Masonic Temple, Renaissance Revival masonic temple in Yorkville, Toronto, Canada
The Masonic Temple is a Renaissance Revival temple in Yorkville, Toronto, Canada, rising six stories and clad in limestone from Indiana. The reinforced steel structure includes a large auditorium with hardwood flooring and several smaller rooms featuring patterned tile.
Construction started in 1916 after the demolition of the Primitive Methodist Church and was completed in 1918 following designs by architect W.J. Sparling. The site originally housed 38 Masonic bodies before later serving as a concert hall and television studios.
The name reflects the early function of this building, which once held meeting rooms on several floors decorated with ornamental floors and symbols from different lodges. Visitors today notice the Renaissance-era design in the pale stone facades and tall windows, while traces of the original layout remain inside.
The entrance is located on Yonge Street, and visitors can view the facade and exterior details from the sidewalk. Access and use of the building vary depending on its current function, so checking ahead before a visit is advisable.
After receiving heritage protection in 1997, the building avoided planned demolition and preserved its architectural features. Over the decades, musicians including Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and David Bowie performed here, giving the site a notable music history.
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