it was almost wholly industrial. The railways controlled a huge amount of land along the Waterfront and many manufacturers took advantage of the easy access to the harbour. The Royal Alexandra Theatre was opened in 1907, a Beaux-Arts styled proscenium-stage theatre that is the oldest continuously operating theatre in North America. Manufacturing industry began to vacate the area in the 1970’s, leaving behind an array of heritage warehouses and factories that began to be converted to other uses. Meanwhile from 1976, the newly-opened CN Tower brought many tourists to the neighbourhood. In the early 1980’s, nightclubs began opening and by the early 1990’s became the neighbourhood staple and most recognizable feature.

OVERVIEW

The core of the Entertainment District had only 750 residents in 1996 and by 2005, the population rose to 7,500. The crowds, noise and occasional crime associated with the clubs caused conflict with the new homeowners. Greater restrictions on venues resulted in loss of jobs and by 2011, the number of clubs had decreased substantially making way for a better residential atmosphere. King Street is home to Canada’s Walk of Fame, anchored each year by the Toronto International Film Festival. Other notable venues include Roy Thomson Hall, Princess of Wales Theatre, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium as well as some of the best restaurants in the city.

HOMES

This neighbourhood was transformed in the early 2000’s by the Toronto condo boom and the abandoned warehouses were transformed into lofts or demolished to make way for condominium towers. Brand new high-rise condominium developments and international luxury hotels continue to rapidly evolve the Entertainment District. With some of the highest dollar per square foot real estate values in the City of Toronto, the saying holds true with, “location, location, location!”