The property has historic value for its association with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and St. Mary's Training School originally constructed in 1941. It is also valued for its association with the Italian Canadian Benevolent Association (now known as Villa Charities) who from 1969, through a lengthy campaign of personal initiative, dedication and extensive fund-raising, created a community campus containing facilities for the elderly and for those in need of care and respite as well as day care, recreational and cultural facilities. In 1980, with the construction of the Columbus Centre and the renovation of St. Mary's, the expanded facilities provided were "dedicated to the spirit of multi-culturalism" in Toronto while maintaining a cultural heritage focus for the Italian-Canadian community. Situated on the south side of Lawrence Avenue West, the Columbus Centre has contextual value as it is visually, physically and historically linked to its surroundings. The Columbus Centre rotunda is a focal point within the landscaped setting of mature trees and an Italian sculpture garden, surrounded by the Villa Colombo, the two retirement residences, Casa Del Zotto and Caboto Terrace and the Dante Alighieri and Regina Mundi schools and a landmark for the surrounding community.

• Architect - Arthur William Holmes  <-- More buildings by this architect.