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56 Harbord Street, Toronto is slated for demolition as part of a new student residence project by the University of Toronto. Of additional note is that the property has been vacant and undergoing a demolition by deterioration (demolition by neglect) for over 10 years. A large crack in the west wall; cracked and smashed windows; broken eaves; a damaged porch; and holes in the foundation are visible at 56 Harbord Street.
56 Harbord Street is 1 of only 4 Ontario Gothic Revival Cottages (Ontario Houses) in the Huron-Sussex neighbourhood. 3 of the 4 Ontario Gothic Revival Cottages (Ontario Houses) in Huron-Sussex are slated for demolition in the near future, with 2 of them being demolished as part of the new Harbord Street student residence project by the University of Toronto.
56 Harbord Street is also 1 of only 3 Ontario Gothic Revival Cottages (Ontario Houses) on Harbord Street. 2 of the 3 of these Ontario Gothic Revival Cottages (Ontario Houses) on Harbord Street will be demolished as part of the new Harbord Street student residence project by the University of Toronto.
City of Toronto Planning Staff have indicated that the properties at 44 through 56 Harbord Street do not meet criteria for heritage preservation despite being some of the oldest extant (perhaps the oldest house) houses on Harbord Street and the only remaining (19th century) houses on Harbord Street east of Spadina Avenue.
56 Harbord Street is part of the block of houses at 44 to 56 Harbord Street. These are located on the north side of Harbord Street between Huron Street and Spadina Avenue. 44 to 56 Harbord Street are the last surviving 19th century homes on Harbord Street east of Spadina Avenue and are some of the oldest houses (perhaps the oldest houses) extant on Harbord Street.
These properties are along the southern boundary of the Huron-Sussex Area of Special Identity. This is distinct from a Heritage Conservation District, though is subject to specific planning policies per its section in the City of Toronto Official Plan.
The award-winning and well-known Graduate House student residence (University of Toronto) is situated immediately west of 56 Harbord Street and is separated by a laneway.
The University of Toronto has owned 56 Harbord Street since 1969 and purchased the property for $6000.
The first occupant of 56 Harbord Street was George P. Barton - a painter - who lived at 56 Harbord Street between 1879 and 1882.
Other early occupants of 56 Harbord Street include:
George Goodwin (in 1883)
Robert Harper (1884-1885)
Frederick Stamper (1886-1889)
Martin Cane (c. 1890)
