Draper Street: A Victorian Heritage Gem in Downtown Toronto
Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario, lies a quiet architectural sanctuary known as Draper Street. This narrow north-south corridor, stretching from Front Street West to Wellington Street, offers a rare glimpse into the city's 19th-century residential history. While the surrounding landscape has evolved into a hub of modern commerce and high-rise living, Draper Street remains a preserved pocket of Victorian charm.
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Key Facts
- Location: Downtown Toronto, between Front Street West and Wellington Street.
- Architectural Style: Second Empire style row cottages.
- Heritage Status: Designated as a Heritage Conservation District.
- Key Figure: Named after William Henry Draper, a lawyer, judge, and politician.
- Dimensions: The street is 32 feet (9.8 m) wide.
The Origins and Layout of Draper Street
Draper Street was named in honor of William Henry Draper, a prominent lawyer, judge, and politician in Upper Canada (which later became Canada West). The street's physical layout was established in an 1856 subdivision plan created by J. Stoughton Dennis. The land was originally part of the 1794 Garrison Reserve, with Draper and Charles Jones listed as the property owners of the lots intended for development.
The street is characterized by its intimate scale. It measures only 32 feet (9.8 m) in width. The individual lots are consistently 88 feet (27 m) deep, with widths ranging from 22 feet (6.7 m) to 32 feet (9.8 m).
Architectural Development and the Second Empire Style
Although the land was subdivided in the 1850s, construction was delayed, likely due to an economic depression that began in 1857. It wasn't until the 1880s that developer Jonathan Madell began building the one-and-a-half-storey cottages that define the street today. These homes are built in the Second Empire style, an architectural movement characterized by its distinctive mansard roofs.
The construction occurred in phases:
- 1881: Seven cottages were built on the east side.
- 1881–1882: Four cottages, designed by architect J. A. Fowler, were constructed on the west side.
- 1886: Two houses were added at the corners of Draper Street and Front Street West.
- 1889: Row cottages numbered 20 through 32 were completed on the west side.
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Preservation and Heritage Status
To protect this unique collection of 28 nineteenth-century cottages, residents petitioned the Board of Heritage Toronto in 1997 for protection under the Ontario Heritage Act (legislation designed to protect buildings and sites of cultural heritage value). The Toronto City Council officially approved the designation on February 4, 1999, via By-law 026-99.
Today, the entire street is designated as a Heritage Conservation District. This status ensures that the historical integrity of the area is preserved for future generations, despite some losses over time. For instance, cottages #19 and #21 were demolished, #27 had its facade replaced, and #29 underwent facade remodeling. Additionally, the two houses on the northwest corner of Front and Draper were replaced by a commercial building.
Draper Street in a Changing Urban Landscape
The area surrounding Draper Street is currently undergoing significant redevelopment. To the east, the industrial lands that once housed the headquarters of The Globe and Mail have been transformed into "The Well," a massive mixed-use condominium project. As part of this evolution, a vacant lot on Draper Street was converted into a parkette that connects the historic street to the new development. Further change is expected at the corner of Wellington Street West and Draper, where a 16-storey condominium has been proposed.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Street Width | 32 feet (9.8 m) |
| Lot Depth | 88 feet (27 m) |
| Lot Width | 22 to 32 feet (6.7 to 9.8 m) |
| Construction Period | 1881–1889 |
| Primary Style | Second Empire |
| Heritage Designation | Heritage Conservation District (1999) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Draper Street named after?
The street is named after William Henry Draper, who served as a lawyer, judge, and politician in Upper Canada.
What architectural style are the cottages on Draper Street?
The row cottages are built in the Second Empire style, which is a hallmark of 19th-century architecture.
Why was construction on the street delayed after 1856?
Construction likely stalled due to an economic depression that began in 1857, delaying the building of the cottages until the 1880s.
How is the street protected today?
Draper Street is designated as a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act, following a City Council approval in 1999.
What modern developments are nearby?
The most notable nearby development is "The Well," a condominium project located on former industrial lands to the east, and a proposed 16-storey condominium at the corner of Wellington Street West.