There are some buildings that truly make people lament, “if only walls could talk…” I’m certain that The Broadview Hotel’s walls would be full of secrets and stories, as it’s endured so many different versions of itself over the decades; it really is the proverbial phoenix, emerging from its gritty past radiant and refined.
Located at 106 Broadview Avenue in Riverside just east of the Don Valley (and often considered part of Leslieville), the Broadview Hotel has roots that extend back to 1891. It began its life as a commercial centre, built by wealthy entrepreneur, Archibald Dingman – which was aptly named Dingman Hall. It was ornate and architecturally interesting and instantly became an anchoring landmark in the neighbourhood.
In the early 1900s, it became the New Broadview Hotel and changed hands a number of times over the 20th century. In the 1970s it became a boarding house, with the infamous Jilly’s strip club on the first floor. It’s probably that this particular tenant marred the reputation of the building for quite some time, truthfully. In 2014 Streetcar Developments purchased the property and have evolved it to its current, glamourous iteration, which includes a 50-room hotel, three dining rooms and one of the best rooftop patios in town.
Here is the facade under construction (photo courtesy of Streetcar Developments):
Streetcar Developments, which focuses more on the condo/mixed-use space, took the lead from the building and its history to drive the re-design. There are elegant touches like Victorian wallpaper in common spaces that are designed to match the original décor, discovered buried under generations of use. The hotel rooms feature eclectic, mismatched furniture that pays homage to its Victorian roots.
While COVID-19 has forced temporary closures of hotels and restaurants in Toronto, including the Broadview Hotel and its eateries, as the city opens, urbanites will be flocking back to this hip destination! I mean have you SEEN the rooftop resto?!
*Photo courtesy of the always amazing BlogTO
The Civic restaurant combines a robust menu with Victorian ambience, including exposed brick façade, stained wood bar and factory glass windows. It also boasts an impressive wine cellar. It’s a great choice for dinner or for catching up with friends at Brunch. If you are looking to host a private event, the incredible Tower room (located in a turret, giving this room a whole new level of authenticity) is available.
*Photo courtesy of Yelp
The Bistro+Bar opens at 7 am for breakfast but offers libations and light fare well into the evening. I enjoy this dining space regularly, as it’s a comfortable room and feels very big city glam like Paris. Perhaps the most special part of this hotel is the Summit Lodge, where you can drink and dine alfresco while taking in incredible views of the city skyline and Don River.
*Photo courtesy of Hotels.com
There’s a lot to love about The Broadview Hotel. As a destination, it embodies all the qualities which are best about urban rejuvenation and historic preservation in the original City of Toronto.
Would You Like To Live Near The Broadview Hotel?
How special would it be to able to wander just down the street to a panoramic rooftop lounge whenever the mood strikes? Check out these Two Furnished Short Term Rentals In Prime Riverdale starting at $3250/month (with parking!) and just a 10-minute stroll or 4-minute streetcar ride to The Broadview Hotel!
If you’re seeking to buy or rent this year, your strategy must be fluid enough to respond to market dynamics, but not so elastic that emotions and the proverbial heat of the moment pushes you towards a decision that may not ultimately yield the results you desire. Need some guidance? Allow me – and my team – to offer my insights and guidance on everything Toronto real estate!
If you’re interested in this location, this post may be of value to you: How Toronto Real Estate Near Queen Street – East & West – Is Climbing In Value, as it shares how Queen Street East (and West) are on price trajectories that are outperforming what were long considered Toronto’s Triple AAA neighbourhoods.
My love and fascination for, neighbourhoods in the original City of Toronto is one part of what makes my career so interesting and dynamic. Here are a few more blogs about the evolution of other city neighbourhoods:
• Excavating The History Of Toronto’s Avenue Road
• From Brownfield To Playing Field: A Brief History Of Toronto’s Davenport Village
• A Brief History On The Intensification Of The Danforth In Toronto
• Garden City: The History And Revitalization Of Toronto’s Regent Park Neighbourhood
• Eclectic, Elegant and Cool: The Housing Stock of Parkdale
• A Short History Of Toronto’s Fashion District And Art Deco Architecture
• A Mini History On St. James Town
• Gentrification, Densification, And The History Of Toronto Real Estate
• Discover Your Toronto Neighbourhood History!