In 1891 Toronto Council approves the establishment of a Toronto Technical School to train skilled tradespeople. Classes began in 1892 in St. Lawrence Hall. With increased enrollment, classes were eventually moved to Old Wycliffe Hall. Overcrowding in 1900 saw the school moved to the Stewart Building on College Street. By 1907 a site was being considered for a new building, in 1912 plans were in motion for the present building, with the cornerstone being laid in 1913.

1915: School formally opens on August 31. This original building was designed by Ross & Macfarlane.

1930-31: Addition built.

1951: South addition with aircraft and auto mechanic facilities, a new auditorium, and a cafeteria. The old auditorium was converted into a gymnasium.

1932: Due to increasing number of aircraft students, a garage ("the Annex") at 844 Bathurst Street is purchased.

1962: Arts Centre built on the north side of the main building.

1967: The "Bathurst Building" constructed, consisted of shop rooms, two gymnasia, and a pool.

1985: Arts Center addition in the brutalist style designed by Macy Dubois.

Architecture
Built almost entirely out of Canadian materials. Features medieval detailing. Only school in Toronto bearing the city´s coat of arms, as the only level of government that helped fund it was municipal. A ribbon along the bottom of the crest reads "Industry, Intelligence, and Integrity," qualities valued by the school and its students.

Scottish stonemasons working on the capitals for the columns by the main entrance wanted something more interesting than standard Gothic caps. They chose to carve two gnomes instead. One gnome is dressed in academic cap & gown and writing in book- representing the academic side of the school. The other gnome is in the ancient garb of a journeyman and carries a hammer and chisel- representing the technical side of the school.

• Architect - Ross & Macfarlane  <-- More buildings by this architect.