OUR VISIT TO THE FLATIRON BUILDING

 The Flatiron Building has been a Toronto Landmark at the corner of Front, Wellington and Church Streets since 1892.

Submitted by Marilyn Perlman

Michael and Anne Tippin graciously welcomed the CTGA on Thursday, January 24, 2002 to “Their Building” – The Flatiron.  Restoring heritage buildings is their forte and the Flatiron Building is a symbol of their success.

What we fondly call “The Flatiron Building” was the Gooderham & Worts distillery’s head office until 1952.  This 5-storey building took full advantage of its site on a triangular spit of land between Wellington and Front Streets.  This unexpected corner in a town laid out in military grid fashion was the result of Wellington Street on the north being part of the grid and Front Street on the south following the original shoreline of Lake Ontario.  It is one of the most photographed “sights” in the city.

In the late 1800s this location was the centre of commerce in downtown Toronto.  The Gooderhams commissioned  the  family architect, David Roberts,

Jr. to build offices to show off the family success. This Gothic Romanesque sandstone building was the most prestigious in Toronto at that time.  No expense was spared and it cost $18,000 to build.  Each floor has twelve-foot ceilings, brass fittings and a walk in vault (today used for storage).  The first manual Otis elevator in Toronto has been restored and is in use today.  One of the responsibilities of the concierge is to operate this elevator.

 The building functions as a place of business and commerce as it did when it opened in 1892.  At that time all business transactions were done in cash.  In only two years the vaults were overflowing!  The bank directly across the street (now a pizza parlour) was purchased by George Gooderham.  Carrying satchels brimming with cash across the street was not considered to be good form so a tunnel was constructed under Wellington Street from the furnace room of the Flatiron Building to the bank vault.  This tunnel was in operation until the 1950s but has been sealed up since.  It is interesting to note that only money in “mint” condition was deposited.  One man was employed to burn all bills that were torn or dirty!

All customer dealings were done on the fifth floor. In those years liquor was in short supply, its sale was unregulated and there was no income tax.  Needless to say, the Gooderhams were able to amass a large fortune and, when George died in 1902, his estate was estimated at $20,000,000.  As appropriate accommodations were necessary for the family’s clients, he supplied the capital for the magnificent King Edward Hotel built nearby.   During prohibition, Al Capone was their biggest customer.

The Tippins bought this building in 1998 and have lovingly restored it.   Today it is the most expensive office building to rent in Toronto.  It is more costly per square foot than offices on the top floor of BCE Place.  Businesses seek out this heritage building as it is good for the ego (and image) to have such an historic and meaningful address.  We certainly appreciated having a personal tour by the Tippins who delighted us with their enthusiasm and colourful stories.  Many thanks!