Description:

1482-1486 Queen Street West is a 3.5 storey commercial block located on the north side of Queen Street West between Lansdowne Avenue and Macdonell Avenue in the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. 1482-1486 Queen Street West was constructed in 1892 and completed by 1893. The architects of 1482-1486 Queen Street West was the firm Dick & Wickson. 1482-1486 Queen Street West are in a Gothic Revival style with Swiss-German Chateauesque elements. 

1482-1486 Queen Street West was historically part of a larger block of 6 storefronts that spanned from 1482-1492 Queen Street West. The entire block was symmetrical, with 2 prominent Chateauesque towers. However, the westmost 3 storefronts - 1488-1492 Queen Street West, including the west tower at 1488 Queen Street West - were demolished replaced with a 1-storey commercial building (presently known as 1488 Queen Street West) in the 1930s.

While offset from the intersection, 1482-1486 Queen Street West serves as a partial architectural vista at the northern terminus of Jameson Avenue.

Further research is required to discern if 1494-1496 Queen Street West was originally part of this block or whether the buildings were designed separately.

Early History of 1482-1492 Queen Street West:

1482-1492 Queen Street West was featured as a case study in the Toronto Region Architectural Conservancy's Summer 1995 newsletter.  This edition of the newsletter had the theme of main street restoration. This case study article offers an overview of the early history of 1482-1492 Queen Street West: 

"This six-unit commercial block was developed in the early 1890s, shortly after 1889 annexation of Parkdale by the City of Toronto. Extravagant buildings on both sides of the street were being built and this block was one of the most stunning. In 1891, James G. Macdonell owned all six lots, (each 18' x 120'), on then vacant site. He was the grandson of Alexander Macdonell, who bought up large amounts of what is now the west end of the city. Macdonell Avenue was named after the family and James G. Macdonell lived at #11 Macdonell, around the corner. 

Assessment records reveal that by 1892 ownership had changed: A. J. Thompson owned six unfinished stores on the site. Land registry records also reveal that in the same year a mechanic's lien of $765.00 (later removed) was placed by the architectural firm of Dick and Wickson against the site. Ownership and mortgages on the site seem to rotate between members of the Thompson and Clark families and the Building and Loan Company. Original occupants of the buildings included a drug store, a dressmaker, and a confectionery, as well as the Metropolitan College of Music (at 1482-1494 [1496], but the latter did not appear until 1895. 

Originally a three-storey, six-unit, red brick commercial block with a central doorway and a pair of four-storey towers, the block has suffered the ignominious fate of losing half of itself. This missing half has been replaced by a single-storey retail outlet. The remaining half is compromised by two rather plan units (each featuring a single segmentally-arched window on the second storey, above which is a pair of narrower single windows), and the central unit. The central or tower unit has a picturesque squared tower with a steeply pitched hip roof, in what might be called a Chateau-style, with a distinctly Swiss-German flavour. The tower unit features variation on stone, Gothic-style tracery windows at each of the three upper levels. These three remaining units would have then been repeated as a mirror image on the other half of the site. From the visual evidence provided by a vintage postcard (which confirms the presence of the twin towers), one can see the existence of a central portion placed between the tower units, featuring a large Gothic pointed-arch window in stone at the third-storey level, which on its lower level would have allowed for a central doorway between the storefronts. 

The facade relies on an interplay between flat planes of unornamented brick, the contrasting cut stone window surrounds and Gothic inspired tracery of the tower units - which leads the eye over and up. To break up the horizontality of the facade and to accentuate the window arrangements. A stylized form of narrow vertical buttress appears across the facade at regular intervals. Stylistically, one can see parallels to another work by the firm of Dick & Wickson, of the same period. The Oddfellow's Hall, 2 College Street at Yonge (1891-1892), displays a similar use of chateau-roofed, Gothic style ornamentation, and contrasting stone window surrounds and detailing."  (page 11). 

Architects - Dick & Wickson:

The architect of 1482-1486 Queen Street West was the firm Dick & Wickson. Dick & Wickson was an architectural firm that was active between 1888 and 1896. The firm consisted of Norman Bethune Dick (1860-1895) and A. Frank Wickson (1861-1936). Norman Bethune Dick died in March 1895 - at age 35 - of tuberculosis. Some architectural works were completed after his death. Other buildings designed by Dick & Wickson include Olivet Congregational Church (1890) on Hazelton Avenue in Yorkville; Oddfellow's Hall (1891/1892) at the northwest corner of College Street and Yonge Street; and the Marmaduke Rawlinson Company. warehouses (1895) on St. Joseph Street.  

The Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada: 1800-1950 provides the following biography of Norman Bethune Dick: 

"Norman Bethune Dick (1860-1895), son of Captain James Dick of Toronto, was born there in April 1860 and served an apprenticeship with Smith & Gemmell. He worked in Cleveland, Ohio and then moved to Saint John, N.B. shortly after the Great Fire in June 1877 where he was employed as a draftsman. In May 1879 he returned to Toronto to commence his own practice and succeeded in obtaining important commissions for prestigious private clubs as well as for commercial buildings and schools in Toronto and in smaller towns nearby. In early 1888 he invited A. Frank Wickson to join him in a partnership. Wickson's impact was immediate. They took a progressive stance to introducing an eclectic range of fashionable styles in their Toronto commissions, including the Chateau style and Shingle Style for residences, and often made use of Jacobean or Dutch elements in ornate commercial facades such as the Alphonso Block (1891). Their most notable design (which was never built) was submitted in competition in 1892 for the Parliament Buildings in Victoria, B.C., and drew heavily on French Renaissance and medieval precedent. Their successful practice ended suddenly on 8 March 1895 when Dick died from the effects of consumption at the young age of 35, leaving Wickson to carry on the work of their office under his own name."  

The Ontario Association of Architects has provided the following biography of A. Frank Wickson: 

"Alexander Frank Wickson (1861-1936): One of Toronto's prominent architects A. Frank Wickson was noted for his contributions to the architectural profession. To him the Ontario Association of Architects was as much a part of his professional life as his office. He was President of the Ontario Association of Architects in 1900, 1910, and 1911 and President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada from 1918 to 1920. 

Wickson was a lifelong resident of the Queen City, born there in 1861 and educated in private schools, at Jarvis Collegiate and Upper Canada College. Subsequently, he attended the Central School of Art before he began the study of  architecture with Smith & Gemmell and later with Darling & Curry. In between offices, Wickson spent some time in the United States furthering his architectural studies. He formed his first partnership with Norman B. Dick but the latter's death in 1895 ended a short but successful collaboration. After practicing alone for a number of years Wickson formed a new firm with Alfred H. Gregg. This partnership lasted many years, ending this time with Wickson's own death. 

Wickson and his firms designed in the popular styles of the day. The success of many 19th century and early 20th century architects depended on how versatile they were with mastering the era's eclecticism. Wickson's firm designed in many styles including the beaux-art classical, John C. Green Company building, Wellington St. West, Toronto (1907); or the former Toronto Public Reference Library, (with Alfred Chapman) 214 College Street (1906); the Georgian Revival, "Ardwold" the residence of Sir John C. Eaton, and collegiate Gothic, the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, St. Claire Avenue West, Toronto (1915). 

Other Toronto building designs were the Sherbourne Street Methodist Church, the Copp-Clark Company's warehouse and factory and "Donalda" the residence of D. A. Dunlop.

Married to Annie Fisher, Wickson was involved in many activities during his life including acting as a director of the Canadian National Exhibition." 

First Owner - A. J. Thompson:

The first owner of the 6 stores was A. J. Thompson. Unfortunately, limited information is available about Thompson at present. The architects of the building - Dick & Wickson - put a lien against the property for unpaid fees in 1892, although the lien was later withdrawn. The Toronto Region Architectural Conservancy further notes that the ownership of 1482-1494 Queen Street West had several change owners between members of the Thompson and Clark families and the Building and Loan Company during the 1890s. 

Early Occupants and Uses:   

Please note the following dates are approximate.

Despite being completed in 1892/1893, 1486-1492 Queen Street West remained largely vacant for several years after its construction. This was due to the above-mentioned issues pertaining to a lien resulting from unpaid building fees; multiple changeovers of ownership in a short period of time; etc. A chronology of the building's early occupants have been included below: 

1892:

1482-1492 Queen Street West: Under construction. 

1893:

1482 Queen Street West: Austin Brothers - drugstore. The Austin family lived above the shop.

1484 Queen Street West: Mrs. H. E. Paterson's Fancy Goods. 

1486 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1488 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1490 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1492 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1894:

1482 Queen Street West: Austin Brothers - drugstore. The Austin family lived above the shop.

1484 Queen Street West: Mrs. H. E. Paterson - dressmaker. 

1486 Queen Street West: Vacant. 

1488 Queen Street West: Vacant. 

1490 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1492 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1895:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1486 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1488 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1490 Queen Street West: Harry Snow - confectionery shop. The Snow family lived above the shop during this period in time.

1492 Queen Street West: Vacant and/or the Metropolitan School of Music. 

Note: The Metropolitan School of Music opened at 1494-1496 Queen Street West in 1894. However, the 1895 & 1896 City of Toronto Directories also list the Metropolitan School of Music at 1492 Queen Street West. It is possible this is an error in the directory data. 

1896:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: Herbert A. Wolfe - grocer. The Wolfe family also lived above the shop during this period in time.

1486 Queen Street West: Adams & Hawkins - butchers. William Adams and Henry Hawkins - the owners of the shop - both lived above the shop during this period in time.

1488 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1490 Queen Street West: Harry Snow - confectioner. The Snow family also lived above the shop during this period in time.

1492 Queen Street West: Vacant and/or Metropolitan School of Music. 

Note: The Metropolitan School of Music opened at 1494-1496 Queen Street West in 1894. However, the 1895 & 1896 City of Toronto Directories also list the Metropolitan School of Music at 1492 Queen Street West. It is possible this is an error in the directory data. 

1897:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: Thomas Bletsoe - grocer. 

1486 Queen Street West: William Adams - butcher. 

1488 Queen Street West: Vacant. 

1490 Queen Street West: Harry Snow - confectioner. The Snow family lived above the shop during this period in time.

1492 Queen Street West: Vacant.

1898:

1482 Queen Street West: Austin family's drugstore / Elizabeth Austin - widow of William Austin.

1484 Queen Street West: Data unavailable.

1486 Queen Street West: William Adams and William Adams Jr. - butchers.

1488 Queen Street West: Data unavailable.

1490 Queen Street West: Harry Snow and Richard Snow - confectioners / Ellen Hyland.

1492 Queen Street West: Data unavailable.

1899:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: J. A. Gould - provisions.

1486 Queen Street West: Samuel Harris - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: W. T. Pridham - laundry.

1490 Queen Street West: R. H. Snow - confectioners. 

1492 Queen Street West: W. H. Dunne & Stroller Cycle Works - bicycles and strollers. 

1900:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: Richard Hickman & Company - grocers. The Hickman family also lived above the shop as of this point in time.

1486 Queen Street West: Samuel Harris - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: W. T. Pridham - laundry.

1490 Queen Street West: R. H. Snow - confectioners. 

1492 Queen Street West: W. H. Dunne & Stroller Cycle Works - bicycles and strollers. 

Later Occupants and Uses:  

Over time, 1482-1492 Queen Street West has had several long-term commercial tenants. 

Please note the following list is not exhaustive of all former uses of the property and aims to provide a general overview. Dates are also approximate. 

1910:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore.

1484 Queen Street West: William G. D. Adams - plumber.

1486 Queen Street West: Charles Gailer - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: W. T. Pridham - laundry.

1490 Queen Street West: Ellen Snow - confectionery.

1492 Queen Street West: Stroller Cycle Works.

1920:

1482 Queen Street West: J. A. Austin - drugstore / Post Office / The Kelpion Company - proprietary medicines. 

1484 Queen Street West: William G. D. Adams - plumber / Legge & Barber - upholsterers / Andrew Naismith - residential tenant.

1486 Queen Street West: George Harding - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: West End Laundry Cleaning and Pressing Company. 

1490 Queen Street West: Ellen A. Hyland - confectionery. 

1492 Queen Street West: William H. Dunne - skates. 

1930:

1482 Queen Street West: John A. Austin - drugstore / Post Office: Substation 48 / The Kelpion Company - proprietary medicines / Parkdale Photograph Laboratory. 

1484 Queen Street West: William G. D. Adams - plumber / Arthur B. Barber - upholsterer / United Cigar Stores Ltd. (branch) / Earl Bell and Charles Tetley - residential tenants.

1486 Queen Street West: George Harding - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: West End Laundry & French Cleaners Ltd. 

1490 Queen Street West: Horace G. Hawkins - confectionery / Ellen A. Hyland -residential tenant, former shopkeeper. 

1492 Queen Street West: Benjamin Schwartz - butcher / Harold G. Pethick - residential tenant. 

1935:

1482 Queen Street West: Parkdale Produce - fruit market / Robert E. Joe - residential tenant.

1484 Queen Street West: Harry Sturgess - barber / United Cigar Stores Ltd. (branch) / Ethel M. Summerhill. 

1486 Queen Street West: George Harding - butcher.

1488 Queen Street West: West End Laundry & French Cleaners Ltd. 

1490-1492: F. W. Woolworth & Company - discount department store chain. 

1940:

1482 Queen Street West: Stern's Cigar Store / Louis M. Stern.

1484 Queen Street West: Harry Sturgess - barber / United Cigar Stores Ltd. (Branch) / Robert J. Cherry and Charles Tetley - residential tenants.

1486 Queen Street West: George Harding - butcher. 

1488-1492 Queen Street West: F. W. Woolworth & Company - discount department store chain. 

Note: During the 1930s, F. W. Woolworth & Company consolidated the storefronts at 1488-1492 Queen Street West, then demolished the 3-storey buildings and replaced them with the extant, 1-storey commercial building now known as 1488 Queen Street West.

1950:

1482 Queen Street West: Stern's Cigar Store / Louis M. Stern.

1484 Queen Street West: Harry Sturgess - barber / United Cigar Stores Ltd. (branch) / Walter Pollard and Melvine Keridge - residential tenants.

1486 Queen Street West: George Harding Meat Market / Lillian Harding.

1488-1492 Queen Street West: F. W. Woolworth & Company - discount department store chain. 

1960:

1482 Queen Street West: Lady Ellis Shops - ladies wear / Louis M. Stern - residential tenant and former shopkeeper.

1484 Queen Street West: Reilly's Barber Shop / United Cigar Stores Ltd. (branch) / Thomas Singleton - residential tenant.

1486 Queen Street West: Agnew-Surpass Shoe Store.

1488-1492 Queen Street West: F. W. Woolworth & Company - discount department store chain. 

1969:

1482 Queen Street West: Falcon Jewelers Ltd. / William E. Davey and Earl Maudsley - residential tenants.

1484 Queen Street West: Norma Jo's Beauty Salon.

1486 Queen Street West: Agnew-Surpass Shoe Store.

1488-1492 Queen Street West: F. W. Woolworth & Company - discount department store chain. 

Present Day (November 2021):

1482 Queen Street West: Monty's Credit Jewellers / upstairs residential.

1484 Queen Street West: Chatr - mobile phone store / Studio 1484 - mid-century art gallery and antiques store (2nd floor) / residential apartment (3rd floor). 

1486 Queen Street West: Convenience Canada - corner store / upstairs vacant.

1488-1492 Queen Street West: Vacant, pending redevelopment.

Note: Monty's Credit Jewellers has likely been in business at 1482 Queen Street West since the 1980s.

Research by Adam Wynne.

• Architect - Dick & Wickson  <-- More buildings by this architect.