Notes:
Constructed in 1892/1893 , 143 Dowling Avenue is a large Queen Anne Revival house located on
the east side of Dowling Avenue between Queen Street West and King Street West in the
Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. Research is ongoing to identify the architect of 143
Dowling Avenue.
143 Dowling Avenue was first home to prominent Toronto merchant John F. Brown. Brown
resided here from 1892/1893 until his death in 1927. Originally from Saginaw (Michigan),
Brown arrived in Toronto in 1885 and founded numerous companies during his time here,
including: the J. F. Brown Company — merchants of house furnishings and credit lenders; the
Home Furniture Carpet Company; and Brown’s Copper and Brass Rolling Mills. Brown was also
involved in numerous political and philanthropic enterprises, particularly those which
intersected with his Conservative and Catholic beliefs, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Children’s
Aid Society.
Brown’s residence is reflective of a trend of wealthy Toronto business families migrating from
Downtown Toronto to the suburb of Parkdale following its annexation in the late 1880s. These
wealthy families — often associated with business or political enterprises — contributed to a
construction boom in the area that continued from the annexation until World War I.
Following his death, 143 Dowling Avenue was converted into an apartment house. It remains in
this use to date. As of 2024, the property has been subdivided into 9 units, spanning the main
house and an extant carriage house.
143 Dowling Avenue is further representative of a late 19th and early 20th century architectural
typology in Parkdale which contain prominent towers, turrets, and/or widow’s walks which were
designed to capture prominent Lake Ontario breezes and views. This typology is presently under
joint study by the TEYCPP and the Parkdale Village Historical Society / Sunnyside Historical
Society.
In mid-2024, 143 Dowling Avenue was listed for sale as a development opportunity.
During Heritage Planning’s evaluation of the property, the TEYCPP encourages a close
examination of both the exterior and interior of the property, particularly the interior “owners’
suite” on the ground floor. Please note that the Toronto Historical Board flagged 143 Dowling
Avenue for heritage evaluation prior to 1997.
(Research by Adam Wynne)
