Description:

1245 Queen Street West is a 3-storey building located on the south side of Queen Street West approximately midblock between Gwynne Avenue and Elm Grove Avenue in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. 1245 Queen Street West was constructed in 1888/1889 and is in the Romanesque Revival style of architecture. 

Prior to 1890, 1245 Queen Street West was known as 51 Queen Street, Parkdale. 

1245 Queen Street West has been consolidated together with buildings and properties to the east and west and is now known as 1249 Queen Street West. The older address — 1245 Queen Street West — has been used in this entry to differentiate the histories of the formerly separate buildings that constitute 1249 Queen Street West. 1249 Queen Street West has been associated with this building since the 1950s. 

1249 Queen Street West (formerly 1243-1245 Queen Street West) was listed on the heritage register in 1973. The listing notes the property was constructed in 1909 as the Elm Grove House. This would benefit from additional review. The buildings may instead date to the 1880s. Notably, 1908/1909 is when 1243 and 1245 Queen Street West was first consolidated together, albeit the properties were often used as separate spaces throughout the 20th century. Additionally, the name Elm Grove House was not used for the property until the early 1950s. 

For more information on neighbouring 1243 Queen Street West, please click here.

Early Occupants and Uses: 

1245 Queen Street West had several changeovers of occupants during its first few years:

1888/1889:

As of 1888/1889, 1245 Queen Street West housed: McBurney & Company — lumber merchants; and John J. Ward — a tailor. 

McBurney & Company was run by William McBurney (born 1829) and his son Jackson A. McBurney (born 1858). The McBurneys lived at 4 Spencer Avenue in Parkdale. Historical records indicate that the McBurneys were also involved in the construction of houses alongside selling lumber.

John J. Ward later moved a few doors west. 

1889/1890:

As of 1889/1890, 1245 Queen Street West housed Radford & Willie — milliners. Radford and Willie was run by Margaret Radford and Alice Willie. 

1890/1891:

As of 1890/1891, 1245 Queen Street West housed the offices of R. S. King & Company — real estate brokers; and Elias Rogers & Company — coal merchants.

1891/1892:

As of 1891/1892, 1245 Queen Street West housed the real estate office of Frank Hayes; the law office of John Y. Murdoch; and the West End Echo — a weekly newspaper run by William E. Bolton.

1894/1895:

As of 1894/1895, 1245 Queen Street West housed the photography studio of George A. Worthington. Worthington lived a few doors east at 1233 Queen Street West.

Later Occupants and Uses: 

Circa 1899/1900:

In circa 1899/1900, 1245 Queen Street West housed the photography studio of D. Harry Stoddart. Stoddart lived at 30 Saint Patrick Street.

Circa 1909/1910:

Between 1908 and 1911, 1243-1249 Queen Street West were used as a funeral home by Alton W. Barlett. Barlett consolidated the properties together in circa 1908/1909.

Circa. 1919/1920:

As of 1919/1920, 1243-1245 Queen Street West housed the residence and plumbing business of Patrick J. Hayes. Hayes resided at 1243 Queen Street West and operated his business from 1245 Queen Street West as of this point in time.

Circa. 1929/1930:

As of 1929/1930, 1245 Queen Street West housed the plumbing business and residence of Patrick J. Hayes.

Further research is required to determine if Frank Hayes and Patrick J. Hayes were related.

Circa. 1939/1940:

As of 1939/1940, 1245 Queen Street West housed the Atlas Tobacco Company.

Circa. 1949/1950:

In circa 1949/1950, 1245 Queen Street West housed the Oliveon Laboratories — manufacturers of toiletries; the Perfection Oil Heating Company; and William T. O'Connor.

During the 1940s/1950s, the parking lot / patio to the immediate west of 1245 Queen Street West was the site of the Elm Grove Recreation and Athletic Club.

Circa 1951/1952 to 1990/1991:

From 1951/1952 until 1990/1991, 1245 Queen Street West housed the Elm Grove House hotel and tavern. The Elm Grove House hotel and tavern initially opened at 1245 Queen Street West and later expanded to also include 1243 Queen Street West. 

1992 to Present Day:

Since 1992, 1243-1245 Queen Street West has housed Rhino bar and restaurant. 

Community members have additionally identified that the Parkdale Gay and Lesbian Association was based upstairs at 1243-1245 Queen Street West during the 1980s and 1990s. 

(Research by Adam Wynne)