Masonic Temple

Located on Yonge where Church becomes Davenport is Toronto’s Masonic Temple. It was built in 1917 by William F Sparling & Co. and housed many Masonic orders for years including the Knights Templar. It became a concert venue in the 1960’s and many popular bands held concerts here, from Led Zeppelin to David Bowie. Eventually it was bought by CTV and became a broadcasting location. I remember it as being the location where they would host the Comedy Now shows. It has since been purchased by MTV Canada as can be seen from the sign on the side of the building. Because of its lucky address (888 Yonge) there was talk about transforming it into a condo, but that plan has been cancelled as the location became a heritage site. Did you know Davenport Road stands on what used to be an old carry trail used by the first nations which was located at the bottom of the ridge where Castle Loma is perched on?

On a side note I have to say I love the fact that there has been a Canadian Tire gas station on the corner of Yonge and Church since 1959. I love the retro “Googie” look of the structure. By this time the subway would have been built and passing this location frequently. Hey if anybody knows what stood in this location prior to 1917 I would be interested in learning.